The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opened the application window for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I) 2026, offering an excellent opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. The exam is a gateway to prestigious academies including IMA Dehradun, INA, AFA Hyderabad, and Officers’ Training Academy.
The recruitment drive for the 2026 cycle includes 451 vacancies, and interested candidates can apply online within the specified dates. Aspirants should carefully review eligibility conditions, age limits, fee details, and the application process to ensure a smooth submission.
Important Dates – UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026
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Online Application Start Date: 10 December 2025
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Online Application Last Date: 30 December 2025
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Last Date for Fee Payment: 30 December 2025
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Exam Date: 12 April 2026
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Admit Card: Available before the exam
Candidates should regularly check official updates to avoid missing any announcements.
Application Fee
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General / OBC / EWS: ₹200
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SC / ST Candidates: No fee
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All Female Candidates: No fee
The examination fee can be paid through:
Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, IMPS, Mobile Wallet, or Cash Card.
Age Limit for CDS-I 2026 (As per UPSC Rules)
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Minimum Age: 20 years
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Maximum Age: 24 years
Additional age relaxations may be available as per UPSC regulations. Candidates should confirm specific guidelines before applying.
Total Vacancies – 451 Posts
The recruitment drive includes opportunities in multiple academies across the defence forces. Each academy has specific requirements and training objectives, giving candidates several career options based on their educational background.
Vacancy Distribution (Rewritten Without Table Format)
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Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 100 posts
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Indian Naval Academy (INA): 26 posts
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Air Force Academy, Hyderabad: 32 posts
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Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): 275 posts
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Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Women): 18 posts
Eligibility Criteria – Post Wise
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Eligible applicants should be born between 2 January 2003 and 1 January 2008.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized institution. The permissible birth dates fall between 2 January 2003 and 1 January 2008.
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. UPSC also allows other qualifications with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. Birth dates must be between 2 January 2003 and 1 January 2008.
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
A Bachelor’s degree in any stream is required. Eligible candidates must be born between 2 January 2002 and 1 January 2008.
OTA – Women (Non-Technical)
Female candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university and should have their birth dates between 2 January 2002 and 1 January 2008.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS-I 2026
Follow the steps below to complete the application smoothly:
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Go to the official UPSC online application portal.
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Find the link for CDS-I Examination 2026 in the active recruitment section.
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Complete the One-Time Registration process if you are applying for the first time.
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Log in with your registered credentials to access the CDS-I application form.
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Fill in your personal details, academic qualifications, and communication information.
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Upload your photograph, signature, and any required documents in the correct format.
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Pay the application fee using an online payment method, if applicable.
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Review all entered details carefully to avoid mistakes.
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Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future use.
Important Points to Remember
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Ensure your photograph and signature meet the required standards before uploading.
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Double-check your birth date and educational information.
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Keep a printed copy of the application form for verification.
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Use a stable network connection to avoid interruptions while submitting the form.
FAQs – UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026
Q1. How many vacancies are available under CDS-I 2026?
There are 451 vacancies across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and OTA.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for CDS-I 2026?
The online application process closes on 30 December 2025.
Q3. What is the minimum educational qualification required?
A Bachelor’s degree is required. Engineering graduates are specifically eligible for INA and AFA.
Q4. Is there any application fee for female candidates?
No, all female applicants and SC/ST candidates are exempt from paying the fee.
Q5. When will the CDS-I 2026 exam be conducted?
The exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026.
Q6. How can I download my admit card?
The admit card will be available on the UPSC portal before the exam. Candidates can log in with their credentials to download it.
Q7. What is the age limit for CDS-I?
The general age range is 20 to 24 years, with variations depending on the academy.