UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification: Dates, 451 Vacancies & Eligibility
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification released on Dec 10. Apply by Dec 30 for 451 vacancies in IMA, INA, AFA, OTA. Check eligibility, exam date April 12, and how to apply online.
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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification on 10th December 2025. For defence aspirants aiming to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers Training Academy (OTA), this document signals the start of the race.
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination remains one of the most prestigious routes for graduates to earn a commission in the Indian Armed Forces. This blog breaks down the critical details of the UPSC CDS latest notification, including the UPSC CDS application form process, vacancy distribution, and strict eligibility rules.
Download UPSC COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES EXAMINATION (I) Notification 2026
The examination serves as a gateway for admission to courses commencing in January 2027 (for IMA, INA, AFA) and April 2027 (for OTA).
Particulars | Details |
Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 |
Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Notification Date | 10th December 2025 |
Application Mode | Online (upsconline.nic.in) |
Exam Date | 12th April 2026 |
Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Exam |
Last Date for Fee Payment | 30 December 2025 |
Payment Mode | Online official portal |
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Missing a deadline can cost you an attempt. Below are the crucial dates mentioned in the UPSC CDS official notification.
Notification Release Date: 10th December 2025
Online Application Start Date: 10th December 2025
Last Date to Apply: 30th December 2025 (Till 6:00 PM)
Correction Window: 31st December 2025 to 6th January 2026
UPSC CDS Exam Date: 12th April 2026
The UPSC CDS notification PDF lists a total of 451 vacancies for this cycle. This is a significant number, offering ample opportunity for serious candidates.
Academy | Vacancies | Course Details |
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 | 162nd (DE) Course commencing in Jan 2027 |
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 | Course commencing in Jan 2027 |
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 | (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in Jan 2027 |
Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 275 | 125th SSC (Men) (NT) Course commencing in April 2027 |
Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 18 | 39th SSC Women (NT) Course commencing in April 2027 |
Total | 451 |
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The Commission adheres to strict eligibility norms. If you fail to meet these, your candidature will be cancelled at any stage.
1. Nationality
A candidate must be unmarried and must be:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with the intention of permanently settling in India.
2. Age Limits & Marital Status
Understanding the age bracket is often the most confusing part. Here is the simplified breakdown based on the UPSC CDS upcoming notification data:
IMA: Unmarried males born between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2008.
INA: Unmarried males born between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2008.
AFA:
Age: 20 to 24 years as of 1st January 2027.
Born between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2007.
Note: Candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (DGCA) get a relaxation up to 26 years.
OTA (Men & Women): Unmarried candidates born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2008.
3. Educational Qualification
For IMA & OTA: Degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
For INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution.
For AFA: Degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering.
Note: Candidates in their final year of graduation can apply, provided they do not have any present backlog and can produce proof of passing the degree examination by the specified deadline (usually before the course commencement).
The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps to submit your form successfully:
One Time Registration (OTR): If you haven't registered on the UPSC platform before, you must complete the OTR process first on upsconline.nic.in.
Fill Part I: Log in and fill in your basic details, select your preferred academy (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA), and choose your exam center.
Fill Part II: Upload your photograph, signature, and photo ID proof.
Pay the Fee: The application fee is ₹200 for General/OBC candidates. Female/SC/ST candidates are exempted from payment.
Final Submission: Review all details and click submit. Keep a printout for your records.
The UPSC CDS exam notification outlines a written test followed by the SSB interview.
For IMA, INA, and AFA:
English (100 Marks, 2 Hours, 120 Questions)
General Knowledge (100 Marks, 2 Hours, 120 Questions)
Elementary Mathematics (100 Marks, 2 Hours, 100 Questions)
Negative Marking: 1/3rd per wrong answer
For OTA:
English (100 Marks, 2 Hours, 100 Questions)
General Knowledge (100 Marks, 2 Hours, 100 Questions)
Mathematics is not required for OTA candidates.
Syllabus Highlights:
English: Designed to test the understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
General Knowledge: Includes current events, history of India, and geography of nature.
Mathematics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics at Matriculation level.
Selection Procedure
Written Examination: Objective type questions. Negative marking of 1/3rd applies.
SSB Interview: A five-day process testing intelligence and personality.
IMA/INA/AFA: 300 Marks.
OTA: 200 Marks.
Medical Examination: Only for recommended candidates.
Final Merit List: Based on total marks secured in the written exam and SSB interview.
The CDS 2026 admit card will be available around 10 days before the exam. Candidates should download it early to avoid any last-minute issues. Remember, carrying a printed copy of the admit card to the exam centre is mandatory.
Frequently asked question (FAQs)
When was the UPSC CDS 1 2026 notification released?
How many vacancies will be announced for the CDS 1 2026 exam?
When will the CDS 1 2026 Exam be conducted?
Can final year students apply for the CDS exam?
Are girls eligible to apply for the CDS 2026 Exam?
The release of the UPSC CDS notification PDF is the green light for your preparation. With 451 vacancies, the competition will be fierce, but the structured pathway to a commission is clear. Ensure you verify your eligibility, fill out the UPSC CDS 1 application form before December 30, and align your study plan with the official syllabus.
Gajendra Singh Godara is an IIT Bombay graduate and a UPSC aspirant with 4 attempts, including multiple Prelims and Mains appearances. He specializes in Polity, Modern History, International Relations, and Economy. At PadhAI, Gajendra leverages his firsthand exam experience to simplify complex concepts, creating high-efficiency study materials that help aspirants save time and stay focused.
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