The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is currently accepting applications for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Examination, 2026. This is a highly prestigious opportunity for graduates to join the Indian Armed Forces as Commissioned Officers.
Application Last Date: 30 December 2025 (until 06:00 PM).
Application Fee Payment: Must be completed by 30 December 2025.
Correction Window: 31 December 2025 to 06 January 2026.
Written Exam Date: 12 April 2026 (Sunday).
Vacancies are available across all three wings of the defence services:
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 100 Posts.
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: 26 Posts.
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: 32 Posts.
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men): 275 Posts.
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women): 18 Posts.
IMA & OTA: Degree from a recognized university in any stream.
INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
AFA: Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR a Bachelor of Engineering.
Final Year Students: Eligible to apply, provided they pass and submit proof before the course begins.
IMA & INA: Born between 2nd Jan 2003 and 1st Jan 2008.
AFA: 20 to 24 years as of 1st Jan 2027 (Born between 2nd Jan 2003 and 1st Jan 2007).
OTA (Men & Women): Born between 2nd Jan 2002 and 1st Jan 2008.
Written Examination: Offline (Pen & Paper) multiple-choice questions.
SSB Interview: A 5-day intelligence and personality test.
Medical Examination: Final health screening for recommended candidates.
Rank on Commissioning: Lieutenant.
Stipend During Training: ₹56,100 per month.
Pay Scale (Level 10): ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 + Allowances (DA, HRA, MSP, High Altitude Allowance, etc.).
Visit the official portal: upsconline.nic.in.
Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done.
Fill out the application form (Part I & II).
Application Fee: ₹200 (General/OBC).
Exempted for Female/SC/ST candidates.
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