UPSC CDS-I 2026 — 451 Posts
Organisation: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026
Total Vacancies: 451 Posts
Notification Date: 10 Dec 2025
Application Mode: Online
Apply Through:
Overview
UPSC conducts CDS to recruit officer cadets into top Indian defence academies:
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
Wikipedia
Important Dates
Online Application Start: 10 Dec 2025
Last Date to Apply: 30 Dec 2025 (06:00 PM)
Exam Date: 12 Apr 2026 (CDS-I)
Admit Card Release: ~1 week before exam
(Official exam schedule from UPSC notification)
Eligibility
Educational Qualification:
Graduate Degree from a recognized university (any stream).
For Air Force Academy: Specific science/engineering conditions may apply
(e.g., Physics & Maths background).
Nationality: Indian
Age Limits (as per academy):
IMA / INA: 19-24 years
Air Force Academy: 20-24 years
OTA (Men/Women): 19-25 years
(Age relaxation as per rules)
Selection Process
Written Examination
SSB Interview / Personality Test
Medical Examination
Final Merit List
Training & Career
Selected candidates join respective academies for training and, upon successful completion, are commissioned as officers in the Army/Navy/Air Force.
Salary & Perks (Officer Cadets):
Pay and allowances start approx. ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (plus allowances) after commissioning.
Why it’s prestigious:
CDS is one of the most competitive defense entry exams in India — entry into national defence academies with officer ranks