The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS 1), 2026, inviting applications for officer training in IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. CDS is one of the most prestigious exams for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. The CDS 1 2026 Exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026, and eligible candidates must apply online before the deadline.
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Overview
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS 1) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (till 6 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview |
| Training Academies | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Window Opens | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Application | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | One week before exam |
| CDS 1 2026 Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Vacancy Details
| Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
A candidate must be:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A person of Indian origin migrated from select countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age Limit, Sex & Marital Status
| Academy | Age Limit | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | Born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008 | Unmarried male |
| INA | Born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008 | Unmarried male |
| AFA | 20–24 years (CPL holders: up to 26 years) | Unmarried under 25 |
| OTA (Men) | Born between 2 Jan 2002 – 1 Jan 2008 | Unmarried male |
| OTA (Women) | Born between 2 Jan 2002 – 1 Jan 2008 | Unmarried / Widowed / Divorced |
Educational Qualification
| Academy | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Degree from a recognized University |
| INA | Engineering degree |
| AFA | Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level OR Engineering Degree |
Final-year students may also apply but must produce proof of passing before the training starts.
Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically and medically fit as per the defence recruitment guidelines.
General requirements include:
- Proper vision standards
- Healthy BMI
- No chronic illness or physical deformity
- Good mental and physical endurance
Note: Air Force and Navy have stricter height and vision norms.
CDS 1 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (Male) | Rs. 200/- |
| Female / SC / ST Candidates | No Fee |
Payment Methods: Debit/Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking.
UPSC CDS 1 2026: How to Apply
- Visit the website upsconline.nic.in
- Create a Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Upload photograph and live photo as required.
- Complete the Exam-Specific Module (preferences, exam centre, etc.).
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the form and save the Application ID for future use.
No corrections are allowed after submission.
CDS 1 2026 Exam Pattern
- All papers are objective type.
- Negative marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for each wrong answer.
- GK & Maths papers available in English & Hindi.
For IMA / INA / AFA
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 6 Hours | 300 Marks |
For OTA (Men & Women)
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | — | 200 Marks |
Official Links
| UPSC CDS 1 2026 Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| UPSC CDS 1 Application Form | Click Here |
