Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites online applications for recruitment to the post of Combined Defence Service (CDS) Examination I 2026 for 451 vacancies. The Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission on 12th April 2026. All eligible and interested male and female candidates can apply online at UPSC official website upsconline.nic.in from 10th December 2025 to till the application last date 30th December 2025 for CDS 1 Examination 2026.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 10-12-2025
- Application Last Date: 30-12-2025
- Exam Date: 12-04-2026
Application Fee
- SC/ ST/ Female Candidates: Rs.0/-
- All Other Candidates: Rs.200/-
- Pay fee through online using Credit Card/ Debit Card/ UPI/ Internet Banking.
Age Limit
- See Below Course Wise Age Limit
- (For Age Relaxation See Notification)
Total Post
451
CDS Age Limit For Examination 2026
| Course Name | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| For IMA | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008 only are eligible |
| For Indian Naval Academy | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008 only are eligible. |
| For Air Force Academy | 20 to 24 years as on 1st January, 2027 i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January 2003 and not later than 1st January 2007. Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January 2001 and not later than 1st January 2007 only are eligible. |
| For Officers’ Training Academy – (SSC Course for men) | Unmarried male candidate born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2008 only are eligible. |
| For Officers’ Training Academy – (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) | Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2 nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2008. |
UPSC CDS 1 Vacancy 2026 Details
| Course Name | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| 1. Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 162nd (DE) Course commencing in January 2027 [including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing) holders] | 100 |
| 2. Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – Course commencing in January 2027 Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro [including 06 vacancies for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) holders and 01 for Hydro] | 26 |
| 3. Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in January 2027 i.e. 221 F(P) Course. [including 03 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Special Entry] | 32 |
| 4. Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 125th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course Commencing in April 2027. | 275 |
| 5. Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 125th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in, April 2027. | 18 |
| Total Post | 451 |
CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai
Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
2026 exam calendar
Indian Naval Academy
Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/ Institution.
Air Force Academy
Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
Graduates with first choice as Army/ Navy/ Air Force are to submit proof of Graduation/ provisional certificates on the date of commencement of the SSB Interview at the SSB.
Candidates who are studying in the final year/ semester Degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply.
Government job alerts
UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Courses Offered | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview |
| Job Location | Across India |
Important Dates – UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026 (Expected)
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 2025 |
| Online Application Start | December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 |
| CDS 1 Exam Date | February 2026 |
| Result Declaration | April 2026 |
| SSB Interview | After Written Result |
| Final Merit List | 2026 |
CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 Apply Online Links
| Apply Online | Click Here To Apply |
| Applicant Login | Click Here To Login |
| Application *Home Page | Click Here To Open Home Page |
| Download Notification | Click Here To Download Notification |
| Official Website | Click Here To Open Official Website |
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026 is a golden opportunity for candidates who dream of serving the nation with pride, honour, and discipline. With proper planning, dedication, and consistent effort, clearing CDS is achievable. Aspirants should regularly check the official UPSC website for updates and start preparation early.