UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts

Age Limit

• IMA: 19 to 24 years (as of the notified period; varies by course)
• INA: 19 to 24 years
• Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years (26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence)
• OTA (SSC Men): 19 to 24 years
• OTA (SSC Women): 19 to 24 years
• Date of birth is accepted from Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate; no changes allowed after birth date is recorded

Educational Qualifications

• IMA and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai: Degree from a recognized university or equivalent
• Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution
• Air Force Academy: Degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or Bachelor of Engineering
• Candidates in the final year/semester of their degree can also apply
• Professional and technical qualifications recognised by the Government as equivalent are acceptable

Nationality

• Citizen of India, or
• Subject of Nepal, or
• Person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam with the intention of permanent settlement in India

Important Dates

• Notification Release Date: 10-12-2025
• Online Application Start Date: 10-12-2025
• Last Date for Online Application: 30-12-2025 (up to 06:00 PM)
• Examination Date: 12-04-2026
• Written Result Declaration: May 2026 (Tentative)
• Course Commencement (IMA/INA/AFA): January 2027
• Course Commencement (OTA): April 2027

Application Fee

• General/OBC Male Candidates: Rs. 200
• Female Candidates: No Fee
• SC/ST Candidates: No Fee Payment modes include Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking

General Information/Instructions

• Apply online only through the official UPSC site (upsconline.nic.in).
• Universal Registration Number (URN) required for all UPSC examinations.
• Aadhaar card is strongly recommended as an ID document; one Photo ID Card is mandatory (Aadhaar/Voter Card/PAN/Passport/Driving License).
• No withdrawals after submission; admit card issued on the last working day of the week prior to examination.
• Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly banned in the examination venue.
• Use a black ball pen for marking answers in the OMR sheet.
• Helpdesk: 011-24041001 or email support as provided on the official site.
• Women candidates are encouraged to apply.