About the Job
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination I, 2026. Candidates who have successfully enrolled for this recruitment drive can now access and download their respective e-admit cards or hall tickets. It is strongly recommended that applicants review the full notification to understand specific eligibility criteria, the selection process, salary structures, and other essential exam guidelines.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Begin | 10/12/2025 |
| Last Date for Apply Online | 30/12/2025 |
| Last Date Pay Exam Fee | 30/12/2025 |
| Exam Date | 12/04/2026 |
| Admit Card Available | 02/04/2026 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | 100/- |
| SC/ST | 0/- |
| Female | 0/- |
Age Limit (As on 01/01/2027)
- Minimum Age : 19
- Maximum Age : 25
- Age Relaxation Extra as per Government Recruitment Rules.
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Posts | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) | 100 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream |
| INA (Indian Naval Academy) | 26 | Engineering Degree |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) | 32 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Math at 10+2 OR Engineering Degree |
| OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) | 293 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream |
How to Fill Form
- Visit the official UPSC online portal or the link provided for the CDS I examination.
- Ensure you have your registration number, roll number, or date of birth ready for the login process.
- Verify all personal details printed on your admit card immediately after downloading.
- Take a clear, physical printout of the hall ticket, as it is a mandatory document for entry into the examination hall.
- Review the exam center details and reporting time carefully to avoid any last-minute issues on the day of the test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the maximum age limit for a candidate applying specifically for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) in UPSC CDS I 2026?
A: The maximum age limit for candidates applying for the OTA is 25 years as of 01/01/2027.
Q: Are candidates holding an Engineering degree eligible to apply for the Indian Naval Academy (INA) posts?
A: Yes, an Engineering degree from a recognized university in India is a mandatory requirement for the INA positions.
Q: Is it mandatory to have studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level for AFA applicants if they possess an Engineering degree?
A: No, candidates with an Engineering degree are eligible for the Air Force Academy (AFA) even without Physics and Math at the 10+2 level; these subjects are only required for those applying with a general Bachelor's degree.
Q: What is the primary difference in age criteria for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) versus the Air Force Academy (AFA)?
A: The age limit for IMA is 19-24 years, whereas for the Air Force Academy, it is 20-24 years as per the specified cut-off date.
Q: Do female candidates have to pay any application fee for the UPSC CDS I 2026 examination?
A: No, female candidates are exempted from the application fee and are required to pay 0/-.