UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 — Last Date Today | Apply for 451 Posts
- yash sharma
- Dec 30, 2025
- 3 min read
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 notification (Advt. No. 04/2026) for 451 vacancies across premier defence academies: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers Training Academy (OTA – Men & Women). The last date to apply is 30 December 2025, and applications will not be accepted after the deadline.
UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 — Overview
Particular | Details |
Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS-I) 2026 |
Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
Vacancies | 451 |
Apply Start | 10 December 2025 |
Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
Mode | Online |
Website |
Candidates must complete the form and fee payment before the deadline.
Apply Online — Direct Link
Eligible candidates can submit their application online until 30 December 2025. Complete OTR, upload documents, pay the fee, and submit before the deadline.
Apply early to avoid last-minute website issues.
UPSC CDS-I Vacancy 2026
Academy | Posts |
Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men) | 275 |
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Women) | 18 |
Total | 451 |
Age Limit (As per UPSC Rules)
Born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008 (academy-wise rules apply)
Specific marital status requirements apply to each academy
UPSC CDS-I 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Academy | Required Qualification |
Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering |
Air Force Academy (AFA) | Bachelor’s in Engineering OR Graduation with Physics & Mathematics in 12th |
Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Bachelor’s degree (any stream) |
Selection Process
The recruitment will be conducted in the following stages:
Written Examination
SSB Interview
Medical Examination
Final Merit Preparation
UPSC CDS-I 2026 Exam Date
12 April 2026
The admit card will be released before the exam.
Application Fee
Category | Fee |
General / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
SC / ST / Female | Exempted |
Payment can be made using a debit card, a credit card, UPI, or net banking.
How to Fill UPSC CDS-I Online Form 2026
Follow these steps carefully:
Visit upsconline.nic.in
Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
Select CDS-I 2026
Fill personal & academic details
Upload photo, signature & ID proof
Pay the fee (if applicable)
Submit and print the acknowledgment
Double-check details — corrections are not allowed after submission.
Important Instructions
Use details exactly as per your Class 10 certificate
Keep email/mobile active for updates
Apply early to avoid server load
Save the final printout for reference
Why CDS is a Prestigious Opportunity?
CDS offers entry into elite defence academies leading to:
Officer-rank career
Leadership training
Job security
Respect & national service
UPSC CDS-I Online Form 2026 (FAQs)-
When did UPSC CDS-I 2026 applications start?
The UPSC CDS-I 2026 online application process started on 10 December 2025.
What is the last date for the CDS-I Online Form 2026?
The last date to submit the UPSC CDS-I 2026 Online Form is 30 December 2025. Candidates must complete the form and pay the fees before this deadline.
What is the exam date?
The UPSC CDS-I 2026 written examination is scheduled to be held on 12 April 2026.
What is the educational requirement?
For Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) — Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
For the Indian Naval Academy (INA) — Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
For Air Force Academy (AFA) — Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or graduation with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
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