The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 Notification No. 4/2026 CDS-I. UPSC has announced a total of 451 vacancies across various courses in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) for Short Service Commission (SSC). Interested candidates can apply online from December 10, 2025, to December 30, 2025 (up to 6:00 PM) through the official UPSC online website.
UPSC CDS I 2026 Notification
The UPSC CDS I 2026 Notification PDF is the definitive source for candidates. This detailed document contains complete information about the 451 vacancies, specific eligibility criteria for each academy, the two-stage online application process, important dates, the scheme of the written examination, and the Service Selection Board (SSB) procedure. Aspirants must refer to the notification to ensure they meet all requirements, including age and educational qualifications, before applying.
Download UPSC CDS I 2026 Notification PDF
UPSC CDS I 2026: Overview
The UPSC CDS I 2026 provides a highly sought-after opportunity for graduates to join the officer cadre of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The selection process involves a written examination followed by an Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB Interview).
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer (Through CDS I 2026) |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Advertisement No. | 4/2026 CDS-I |
| Registration Dates | December 10, 2025, to December 30, 2025 |
| Mode of Application | Online (https://upsconline.nic.in) |
| Selection Process | Written Examination & SSB Interview |
| Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
| Course Commencement | Different dates for each course (e.g., IMA in January 2027) |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS I Vacancy 2026
The UPSC CDS I 2026 Recruitment includes a total of 451 vacancies distributed across five distinct courses. Applicants must choose their preferred academy/courses while filling the Common Application Form (CAF).
UPSC CDS I Apply Online 2026
The UPSC CDS I Apply Online 2026 process is mandatory for all eligible candidates and involves two primary stages on the official portal. Candidates must first complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) to obtain a Universal Registration Number (URN), which is necessary to proceed to the examination-specific Common Application Form (CAF).
Direct Link to Apply for UPSC CDS I 2026 (Candidates should visit upsconline.nic.in)
How to Apply for UPSC CDS I 2026?
Candidates applying for the UPSC CDS I 2026 must adhere to the following steps, completing the process online only via the UPSC portal:
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Register on the UPSC portal (https://upsconline.nic.in) to create a One-Time Registration (OTR) profile and receive a Universal Registration Number (URN). |
| 2 | Log in using the URN to access the Common Application Form (CAF). |
| 3 | Fill in the examination-specific details, including course preference and permanent address. |
| 4 | Upload the required live photograph, signature, and photo ID card document as per specifications. |
| 5 | Pay the prescribed application fee (if applicable) through the online payment gateway. |
| 6 | Carefully review all entered details, as no changes or withdrawal are allowed after final submission. |
| 7 | Submit the application and print the final acknowledgment for future correspondence. |
Also Read: UPSC NDA I 2026 Notification Out, Apply Online for 394 Officer Vacancies
CDS I Application Fee
Candidates applying for the UPSC CDS I 2026 are required to pay a non-refundable application/examination fee, which is exempted for specific categories as per the notification.
| Category of Applicant | Application / Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| SC / ST Candidates | NIL |
| All Female Candidates | NIL |
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹200 (Rupees Two Hundred Only) |
UPSC CDS I Eligibility 2026
Applicants must meet all criteria related to nationality, age, and educational qualifications as on the respective dates of course commencement.
Age Limit
The age limit is strictly defined by the candidate’s date of birth and varies for each academy.
Note: The upper age limit for AFA is relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
CDS I Qualification
UPSC CDS I Stipend & Salary 2026
Candidates undergo training at the respective academies before being commissioned as officers. During the entire duration of the training period (e.g., one year for IMA), Gentlemen/Lady Cadets are given a fixed monthly stipend.
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS I 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the UPSC CDS I 2026 application form is December 30, 2025, up to 6:00 PM.
Q2. How many vacancies are there in UPSC CDS I 2026?
Ans: A total of 451 vacancies are available across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA (Men & Women) courses.
Q3. What is the eligibility for UPSC CDS I 2026?
Ans: Applicants must be graduates from a recognized university. AFA and INA have specific educational requirements (Physics and Maths at 10+2 or Engineering Degree, respectively).
Q4. Is the Elementary Mathematics paper compulsory for all candidates?
Ans: No. The Elementary Mathematics paper is compulsory for candidates opting for IMA, INA, or AFA. Candidates opting only for OTA (Men and Women) are exempted from the Maths paper and appear for only English and General Knowledge
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