UPSC CDS 1 2026 Online Application (451 Posts): Notification, Eligibility, Exam Date & Syllabus
UPSC CDS 1 2026: Online Form (451 Posts) - Notification, Eligibility, Exam Date & Syllabus
JAI HIND! The **Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)** has released the official notification for the **Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 (CDS-I)** to recruit Commissioned Officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and OTA. This recruitment drive offers a total of **451 vacancies**. This comprehensive article provides all necessary details in simple and clear **Tables (Charts)** to ensure your application process is smooth and successful.
✅ Important Quick Links & Apply Online
Last Date for Submission: 30 December 2025
1. 📅 CDS-I 2026: Examination Key Highlights & Dates
The CDS Examination is conducted twice a year by the UPSC. All critical details, including dates and the number of posts, are provided in the table below:
| UPSC CDS-I 2026 Overview | |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Posts (कुल पद) | 451 Vacancies |
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (06:00 PM) |
| Written Exam Date | 12th April, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Application Fee (*Aavedan Shulk*) | ₹200/- (NIL for SC/ST/Female) |
2. 💼 Academy Wise Vacancy Details 2026 (Course Breakup)
The table below provides the breakdown of the total **451 posts** across different Academies and Courses, including Permanent Commission (IMA, INA, AFA) and Short Service Commission (OTA):
| Academy / Course Name | Course Name | Gender/Commission | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 162nd (DE) Course - Dehradun | Male (PC) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Ezhimala - Executive Branch | Male (PC) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 221 F(P) Course - Hyderabad | Male (PC) | 32 |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA) | 125th SSC (NT) - Chennai | Male (SSC) | 275 |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA) | 125th SSC Women (NT) - Chennai | Female (SSC) | 18 |
| GRAND TOTAL | 451 | ||
3. ✅ Eligibility Criteria (Patrata Maapadand) - Detailed Charts
Eligibility is defined by your Educational Qualification and Age. Candidates must check both charts carefully before applying:
3.1. Educational Qualification Chart (*Shikshanik Yogyata*)
| Academy / Course | Minimum Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| IMA (Army) & OTA (Army) | Graduation (Degree) from a Recognized University in **Any Stream**. |
| INA (Navy) | Engineering Degree from a Recognized University/Institution. |
| AFA (Air Force) | Graduation (Degree) with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level, **OR** a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) degree. |
3.2. Age Limits & Marital Status Chart
Marital Status must be **Unmarried** (Except for certain OTA Women categories). Age is calculated as of **01 January 2027**.
| Academy / Course | Age Range | Date of Birth (DOB) Range |
|---|---|---|
| IMA (Army) & INA (Navy) | 19 to 24 Years | Born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2008 |
| AFA (Air Force) | 20 to 24 Years | Born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2007 |
| OTA (Men/Women) - SSC | 19 to 25 Years | Born between 02 Jan 2002 and 01 Jan 2008 |
**Note:** Final Year Students can also apply, subject to producing the Bonafide Certificate and passing the degree before the course starts.
4. 📝 Selection Process & Detailed Exam Pattern
4.1. Selection Stages Chart
The selection process is two-fold. You must clear both the Written Examination and the Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview.
| Phase | Assessment Type | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Written Examination | Varies (200 or 300 Marks) |
| Phase 2 | SSB Interview / Personality Test | 300 Marks |
| Total Marks (IMA/INA/AFA) | Written + SSB | 600 Marks |
| Total Marks (OTA) | Written + SSB | 500 Marks |
4.2. Written Examination Pattern Charts
The exam consists of objective-type questions and has a **Negative Marking** (penalty) provision.
(A) IMA, INA, AFA Written Exam (300 Marks)
| Subject | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
(B) OTA (Men/Women) Written Exam (200 Marks)
| Subject | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
5. 📚 Subject-wise Syllabus Overview
The syllabus broadly covers topics up to the Matriculation/Intermediate level. Key areas are:
| Subject | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| English | Understanding of English, Vocabulary, Grammar, Spotting Errors, Comprehension. |
| General Knowledge | Current Events, Indian History, Geography, Basic Science (Everyday Observation), Politics. |
| Elementary Mathematics | Arithmetic (Number System, Interest, Profit/Loss, Ratio), Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration & Statistics. |
5.2. SSB Interview Details
The SSB is a 5-day procedure evaluating the candidate's potential as an officer. It tests Intelligence and Personality via various tests (Screening, Psychology, Group Tasks, Personal Interview).
6. 📝 Application Process (*Aavedan Prakriya*) & Helpdesk
The application must be submitted **Online Only** via the UPSC official website. Follow these simple steps:
- UPSC Portal Visit: Click the Apply Online Link in Section 1.
- **Universal Registration Number (URN):** Complete your profile to generate a **URN**. This is mandatory.
- **Common Application Form (CAF):** Login with URN and fill the CAF, including **Live Photo Capture**.
- **Fees Payment (*Aavedan Shulk*):** Pay the ₹200/- fee online (if applicable). SC/ST/Female candidates are exempt.
- **Exam Specific Module:** Select your Course Preference (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA) and Exam Centre.
- **Final Submit & Print:** Cross-check all details, click **Final Submit**, and take a Printout of the Confirmation Page.
