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

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Posted:

Overview

UPSC has released the CDS-I recruitment notification for 2026, inviting online applications for 451 Combined Defence Services Posts. Eligible graduates can apply online from 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025 through the official UPSC portal. This recruitment covers Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy for both men and women.

Total Vacancies

451

Age Limit

19y - 26y

Age Details

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

Eligibility

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

Application Start

10/12/25

Application End

30/12/25

Date Details

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 Fees

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

How to Apply

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which body conducts the "UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts"?

The "UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts" is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

How many vacancies are there for "UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts"?

There are a total of 451 vacancies available for "UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts".

What is the age limit for "UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts"?

The age limit for "UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts" is between 19 and 26 years. Please refer to the age details section for specific relaxation rules.

When do applications for "UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts" start?

Applications for "UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts" begin on 10/12/25.

What is the last date to apply for "UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts"?

The deadline to apply for "UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts" is 30/12/25.

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