UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) I 2026 under Exam Notification No. 04/2026. CDS-I, dated December 10, 2025. This exam will be conducted for admission to prestigious defense academies such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA) for courses commencing in January 2027/April 2027. Applications have started from December 10.
The online application process is open from December 10, 2025, to December 30, 2025 (6 PM). You can apply through the official website or the application link provided below. Candidates are advised to read the notification carefully and carefully check their eligibility with respect to age, educational qualifications, and marital status. The written examination will be held on April 12, 2026, followed by SSB interviews for selected candidates.
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Recruitment Boards | UPSC |
| Advt. No. | UPSC CDS-(1) 2026 |
| Post | Lieutenant |
| Vacancy | 451 |
| Salary | 56100/- Starting Pay Level -10 |
| Courses | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Exam Name | CDS 1 2026 |
| EXAM DATE | 12 April 2026 |
| Course Started | Jan 2027/ April 2027 |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in/ |
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
| Application Started | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date of Application | 30 December 2025 |
| Last Date of Application Fee | 30 December 2025 |
| Edit Form | as per schedule Notification & Official Website |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card | Before Exam |
| Result | After Exam (May 2026) Expected |
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026: Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| UR/ OBC/ EWS | 200/- |
| SC/ ST | NIL |
| Female | NIL |
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026: Vacancy & Qualification
| Course Name | Vacancies | Qualification |
| Indian Military Academy Dehradun | 100 | Graduation Any Discipline |
| Indian Navel Academy Ezhimala | 26 | Engineering Degree |
| Airforce Academy | 32 | Graduation with Physics & Math at 12th OR B.E./ B. Tech. |
| Officers Training Academy Men | 275 | Graduation Any Discipline |
| Officers Training Academy Female | 18 | Graduation Any Discipline |
| Total Posts | 451 |
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026: Age Limit
| Course | Age Limit |
| Indian Military Academy IMA | 19-24 Years (Born between 2 January 2003 to 1 January 2008) |
| Indian Naval Academy INA | 19-24 Years (Born between 2 January 2003 to 1 January 2008) |
| Airforce Academy AFA | 20-24 Years (Born between 2 January 2002 to 1 January 2008) |
| Officers Training Academy OTA (Men & Women) | 19-25 Years (Born between 2 January 2001 to 1 January 2006) |
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026: Mode of Selection
- Written Exam Conduct by UPSC Boards.
- SSB Interview by Armed Forces Selection Boards.
- Document Verification.
- Medical Examination.
- Final Merit List Based on written Exam + SSB Interview.
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026: How to Apply
- First of all, read the UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 notification carefully.
- While reading the notification, please check carefully what qualifications are required to apply.
- If you are an eligible candidate to apply then fill your application by visiting the official website or by clicking on the Apply Now link given below.
- Please keep the required documents with you while applying.
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026: Important Links
| Application Form | Apply Now |
| CDS 1 OTR | OTR |
| CDS 1 Notification | Check Notification |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in/ |
| More Jobs Update | Jobshai |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Join |
What is the eligibility for UPSC CDS 1 2026?
Graduation Any Discipline
How many total posts are there in UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
451 Posts
What is the exam date of UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
12 April 2026
What is the Age Limit for UPSC CDS 1 2026?
19-25 Years
