The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited applications online for the Combined Defence Service (CDS) Examination (I) 2026. The Apply link is available at the bottom of the page.
| Advt. No | 4/2026-CDS-I |
| Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Post Name | CDS-I |
| Vacancy | 451 |
| Eligibility | Graduation |
| Age | 19 to 25 years |
| Fee | ₹ 200/- (for gen cat) |
| Exam Date | 12th April 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Test – Interview-Medical Examination |
| Salary | ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500/-pm |
| Website | www.upsconline.nic.in/ |
| Apply Click | |
| Quick Links Click | |
Notification Date: 10-12-2025
UPSC CDS-I Exam. 2026 Important Dates:
Eligible applicants (Male & female) can apply online for the recruitment of 451 Vacancies in the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination-I under the Union Public Service Commission 2026. The online application has started on 10th December 2025 on the Official website of the Union Public Service Commission. The last date for the application as per the notification of UPSC – 2026 is 30th December 2025(till 6:00 PM).
The Union Public Service Commission(UPSC) will hold a Combined Defence Services Examination on 12th April 2026.
The date of holding the examination as mentioned above is liable to be changed at the discretion of the Commission.
Applicants are advised to apply before the last date, as the server may have some technical issues due to a lot of traffic on the last date of the application.
UPSC CDS-I Exam. 2026 Vacancy Breakup:
| SI.NO | Name of Course | Vacancies |
| 01. | Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | 100 |
| 02. | Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | 26 |
| 03. | Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 |
| 04. | Officers Training Academy, Chennai SSC (Men) | 275 |
| 05. | Officers Training Academy, Chennai SSC (Female) | 18 |
| 06. | Total | 451 |
🎯 Must be a Citizen of India.
🎯 The number of vacancies of Direct Recruitment of the Union Public Service Commission 2026 is PROVISIONAL and may increase or decrease.
🎯 Both Male and Female candidates are eligible for this Examination.
🎯Candidate must be an unmarried male /Female.
UPSC CDS-I Exam. 2026 Educational Qualification:
Indian Military Academy & Officers Training Academy:
Candidates must have passed a Graduation (any subject) from any recognised university/institute.
Indian Naval Academy:
Candidates must have an Engineering degree from any recognised university/institute.
Air Force Academy:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in any stream with Physics & Maths in 10+2 levels from any recognised university/institute. OR
Candidates must have an Engineering degree from any recognised university/institute
UPSC CDS-I Exam. 2026 Age Limit (as on: 01.01.2025)
| Name of Course | Min. Age | Max. Age |
| Indian Military Academy | 19 years | 24 years |
| Indian Naval Academy | ||
| Air Force Academy | 20 years | 24 years |
| Officer’s Training Academy (men) | 19 years | 25 years |
| Officer’s Training Academy (women) |
Age relaxation under the guidelines of the UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026.
UPSC CDS-I 2026 Application Fee / How to Pay:
The applicant pays the application fee online only using a debit card/credit card/Net banking ‘FEE ONCE PAID SHALL NOT BE REFUNDED’
| Category | Fee |
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹ 200/- |
| SC/ST/Female | ₹ 00/- |
UPSC CDS-I Exam 2026 Selection Process
Stage-I: Written Examination
Stage-II: Interview
Stage-III: Document Verification
Stage-IV: Medical Examination
