UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts

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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Recruitment 2026 notification for 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Eligible unmarried male and female candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website.

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📌 UPSC CDS I 2026 – Overview

Exam Name	Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Examination 2026
Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Total Vacancies	451 Posts
Exam Mode	Offline (Pen & Paper)
Course Commencement	January 2027
Official Website	https://upsc.gov.in

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📊 Vacancy Details

Academy	Vacancies
Indian Military Academy (IMA)	100
Indian Naval Academy (INA)	26
Air Force Academy (AFA)	32
Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Men	275
Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Women	18

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🎓 Educational Qualification

IMA & OTA	Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university
INA	Degree in Engineering
AFA	Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering degree

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🎯 Age Limit

Minimum Age	20 Years
Maximum Age	24 Years (varies by academy)

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💰 Application Fees

General/OBC	₹200
SC/ST/Female	No Fee

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🧭 Selection Process

• Written Examination
• SSB Interview
• Document Verification
• Medical Examination
• Final Merit List

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📝 Exam Pattern (Written Exam)

Subject	Marks	Duration
English	100	2 Hours
General Knowledge	100	2 Hours
Elementary Mathematics	100	2 Hours

• For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy : English + GK

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🖊️ How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS I 2026

1. Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in
2. Click on CDS I Examination 2026 notification
3. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
4. Fill the online application form
5. Upload required documents and pay the fee
6. Submit and download application form

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📅 Important Dates

Notification Release	10 December 2025
Online Application Start	10 December 2025
Last Date to Apply	30 December 2025
CDS I Exam Date	12 April 2026

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🔗 Important Links

Apply Online	Click Here
Notification PDF	Download
UPSC Official Website	upsc.gov.in

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❓ FAQs

Q1: How many vacancies are released under UPSC CDS I 2026?

A1: A total of 451 vacancies have been announced for CDS I 2026 across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.

Q2: What is the age limit for CDS I 2026?

A2: The age limit varies by academy. Generally, candidates must be born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008 (as per official notification).

Q3: What is the educational qualification required for CDS?

A3: Graduation is required for IMA/OTA, Engineering degree for INA, and Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 for AFA.

Q4: What is the application fee for UPSC CDS I 2026?

A4: The application fee is ₹200 for General/OBC candidates, while SC/ST and Female candidates are exempted.

Q5: How can I apply for UPSC CDS I 2026?

A5: Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in by completing One Time Registration (OTR) and submitting the application form.

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▶️ Also Check:

✅ Indian Air Force Chandigarh Apprentice Recruitment 2025

✅ UPSC NDA I Recruitment 2026