The Union Public Service Commission has opened the application window for the UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026, announcing 451 vacancies across prestigious military academies of the country. The Combined Defence Services Examination (I) is one of the most recognised entry routes for graduates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as Commissioned Officers. The notification outlines essential details such as educational qualification requirements, age criteria, salary levels after commissioning, the complete selection pathway, and the online application rules every candidate must follow.
This year’s notification continues UPSC’s focus on maintaining transparency and merit-based selection. With vacancies spread across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and both Men’s and Women’s Short Service Commission (OTA) courses, candidates from a range of academic backgrounds can participate. The recruitment cycle includes a written assessment, a multi-stage SSB interview, medical evaluation, and final merit ranking. Aspirants must submit their forms strictly through the UPSC Online portal, adhering to the new application guidelines such as live photo capture, Universal Registration Number (URN), and valid photo ID verification.
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Education Requirements & Who Is Eligible?
To maintain uniform entry standards across Armed Forces training academies, UPSC has set the following academic requirements:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) – A degree from a recognised university or its equivalent.
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – Degree from a recognised university.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) – Engineering degree from any recognised university/institution.
- Air Force Academy (AFA) – Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR a Bachelor of Engineering.
- Final-year students are permitted to apply, provided they submit proof of completion during SSB.
- Professional/technical degrees acknowledged by the Government are also valid.
Nationality Requirements
Applicants must be:
- Citizens of India, OR
- Subjects of Nepal, OR
- Persons of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and select East African countries or Vietnam with the intention of permanent settlement in India.
Vacancy Distribution for CDS-I 2026
The recruitment notification lists 451 total seats, divided among the academies as shown below:
CDS-I 2026 Vacancy Table
| Course / Academy | Total Seats |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 162nd Course | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – Executive/GS/Hydro | 26 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – 221 F(P) Course | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – SSC (Men) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – SSC (Women) | 18 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
Age Requirements for Different Academies
Age eligibility varies for each course, and candidates must ensure they fall within the prescribed ranges as of 1 January 2027.
- IMA: Unmarried males born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2008.
- INA: Same as IMA age criteria.
- AFA: 20–24 years (born between 02/01/2003 and 01/01/2007). Candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot Licence may apply up to 26 years.
- OTA (Men): Unmarried males born between 02/01/2002 and 01/01/2008.
- OTA (Women): Unmarried women, issueless divorcees or widows born between 02/01/2002 and 01/01/2008.
Date of birth recorded in the matriculation certificate will be considered final; no later corrections are entertained.
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC Male | Rs. 200 |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
| SC/ST Candidates | Exempted |
Fee payment can be made through Credit/Debit Cards, UPI, or Internet Banking. UPSC does not provide fee refunds under any circumstances.
How to Apply Online for CDS-I 2026
UPSC accepts applications only through the official online portal. Candidates must follow these structured steps:
- Visit upsconline.nic.in.
- Create an account and generate your Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) with accurate personal and academic information.
- Upload a recent passport-size photo and complete the mandatory live photo capture.
- Select your preferred Academy (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA) in the exam-specific module.
- Upload educational certificates, proof of birth, and other required documents.
- Choose an examination centre from the available list.
- Pay the fee (if applicable) using the permitted online modes.
- Submit the form and make note of your Application Number.
- Keep a printed copy for future requirements.
Once the application is submitted, no corrections are allowed, so candidates must review entries carefully.
Selection Stages for CDS-I 2026
The recruitment process is conducted in three major phases:
1. Written Examination
- Conducted by UPSC and held offline.
- For IMA, INA, AFA:
- English – 100 marks
- General Knowledge – 100 marks
- Elementary Mathematics – 100 marks
- Total: 300 marks
- For OTA:
- English – 100 marks
- General Knowledge – 100 marks
- Total: 200 marks
A penalty of 0.33 marks is applied for incorrect answers.
2. SSB Interview
The SSB evaluates candidates’ leadership potential, communication skills, decision-making ability, and mental robustness. It includes:
- OIR Tests
- Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT)
- Interview
- Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks
- Psychology tests
- Final Conference
Marks awarded in SSB match the marks for the written exam.
3. Medical Examination
Candidates clearing SSB undergo a detailed medical assessment at Armed Forces hospitals before final merit listing.
Pay Scale, Training Stipend & Allowances
CDS entry offers one of the most structured pay systems:
Training Stipend
- Rs. 56,100 per month during initial training.
Post-Commissioning Salary Structure
| Rank | Pay Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
Military Service Pay: ₹15,500 per month (fixed).
Other benefits: Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, Dress Allowance (₹20,000 annually), Children Education Allowance, free ration, and various service-related perks.
Important Dates for CDS-I 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (6 PM) |
| Examination Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Written Result | May 2026 (Tentative) |
| IMA/INA/AFA Course Start | January 2027 |
| OTA Course Start | April 2027 |
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | [Link Here] |
| Apply Online | [Link Here] |
| Official Website | [Link Here] |
