About Union Public Service Commission Recruitment 2026
Union Public Service Commission has officially announced a recruitment drive for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2026. There are 394 vacancies to be filled through this drive. The appointed candidates will be posted in All India. The official notification is available on www.upsc.gov.in.
Interested candidates can submit their applications online through the official portal. the application window opens on 10/12/2025. It is recommended to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Key highlights โ age limit: 19โ25 years; application fee varies by category. Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Detailed information about the selection process, exam pattern, and syllabus is available in the sections below.
Key Highlights
Vacancy Details โ Total 394 Posts
| Post Name | Vacancies | Qualification | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India | โ |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 | Engineering Degree from Any Recognized University in India | โ |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Math at 10+2 Intermediate Level OR Engineering Degree | โ |
| Officersโ Training Academy (OTA) | 293 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India | โ |
๐ Category-wise Reservation
Important Dates
| Application Start | 10/12/2025 |
| Exam Date | 12/04/2026 |
| Last Date To Apply | 30/12/2025 |
| Last Date To Pay Fee | 30/12/2025 |
| Admit Card Available | 02/04/2026 |
| Result Available | 08/05/2026 |
Application Fee
| General | 100 |
| OBC | 100 |
| EWS | 100 |
| SC | 0 |
| ST | 0 |
| 0 |
Age Limit & Relaxation
| Minimum Age | 19 Years |
| Maximum Age | 25 Years |
| Age Cutoff Date | 01/01/2027 |
| Relaxation (IMA & INA) | 24 |
| Relaxation (AIR FORCE) | 24 |
| Relaxation (OTA) | 25 |
* Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules for reserved categories.
Educational Qualification & Eligibility
Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India (specific qualifications for INA and AFA as mentioned).
Selection Process
Written Examination
Interview (SSB)
Document Verification
Medical Examination
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | โ |
| General Knowledge | 100 | โ |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | โ |
Documents Required
* Candidates must carry original documents for verification at the time of interview / document verification.
Physical Standards & Medical Requirements
| Minimum Height | For IMA/INA/AFA: 162.5 cm (Men), 152 cm (Women). For OTA: 157.5 cm (Men), 152 cm (Women) |
| Chest Measurement | For Men: 81 cm (unexpanded), 5 cm expansion. For Women: Not specified |
How To Apply
Visit the official website of Union Public Service Commission โ https://www.upsc.gov.in.
Read the official notification carefully and check your eligibility.
Click on the "Apply Online" / "Registration" link for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2026.
Complete the registration by providing a valid email ID and mobile number.
Fill in all required details: personal information, educational qualifications, work experience (if applicable), and address.
Upload scanned copies of your photograph (passport size), signature, and required documents as per the specifications.
Pay the application fee online through the available payment gateway (if applicable).
Review all entered details carefully before final submission.
Submit the application form and take a printout / save a PDF copy for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the important dates for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2026?
Application Start: 10/12/2025
Exam Date: 12/04/2026
What is the minimum educational qualification for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2026?
Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India (specific qualifications for INA and AFA as mentioned).
What is the age limit for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2026?
Minimum Age: 19 years.
Maximum Age: 25 years.
Age relaxation is applicable as per government norms.
What is the application fee for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2026?
General: 100
OBC: 100
EWS: 100
SC: 0
ST: 0
Female: 0
What is the selection process for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2026?
Written Examination
Interview (SSB)
Document Verification
Medical Examination
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS I 2026?
The last date to apply online is 30 December 2025.
What is the application fee for General category candidates?
The application fee for General, OBC, and EWS category candidates is INR 100.
Is there any fee exemption for SC/ST candidates?
Yes, SC and ST candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
What is the age limit for Indian Military Academy (IMA) posts?
The age limit for IMA is 19 to 24 years as on 01 January 2027.
What is the educational qualification required for Indian Naval Academy (INA)?
Candidates must have an Engineering Degree from any recognized university in India.
What is the exam date for UPSC CDS I 2026?
The exam date is 12 April 2026.
When will the admit card for the exam be available?
The admit card will be available from 02 April 2026.
What is the selection process for UPSC CDS I 2026?
The selection process includes a Written Examination, Interview (SSB), Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
What is the negative marking scheme in the exam?
There is a negative marking of one-third of the marks allotted to each question.
What are the subjects in the UPSC CDS I exam?
The subjects are English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, each carrying 100 marks.
What is the total number of vacancies for UPSC CDS I 2026?
The total number of vacancies is 394.
What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include Matriculation Certificate, 10+2 Certificate, Graduation Degree Certificate, Passport-sized Photograph, Signature, Caste Certificate (if applicable), PwD Certificate (if applicable), Discharge Certificate (for Ex-Servicemen), NCC Certificate (if applicable), Identity Proof, and Address Proof.
What is the probation period for selected candidates?
The probation period is 1 year as per UPSC rules.
Are female candidates eligible for the Air Force Academy (AFA)?
No, female candidates are not eligible for the Air Force Academy (AFA).
What is the physical height requirement for male candidates in IMA?
The minimum height requirement for male candidates in IMA is 162.5 cm.