UPSC CDS I 2026: Union Public Service Commission has released notification No: 4/2026 CDS-I dated 10.12.2025 for 451 Combined Defence Services Posts (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA). Apply Online before 30-12-2025. Exam on 12-04-2026!
UPSC CDS I 2026 – Quick Summary
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification No | 4/2026 CDS-I dated 10.12.2025 |
| Job Category | Central Govt Jobs |
| Employment Type | Regular Basis |
| Post Details | Combined Defence Services (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Salary | Lieutenant: Level 10 (₹56,100 – 1,77,500/-) |
| Job Location | All Over India |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Start Date | 10-12-2025 |
| Last Date | 30-12-2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12-04-2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS I 2026 – Vacancy Details
| Academy / Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) – 162nd (DE) Course (Jan 2027) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) – Executive Branch (Jan 2027) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) – 221 F(P) Course (Jan 2027) | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) – 125th SSC (Men) (NT) (Apr 2027) | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) – 125th SSC Women (NT) (Apr 2027) | 18 |
| Total | 451 Posts |
UPSC CDS I 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
| Academy | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA / OTA | Any Graduate from recognized university |
| INA | B.E. / B.Tech in Engineering |
| AFA | Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 or B.E. / B.Tech |
UPSC CDS I 2026 – Age Limit (as on 01-01-2027)
| Academy | Age Range |
|---|---|
| IMA / INA | Born 02-01-2003 to 01-01-2008 (20–24 yrs) |
| AFA | Born 02-01-2003 to 01-01-2007 (20–24 yrs) |
| OTA (Men) | Born 02-01-2002 to 01-01-2008 (19–25 yrs) |
| OTA (Women) | Born 02-01-2002 to 01-01-2008 (19–25 yrs) – Unmarried Women / Issueless Widows / Divorcees |
UPSC CDS I 2026 – Salary Details
| Lieutenant (Starting) | Level 10: ₹56,100 – 1,77,500/- |
UPSC CDS I 2026 – Selection Process
- Written Examination (English, GK, Elementary Maths)
- SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test)
- Medical Examination
UPSC CDS I 2026 – How to Apply (Online)
- Visit upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not done
- Fill Part-I (Basic Details) & Part-II (Photo, Signature, Fee)
- Pay ₹200/- (SC/ST/Female exempted)
- Choose exam center (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Vellore in TN)
- Submit & download confirmation
UPSC CDS I 2026 – Important Dates
- Start Date: 10-12-2025
- Last Date: 30-12-2025 (6:00 PM)
- Exam Date: 12-04-2026
UPSC CDS I 2026 – Important Links
UPSC CDS I 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Total vacancies?
A: 451 Posts (IMA:100, INA:26, AFA:32, OTA Men:275, OTA Women:18)
Q: Exam date?
A: 12th April 2026
Q: Application fee?
A: ₹200/- (SC/ST/Female exempted)
Q: Marital status?
A: Unmarried for most academies (OTA Women allows widows/divorcees)
Q: Exam centers in TN?
A: Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Vellore
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