UPSC CDS I Examination 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has Released the Latest Notification for the 451 Post of Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026. Eligible Candidates Can Apply for the UPSC CDS I Examination 2026-27 From the Official Website @upsc.gov.in, Starting From 30th December 2025. All the Important Details Regarding UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 are Provided Below.
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UPSC CDS I Examination 2026 - Overview
| OVERVIEW | |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Last Date | 30-12-2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Category | UPSC CDS Exam |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | @upsc.gov.in |
| More Govt. Jobs | Click Here |
| Join Groups | Telegram | WhatsApp |
UPSC CDS I Examination 2026 Vacancy Details
Exam Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026
No. of Post: 451 Posts
| Academy/Course | Total seats |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officer's Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (SSC-Men) | 275 |
| Officer's Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (SSC-Women Non- Technical) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
✅ Eligibility Criteria
🎯Eligibility Based on Date of Birth:
1. Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Eligibility: Unmarried male candidates
- Date of Birth: Born between 2nd January 2003 and 2nd January 2008 (both dates inclusive)
2. Indian Naval Academy
- Eligibility: Unmarried male candidates
- Date of Birth: Born between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2008 (both dates inclusive)
3. Air Force Academy
- Eligibility: Candidates aged 20 to 24 years as on 1st January 2026
Date of Birth: Born between 2nd January2002 and 1st January 2007
- Note: For candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India), the upper age limit is relaxed up to 26 years, i.e., born between 2nd July 2000 and 1st July 2006
4. Officers' Training Academy
- Eligibility: Unmarried male candidates
- Date of Birth: Born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2008
📌 Used Age Calculator: Click Here
🎓 Educational Qualification:
1. Indian Military Academy (IMA): A degree from a recognized university or its equivalent.
2. Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai: A degree from a recognized university or its equivalent.
3. Indian Naval Academy: A degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
4. Air Force Academy: A degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level Or A Bachelor of Engineering degree.
UPSC CDS 1 Exam Pattern 2026
(A)For Admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy:- English, Duration- 2 Hours – Maximum Marks 100
- General knowledge, Duration- 2 Hours- Maximum Marks 100
- Elementary Mathematics, Duration-2 Hours- Maximum Marks 100
(B) For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy:- English , Duration- 2 Hours & Maximum Marks 100
- General Knowledge , Duration: 2 Hours – Maximum Marks 100
- Maximum marks allotted to the written exam and the interviews will be equal for each course
Physical Details:-- Height-162.5 cms
- Leg length-99 cmc (Minimum), 120 cms(Maximum)
- Thigh Length-64 Cms.(Maximum)
- Sitting height-81.5 Cms (Minimum),96 cms(Maximum)
- English, Duration- 2 Hours – Maximum Marks 100
- General knowledge, Duration- 2 Hours- Maximum Marks 100
- Elementary Mathematics, Duration-2 Hours- Maximum Marks 100
- English , Duration- 2 Hours & Maximum Marks 100
- General Knowledge , Duration: 2 Hours – Maximum Marks 100
- Maximum marks allotted to the written exam and the interviews will be equal for each course
- Height-162.5 cms
- Leg length-99 cmc (Minimum), 120 cms(Maximum)
- Thigh Length-64 Cms.(Maximum)
- Sitting height-81.5 Cms (Minimum),96 cms(Maximum)
How to Apply for UPSC CDS Examination?
Interested and Eligible Candidates can Online Apply for UPSC CDS II Examination 2025 By Visiting the Official Recruitment Portal. They Can Follow the Steps Given Below.
Step-1: Scroll Down, Go to the Important Web-Links Section.
Step-2: Click on the 'Online Application Link' From Link
Step-3: A New Web Page will Open.
Step-4: Upload Your Passport Size Photograph and Signature and Other required Documents.
Step-5: Pay the Application Fee as Per Your Category and Finally Click on the Submit Button.
Step-6: Don't Forget to Take the Print of the Submitted Application Form.
Important Dates of UPSC CDS Examination 2026
The Union Public Service Commission Exam Notification Will be Released on 28th May 2025, and the Dates for the Online Application Starting Form 28th May 2025, and the Last Date for the Online Application Form is 17th June 2025.
| IMPORTANT DATES | |
|---|---|
| Starting Date of Apply Online | 10-12-2025 |
| Closing Date of Apply Online | 30-12-2025 |
| Admit Card Release Dates | Update Soon |
| Exam Dates | 12-04-2026 |
| Result Release Date | Update Soon |
| Document Verification | Update Soon |
| Final Result | Update Soon |
Important Web-Links for UPSC CDS Exam 2026
The Online Application Procedure has been implemented From 10th December 2025 and will Last Till 30th December 2025. To avoid any minute obstacles, Candidates should register Themselves quickly From the Official Website. You can also prefer the Direct Link for UPSC CDS I Examination 2026 Given in this Section to ease out Your Application Process.
| IMPORTANT WEB-LINKS | |
|---|---|
| ✅ Official Website Link | Click Here |
| ✅ WhatsApp Group | Click Here |
| ✅ Full Notification | Click Here |
| ✅ Join Telegram Group | Click Here |
| ✅ Online Application Link | Click Here |
