UPSC CDS I Examination 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts (IMA, INA, AFA & OTA)
So, UPSC just rolled out the CDS I Notification 2026, and honestly, it’s one of those announcements lakhs of defence aspirants wait for every single year. If you’re eyeing a uniform and the whole disciplined lifestyle thing gives you a spark, this one might be worth your attention.
This UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 drive opens the gate to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). A total of 451 seats are up for grabs. Quite a number, actually.
Job highlights of UPSC CDS I Examination 2026
- Origination Name
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Post Name
- Officer Cadre (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA)
- Age Limit
- 26 years (varies by academy)
- Post Date
- 11/12/2025
- Last Date
- 30/12/2025
- Qualification
- Graduate
UPSC CDS I Examination 2026 – Vacancy & Eligibility Details
So UPSC has lined up the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026, and the total number of seats this time comes to 451. The distribution across the training institutes is pretty straightforward:
Training Institute-wise Vacancy
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 100
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: 26
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: 32
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 125th SSC (Men) (Non-Technical): 275
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 125th SSC (Women) (Non-Technical): 18
Helpline: 011-24041001 | upscsoap@nic.in
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS I / II Examination 2026
Here’s the thing — the eligibility part is almost always the trickiest, but the rules are pretty well-defined.
1. Nationality
The applicant must be unmarried and fit into one of the following:
A Citizen of India,
A subject of Nepal,
A person of Indian origin who migrated from countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or from East African nations (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam with the intention of settling permanently in India.
A small detail:
Those in categories (ii) and (iii) need a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India.
Exception: Gorkha subjects of Nepal don’t need this certificate.
2. Age Limits, Sex & Marital Status
This varies with each academy, so here’s the simple breakdown:
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Unmarried male candidates
Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Unmarried male candidates
Born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Age between 20 to 24 years as on 1 January 2027
(Born between 02/01/2003 – 01/01/2007)For candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot Licence, the age limit goes up to 26 years
(Born between 02/01/2001 – 01/01/2007)
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men)
Unmarried male candidates
Born between 02/01/2002 – 01/01/2008
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Women, Non-Technical)
Eligible if unmarried, issueless widow (not remarried), or issueless divorcee with valid documents (not remarried)
Born between 02/01/2002 – 01/01/2008
3. Educational Qualification
Each academy has its own academic requirement:
IMA & OTA
A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university.
Indian Naval Academy
A Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution.
Air Force Academy
A Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR
A Bachelor of Engineering
Application Fee for UPSC CDS I Examination 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹200 |
| Female/SC/ST | Free |
Payment can be made using Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking.
Important Dates of UPSC CDS I Examination 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Application | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 December 2025 |
| UPSC CDS Admit Card 2026 | To be updated |
| UPSC CDS I Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
How to Apply for UPSC CDS I Examination 2026?
Interested and eligible candidates may apply online for the above vacancies through online by visiting official UPSC CDS I Examination 2026.
- Scroll down to the section Important Link.
- Click “Apply Online” and finish the registration procedure.
- In the following stage, click on the Registration Link (if you haven’t already) or log in.
- Kindly Fill out your basic details and upload your Photo, Sign, ID Proof, and other Documents as per requirement.
- Read the Full Advertisement for More Details about the Post Recruitments.
- Check Your full Details preview before submitting Application Form.
- Pay the required Application Fee to complete the form if Fees are Asked.
- Take a printout of submitting the final form for further process.
Interested person can read the full advertisement before Apply the Job.
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