The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam I 2026, inviting applications for recruitment into India’s premier defence academies. The application link is now active on the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in, and the last date to apply is December 30, 2025.
Through this examination, UPSC will fill 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Candidates aiming for a career in the defence services must review the eligibility norms, selection process, and application steps carefully.
UPSC CDS I 2026 Vacancy Details
As per the official notification, vacancies are distributed as follows:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): 100 vacancies
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): 26 vacancies
- Air Force Academy (AFA): 32 vacancies
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): 293 vacancies
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS I 2026
Educational Qualification
- For IMA & OTA: Degree from a recognised university or equivalent.
- For Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognised university/institution.
- For Air Force Academy: Degree from a recognised university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering.
Candidates must ensure they meet the academic and physical standards required by the respective academies.
UPSC CDS I 2026 Application Fee
- ₹200 for all candidates.
- Female, SC, and ST candidates: Exempted from fee payment.
Payment modes include: - Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card
- UPI
- Internet Banking of any bank
How to Apply for UPSC CDS Exam I 2026
Candidates can follow the steps below to complete the application:
- Visit the official website: upsc.gov.in
- Click on the UPSC CDS Exam I 2026 registration link available on the homepage.
- Register yourself on the new portal.
- After registration, proceed to fill out the online application form.
- Pay the applicable fee (if required).
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
- Take a printout for future reference.
Candidates are advised to fill the application well before the last date to avoid technical issues.
Quick Reference Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Exam Name | UPSC Combined Defence Services Exam I 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Application Deadline | December 30, 2025 |
| Fee | ₹200 (Female/SC/ST exempted) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Academies Covered | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
Why CDS Exam Is Important
CDS is one of India’s most prestigious defence examinations, opening opportunities for candidates to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force as commissioned officers. The selection process includes a written exam followed by an SSB interview and medical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| When is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS I 2026? |
| The last date to apply is December 30, 2025. |
| How many vacancies are available for CDS I 2026? |
| A total of 451 vacancies. |
| What is the application fee for CDS I 2026? |
| ₹200 for general candidates; female/SC/ST candidates are exempt. |
| What is the educational qualification for IMA? |
| A degree from a recognised university. |
| Can engineering graduates apply for INA? |
| Yes, an engineering degree is required for INA. |
| What is the eligibility for Air Force Academy? |
| A degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 or a B.E./B.Tech degree. |
| Where can I apply for CDS I 2026? |
| On the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in. |
| Is the fee refundable? |
| No, the fee once paid is non-refundable. |
The release of the UPSC CDS Exam I 2026 notification offers a significant opportunity for aspirants to join India’s defence forces. Candidates should apply before December 30, 2025, and ensure they meet all eligibility conditions. For official updates and detailed guidelines, visit upsc.gov.in, and bookmark this page for further information throughout the application cycle.
MORE INFO
| Notification | CLICK HERE |
| Apply | CLICK HERE |
