UPSC CDS 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for CDS-I Exam, Eligibility, Vacancies & Complete Details
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC CDS-I 2026 Notification through Examination Notice No. 4/2026, dated 10 December 2025. This prestigious exam selects candidates for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
All eligible candidates can apply online through upsconline.nic.in until 30 December 2025 (06:00 PM).
This blog provides the full details on eligibility, vacancies, exam dates, syllabus, application process, and more.
What is UPSC CDS Examination?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is conducted twice a year to recruit officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Selected candidates undergo training at top Defence academies of India and join as Commissioned Officers.
UPSC CDS 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Online Application Starts | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (6 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last week before exam |
| Result (Written) | May 2026 (Expected) |
UPSC CDS-I 2026 Vacancy Details
UPSC has announced a total of 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA and OTA.
| Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (Men) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
CDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
A candidate must be:
- A citizen of India, OR
- A subject of Nepal, OR
- PIO from select countries intending to settle in India.
2. Age Limit & Marital Status
| Course | Age Limit | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | 19–24 yrs | Unmarried Male |
| INA | 19–24 yrs | Unmarried Male |
| AFA | 20–24 yrs (26 yrs for CPL holders) | Unmarried |
| OTA (Men) | 19–25 yrs | Unmarried Male |
| OTA (Women) | 19–25 yrs | Unmarried Women / Issueless widows/divorcees |
3. Educational Qualification
| Course | Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Graduation in any discipline |
| INA | Engineering Degree |
| AFA | Graduation with Physics & Math at 10+2 OR Engineering Degree |
CDS 2026 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 (Men/Women)
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
👉 Objective-type questions
👉 Negative marking: 0.33 marks deduction for each wrong answer
UPSC CDS 2026 Syllabus Summary
1. English
- Grammar & Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Sentence formation
2. General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Geography
- Defence-related topics
- Science basics
3. Mathematics
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS-I 2026
Follow the steps below:
- Visit: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Complete Account Creation & Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Upload documents & live photograph.
- Pay application fee (₹200 for males of General/OBC; Free for SC/ST/Female).
- Submit and download the application form.
📌 Note:
No request for correction in the form will be allowed after submission.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (Male) | ₹200 |
| SC / ST | No Fee |
| All Female Candidates | No Fee |
UPSC CDS 2026 Admit Card
- Will be released one week before the exam.
- Download from: upsconline.nic.in
- No hard copy will be sent by post.
Selection Process for CDS 2026
- Written Exam
- SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test)
- Medical Test
- Final Merit List
Only those who qualify the written exam are called for SSB.
Helpdesk for Candidates
📞 011-24041001
📧 upscsoap@nic.in
⏰ 10 AM to 5:30 PM (Working Days)
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS 2026 exam is a golden opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. With 451 vacancies, this exam offers a prestigious career with honor, discipline, and service to the nation.
Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and fill the form before 30 December 2025.
See Also:-
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- KVS & NVS Recruitment 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key: Download PDF, Calculate Score & Next Steps
- HCL Recruitment 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for 18 Workmen Posts at Khetri Copper Complex
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