UPSC CDS 1 Notification 2026: Notification 2026 for 451 posts for IMA, INA, AFA & OTA. Check eligibility, age limit, selection process, syllabus, important dates and apply online before 30 December 2025.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I) 2026 notification. A total of 451 vacancies are announced for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA (Men/Women). The exam will be conducted on 12 April 2026 . Eligible graduate candidates can apply online through the UPSC website till 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM) . CDS is one of India’s top defence entry examinations for joining the Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers.
UPSC CDS 1 Notification 2026
Job Overview Field Details Organization Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Advertisement No. Examination Notice No. 4/2026 CDS-I Post Name Combined Defence Services (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA) Total Vacancies 451 Apply Start 10 December 2025 Last Date 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM) Application Mode Online Exam Date 12 April 2026 Official Website https://upsc.gov.in
Vacancy Details Course Vacancy Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun 100 Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala 26 Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad 32 Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – Men 275 Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – Women 18 Total 451
Eligibility Criteria Educational Qualification Course Qualification IMA & OTA Degree in any discipline from a recognised university INA Degree in Engineering AFA Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 OR B.E./B.Tech
Age Limit Course Age Limit IMA & INA Unmarried male candidates born between 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008 AFA 20–24 years as on 1 Jan 2027 (Born between 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2007). CPL holders: Up to 26 years OTA (Men & Women) Born between 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2008
Note: Marital status restrictions apply during training.
Physical Standards Candidates must meet the physical fitness standards specified in Appendix-III of the official notification (Height, vision standards, medical norms).
Salary Selected candidates will receive basic pay as per Defence Officer Pay Matrix :
Lieutenant Level 10: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 + allowancesMilitary Service Pay, Flying Allowance, DA, Uniform Allowance etc. applicable.
Application Fees Category Fee General / OBC / EWS ₹200 Female / SC / ST No Fee
Payment Modes: Debit/Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking.
Important Dates Event Date Notification Release 10 December 2025 Apply Online Start 10 December 2025 Apply Last Date 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM) Admit Card Release Last week before exam Exam Date 12 April 2026
Selection Process
Written Examination
IMA/INA/AFA → English, GK, Mathematics (300 Marks)
OTA → English & GK (200 Marks)
SSB Interview (Personality & Intelligence Test)
Stage-I: OIR + PP&DT
Stage-II: Psychology, GTO, Interview
Document Verification Medical Examination Final Merit List (Written + SSB)
Exam Pattern For IMA / INA / AFA Subject Marks Duration English 100 2 Hours General Knowledge 100 2 Hours Elementary Mathematics 100 2 Hours
For OTA Subject Marks Duration English 100 2 Hours General Knowledge 100 2 Hours
How to Apply
Visit the official website: https://upsconline.nic.in
Complete Account Creation & Universal Registration Number (URN) .
Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) .
Upload required documents & live photo capture .
Fill the Exam-Specific Module (post preference, exam centre).
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Submit the form and download the Application ID .
Important Links This was the detailed information about UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 . Candidates must read the complete notification before applying. Stay connected with our website for admit card, syllabus & results updates.
