UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Begins for 451 Posts: Apply Online Till December 30

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued the CDS I Recruitment 2026 notification, inviting applications for 451 vacancies across various elite defence academies of India. The Combined Defence Services Examination is one of the most prestigious national-level recruitment tests for aspirants aiming to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers.

Through CDS I 2026, eligible candidates can secure admissions to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA).

Registration Dates and Exam Schedule

The registration window for UPSC CDS I 2026 opened on December 10, 2025, and will close on December 30, 2025. Applicants must complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) and fill out the CDS I application form before the last date. The written examination will be conducted on April 12, 2026, in offline, pen-and-paper mode at examination centres across the country.

Vacancy Details

The notification highlights a total of 451 vacancies, distributed among the academies as follows:

Indian Military Academy (IMA) - for unmarried male candidates.
Indian Naval Academy (INA) - for candidates meeting engineering/technical requirements.
Air Force Academy (AFA) - for candidates with Physics & Mathematics in Class 12 and relevant degree.
Officers' Training Academy (OTA) - for both male and female candidates.

The number of posts varies across academies and includes opportunities for both permanent commission and short service commission.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for UPSC CDS I 2026, candidates must meet nationality, age, educational qualification, and physical fitness criteria outlined in the notification.

Age Limit:

IMA & INA: 19-24 years
AFA: 20-24 years
OTA (Men & Women): 19-25 years

Educational Qualifications:

IMA & OTA: Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
INA: Degree in Engineering.
AFA: Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering.

Candidates must also meet the required physical standards prescribed by UPSC and respective defence academies.

Application Process

The application process is fully online through upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in. Candidates must:

Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if not registered previously.
Fill out the CDS I 2026 online application form.
Upload required documents such as a photograph, signature, and identification proof.
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Submit and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Candidates are advised to carefully review exam centres, eligibility, and guidelines before submitting the form.

Selection Process

The selection process for CDS I 2026 consists of:

Written Examination
SSB Interview/Personality Test
Medical Examination
Final Merit List

The written exam pattern includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for IMA, INA, and AFA. For OTA, only English and General Knowledge papers are required.

Key Instructions for Applicants

Ensure all eligibility conditions are met before applying.
Select preferred exam centres early to avoid last-minute unavailability.
Read the official notification thoroughly for exam rules, syllabus, and physical standards.
Keep necessary documents ready for verification during SSB interview stages.

Conclusion

The UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 provides a significant opportunity for aspirants wishing to join India's defence forces. With 451 vacancies, a transparent selection procedure, and a well-structured examination system, CDS remains one of the most competitive entry routes into the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Interested candidates must apply before December 30, 2025 and prepare diligently for the written exam scheduled on April 12, 2026.