UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online Form, Eligibility, Exam Date

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 notification. This examination is conducted for the recruitment of officers in prestigious defence academies including Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officer Training Academy (OTA) for Men and Women.

This recruitment offers an excellent career opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Through this examination, UPSC aims to fill a total of 451 vacancies across various defence wings.

Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Post Name: Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2026

Total Posts: 451

Application Mode: Online

Application Dates: 10 December 2025 – 30 December 2025

Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in

Job Update Website: www.sarkariirresult.com

Important Dates

Notification Release 10 December 2025

Application Start 10 December 2025

Last Date to Apply 30 December 2025

Fee Payment Last Date 30 December 2025

Admit Card Notify Soon

Written Exam Date 12 April 2026

Result Notify Soon

 Application Fee

General / OBC / EWS: ₹200

SC / ST: ₹0 (No Fee)

Payment Mode: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, E-Challan.

Age Limit

IMA & INA: 19 to 24 Years

Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 Years

OTA (Men & Women): 19 to 25 Years

Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC CDS rules.

Vacancy Details

Indian Military Academy (IMA): 100 Posts

Indian Naval Academy (INA): 26 Posts

Air Force Academy (AFA): 32 Posts

OTA (Men): 275 Posts

OTA (Women): 18 Posts

Total: 451 Posts

Eligibility Criteria

IMA / OTA: Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline

INA: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

AFA: Bachelor’s Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering Degree

All qualifications must be from a recognized university.

 Selection Process

1. Written Examination
2. SSB Interview
3. Document Verification
4. Medical Examination

How to Apply Online

1. Visit upsc.gov.in

2. Open CDS 1 Examination 2026 application link

3. Complete registration and fill the form

4. Upload required documents

5. Pay the application fee

6. Submit and download the application form

MORE IMPORTANT LINKS: -

APPLY ONLINE DIRECT LINK: - CLICK HERE

DOWNLOAD OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION DIRECT LINK: - CLICK HERE

OFFICIAL WEBSITE DIRECT LINK: - CLICK HERE

FAQs

Q1. Application start date?

10 December 2025

Q2. Last date to apply?

30 December 2025

Q3. Exam date?

12 April 2026

Q4. Total vacancies?

451 Posts

Q5. Official website?

https://upsc.gov.in