UPSC CDS-I Exam Date 2026 Out – Apply Online for 451 Vacancies
Description
UPSC CDS-I Exam Date 2026 is announced. Check exam date, eligibility, age limit, vacancies, application process, and admit card details.
Job Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Combined Defence Services (CDS)-I Examination 2026 schedule. This recruitment drive is conducted to select eligible candidates for prestigious defence academies including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officer Training Academy.
Candidates preparing for government defence jobs 2026 should note that CDS-I is one of the most competitive examinations in India. It offers a direct entry into the Indian Armed Forces through a structured selection process that includes a written examination followed by SSB interviews.
Important Dates
- The online application process for UPSC CDS-I 2026 began on 10 December 2025.
- The last date to submit the application form and complete fee payment is 30 December 2025.
- The CDS-I written examination will be conducted on 12 April 2026.
- Admit cards will be released a few weeks before the examination date.
- Candidates are advised to regularly check official updates and complete all steps within the given timeline to avoid last-minute issues.
Application Fee
Candidates belonging to the General, OBC, and EWS categories are required to pay an application fee of ₹200.
Applicants from SC, ST, and all female categories are exempted from paying any fee.
The fee can be paid online using debit card, credit card, net banking, IMPS, or other approved digital payment methods.
Age Limit (As Per CDS-I 2026 Rules)
For UPSC CDS-I 2026, candidates must be born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008, depending on the academy applied for.
Age relaxation, if applicable, is provided strictly according to UPSC regulations. Applicants should carefully check age eligibility before applying.
Total Vacancies
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced under UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 across various defence academies.
Vacancy Details (Post-Wise)
- The Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun has 100 vacancies.
- The Indian Naval Academy (INA) has 26 vacancies.
- The Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad has 32 vacancies.
- The Officer Training Academy (OTA) has 275 vacancies for men.
- The Officer Training Academy (OTA) for women has 18 vacancies.
Eligibility Criteria (Academy-Wise)
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. The date of birth must fall within the prescribed age range.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized institution and meet the required age criteria.
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university and fulfill the age requirements.
Officer Training Academy (OTA – Men & Women)
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university. Age eligibility differs slightly from IMA and INA and must be verified carefully.
📝 How to Apply for UPSC CDS-I 2026
- First, visit the official UPSC application portal and complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
- Next, log in using your credentials and select the CDS-I Examination 2026 option.
- Fill in personal, educational, and contact details carefully.
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable, and submit the form.
- Finally, download and save a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
Official Notification PDF
The detailed CDS-I 2026 notification PDF includes information about exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, and medical standards. Candidates should read the notification carefully before applying to avoid mistakes during the recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the UPSC CDS-I Exam Date 2026?
The UPSC CDS-I written examination will be conducted on 12 April 2026.
Q2. How many vacancies are available in CDS-I 2026?
There are 451 total vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Q3. Who is eligible to apply for CDS-I 2026?
Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree (or Engineering degree for INA and AFA) who meet the age criteria can apply.
Q4. Is there any application fee for female candidates?
No, all female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
Q5. When will the CDS-I 2026 admit card be released?
The admit card will be available before the examination, usually a few weeks prior to the exam date.