UPSC CDS I Examination 2026 has been announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment of 451 candidates through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2026. This is a great opportunity for young and eligible candidates who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. Interested candidates can apply online through the official UPSC portal before the last date.

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The UPSC CDS examination is conducted annually to select candidates for various prestigious training academies in India, including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.

UPSC CDS I Examination 2026 – Vacancy Details

The UPSC CDS I Examination 2026 is conducted for 451 vacancies across different training academies. The vacancy distribution is as follows:

Indian Military Academy, Dehradun: 100 posts
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala: 26 posts
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad: 32 posts
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Men) 125th SSC (NT): 275 posts
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Women) 125th SSC (NT): 18 posts

Candidates should note that these vacancies are offered for both men and women candidates under specified categories and training programs.

Helpline: 011-24041001 | Email: [email protected]

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS I Examination 2026

Candidates must carefully check the eligibility criteria before applying. The eligibility includes nationality, age, educational qualifications, and marital status.

Nationality

Applicants must be unmarried and either:

A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Note: Candidates in categories 2 and 3 require a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India, except for Gorkha subjects of Nepal.

Age Limit, Sex, and Marital Status

Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2008.
Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2008.
Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years as on 1st January 2027. Upper age limit is relaxable to 26 years for candidates holding a valid DGCA commercial pilot license.
Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Men): Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2008.
Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women NT): Unmarried women, issueless widows or issueless divorcees who have not remarried. Born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2008.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must meet the educational requirements for their chosen academy:

IMA and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai: Degree from a recognized University or equivalent.
Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University or Institution.
Air Force Academy: Degree from a recognized University with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

Application Fee

General/Others: Rs. 200/-
Female/SC/ST candidates: Nil
Payment Mode: Online using Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or internet banking facility of any bank.

How to Apply for UPSC CDS I Examination 2026

Interested candidates must apply online through the official UPSC recruitment portal. Follow these steps to complete the application:

Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in/
Scroll down to the Important Web-Links section.
Click on “Online Application Form” to access the portal.
Fill in all personal and educational details carefully.
Upload the necessary documents, such as educational certificates and ID proofs.
Make the required application fee payment online according to your category.
Submit the application form and ensure all details are correct.
Take a printout of the submitted form for future reference.

Candidates are advised to apply well before the last date to avoid technical issues and ensure a smooth submission.

Important Dates of UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026

Starting date of online application: 10th December 2025
Last date of online application: 30th December 2025
Release of Admit Card: To be updated
Written Examination Date: 12th April 2026

Candidates should keep track of these dates to ensure timely preparation and application submission.

Important Web Links

Online Application Form	Click Here
Advertisement Details	Click Here
Official Website	Click Here

These links provide direct access to the official notifications, forms, and additional instructions for applicants.

FAQs – UPSC CDS I Examination 2026

Q1: What is the starting date to apply online for UPSC CDS I Examination 2026?
A1: The online application starts on 10th December 2025.

Q2: What is the last date to submit the UPSC CDS I application?
A2: The last date is 30th December 2025.

Q3: How many vacancies are available under UPSC CDS I Examination 2026?
A3: A total of 451 posts are available across all academies.

Q4: What is the application fee for UPSC CDS I Examination?
A4: Rs. 200 for general candidates. Female, SC, and ST candidates have no fee.

Q5: Can married candidates apply for UPSC CDS I Examination 2026?
A5: No, only unmarried candidates are eligible.

Q6: What is the educational qualification required for Indian Naval Academy posts?
A6: A degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.

Q7: What is the official website to apply for UPSC CDS I Examination 2026?
A7: Candidates can apply online at https://www.upsc.gov.in

Q8: What is the age relaxation for Air Force Academy candidates with a Commercial Pilot License?
A8: Age limit is relaxable up to 26 years.