UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 – Notification, Eligibility, Age Limit, Apply Online
Post Date: 11 December 2025
Exam Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I) 2026
Conducted By: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026: Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for CDS-I 2026. Through this examination, candidates are selected for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
This year, UPSC has announced a total of 451 vacancies. The online application process has already started on 10 December 2025 and will continue until 30 December 2025.
UPSC CDS-I 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men/Women) | 275(MEN), 18(WOMEN) |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
Educational Qualification
| Academy | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| IMA | Candidates must have passed Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognized university. In addition, your date of birth must fall between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008 to be eligible. |
| INA | Candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university, and their date of birth should be between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008. |
| AFA | Candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university, and their date of birth must be between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008. |
| OTA(Men & Women) | Candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university, and their date of birth should be between 02 January 2002 and 01 January 2008. |
Age Limit (as on 01 January 2026)
-
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
-
- Maximum Age: 24 Years
Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC rules.
Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female | Exempted |
Selection Process
Candidates will be selected based on:
-
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview / Personality Test
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
How to Apply for UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026
-
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Click on CDS-I 2026 Application Form.
- Complete Part-I registration.
- Fill out Part-II registration including payment & document upload.
- Preview the form and submit it.
- Take a printout for future reference.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Apply Online | UPSC Online Portal |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
| UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 : Important Question |
| Question: When will the online application for UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Start? Answer: The online application for this recruitment will start from 10 December 2025. |
| Question: What is the last date for online application for UPSC CDS-I Online Form 2025? Answer: The last date for online application Form is 30 December 2025. |
| Question: What is the age limit for UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026? Answer: The age limit for UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 is as follows on official website. |
| Question: What is the eligibility for UPSC CDS-I Vacancy 2026? Answer: Candidates must have passed Graduate from a recognized board/institution. |
| Question: What is the official website for UPSC? Answer: The official website for UPSC is https://upsc.gov.in/ |
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