Union Public Service Commission Combined Defence Service CDS I Examination 2026

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): Graduate degree from a recognized university, unmarried male candidates aged approximately 20-24 years.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): Bachelor of Engineering degree required, unmarried male candidates aged approximately 20-24 years.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or BE, unmarried male candidates aged approximately 20-24 years.
• Officers Training Academy (OTA) Men: Graduate degree in any stream, unmarried male candidates aged approximately 20-25 years.
• Officers Training Academy (OTA) Women: Graduate degree in any stream, unmarried women, issueless widows or divorcees aged approximately 20-25 years.

The application fee for General and OBC candidates is Rs. 200. SC/ST and Female candidates are exempt from paying the application fee. Payment modes accepted include Debit Card, Credit Card, and Net Banking.

1. Visit the official UPSC website at https://www.upsc.gov.in.
2. Click on the “CDS I 2026 Online Application” link under the Examinations section.
3. Register by providing your details to create a login ID and password.
4. Fill out the application form with personal, educational, and professional details.
5. Upload scanned copies of photograph and signature as per specifications.
6. Pay the application fee as applicable.
7. Submit the form before 30th December 2025 and download the confirmation page for future reference.

The written exam consists of objective-type questions across subjects:

• IMA, INA, AFA: English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks each, 2 hours each).
• OTA (Men & Women): English and General Knowledge (100 marks each, 2 hours each).

The selection process also includes a SSB Interview conducted in two stages including psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview. Final merit list is based on written exam and SSB performance.

Ensure eligibility criteria are met including age, nationality, and medical standards before applying.

Important Dates: Last date to apply and fee payment is 30th December 2025 (6:00 PM). Exam date is 12th April 2026.

For any queries, contact UPSC only through the official website https://www.upsc.gov.in or use the helpdesk links provided there.

Note: Detailed vacancy numbers for CDS I 2026 have not been officially released yet. Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website for updated vacancy details upon notification release.