UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 [Apply Now]: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official recruitment notification for Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I) 2026. A total of 451 vacancies have been announced under UPSC CDS-I Bharti 2026 for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA courses.
Eligible candidates can apply online for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 from 10th December 2025 on the official website upsc.gov.in. The last date to apply online is 30th December 2025.
Also Read:——> UPSC NDA 1 Recruitment 2026
Helpful Summary of UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 |
| Official Recruitment Notification | Read Official Recruitment Notification |
| Advertisement No. | 04/2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Application Start Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th December 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 30th December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12th April 2026 |
| Admit Card | Before Exam |
| Official Website | UPSC Official Portal at upsc.gov.in |
| Apply Online Link | Apply Online Here |
Also Read:——> BTSC Dental Hygienist Recruitment 2025
Vacancy Details: UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
| Post Name | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officer Training Academy (OTA) | 275 |
| Officer Training Academy (OTA) – Women | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Note: Candidates are advised to verify vacancy details from the official Recruitment notification.
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Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualification
| Post | Qualification(In Short) |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university |
| Officer Training Academy (OTA) | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
| OTA (Women) | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
Age Limit (As per UPSC Rules)
- IMA / INA / AFA: Born between 02 January 2003 to 01 January 2008
- OTA / OTA (Women): Born between 02 January 2002 to 01 January 2008
- Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC CDS-I Examination 2026 norms.
Note: Candidates are Advised to check the detailed eligibility criteria on the official recruitment notification.
Also Read:—–> RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-2 Result 2025
Application Fee: UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST | ₹0/- |
| All Female Candidates | ₹0/- |
Payment Methods: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, IMPS, Mobile Wallet
Also Read:—-> IBPS RRB 14th Scale-I Pre Result 2025
Selection Process: UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
The selection process includes:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Physical Examination
Also Read:——> SBI PO Final Result 2025
Important Dates: UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Begins | 10th December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th December 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 30th December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12th April 2026 |
| Admit Card | Before Exam |
Also Read:——-> UPSSSC Lekhpal Recruitment 2025
Steps to Apply for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website : Candidates need to visit the Official UPSC Portal’s Recruitment Page.
Step 2: Click on the Online Apply Link: After that, Navigate to the “Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026” & Click on the “Apply Online” link.
Step 3: Complete the registration/ Login Process: New candidates need to complete the registration process first or login with your credentials(In case Already Registered).
Step 4: Duly fill The Application Form: Fill in your personal, educational, and communication details.
Step 5: Upload required documents: After that, upload required documents photograph, signature, certificates.
Step 6: Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee through available payment methods.
Step 7: Submit & Take a Printout: Submit the form and take a printout for future use.
Note: Candidates must read the official Recruitment notification carefully before applying.
Key Instructions for Applicants
- Read the complete official notification before filling the application form.
- Ensure all details are entered correctly.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application form safely.
- Regularly check the UPSC website for updates.
FAQs: UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
Q1. When does the UPSC CDS-I application process start?
The application process started on 10th December 2025.
Q2. What is the last date to apply online for UPSC CDS-I 2026?
The last date to apply online is 30th December 2025.
Q3. What is the age limit for UPSC CDS-I 2026?
IMA / INA / AFA: Born between 02 January 2003 to 01 January 2008
OTA / OTA (Women): Born between 02 January 2002 to 01 January 2008
Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC CDS-I Examination 2026 norms.
Q4. What is the educational qualification required for CDS-I 2026?
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree (Engineering degree for INA and AFA).
Q5. What is the official website of UPSC?
The official website is upsc.gov.in.
