If you dream of joining the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, or Officers’ Training Academy, the UPSC CDS (I) 2026 notification is a golden opportunity. The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the recruitment notice for 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
The online application window is open now, and candidates must apply before 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM).
⭐ UPSC CDS 2026 – Key Highlights
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Exam Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I), 2026
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Total Vacancies: 451 Posts
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Exam Date: 12 April 2026
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Application Mode: Online
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Last Date: 30 December 2025, 6 PM
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Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in
📌 CDS 2026 Vacancy Details
| Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| OTA (SSC Men) – Chennai | 275 |
| OTA (SSC Women) – Chennai | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
🎯 Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
Indian citizens, Nepalese subjects, or PIO with eligibility certificate.
2. Age & Marital Status
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IMA/INA/AFA: 20–24 years (specific rules apply)
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OTA (Men & Women): 19–25 years
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Marital Status: Unmarried (except specific OTA cases)
3. Educational Qualification
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IMA/OTA: Graduation in any discipline
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INA: Engineering Degree
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AFA: Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2 OR B.E./B.Tech
📝 Application Fee
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General/OBC Male: ₹200
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Female/SC/ST: No Fee
Payment accepted through UPI / Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking.
📥 How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2026
Candidates must apply through the UPSC online portal:
👉 Apply Online
👉 Official Notification PDF
👉 CDS Application Instructions: https://upsconline.nic.in
Steps:
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Create your Universal Registration Number (URN).
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Fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
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Complete the Exam-Specific Module.
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Upload documents & submit the form.
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Download & save your application number.
📚 Exam Pattern (Quick View)
For IMA / INA / AFA
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English – 100 Marks
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General Knowledge – 100 Marks
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Elementary Mathematics – 100 Marks
For OTA
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English – 100 Marks
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General Knowledge – 100 Marks
All papers will be objective-type.
📎 Important Links
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UPSC Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in
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Apply Online (CDS): Click Here
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Join Indian Army: https://joinindianarmy.nic.in
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Indian Navy Recruitment: https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in
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Indian Air Force: https://afcat.cdac.in
⚠️ Important Dates
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Application Start: 10 December 2025
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Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025 (6 PM)
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Exam Date: 12 April 2026