Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for Combined Defence Services (CDS-I) Recruitment 2026. A total of 451 vacancies are available for Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officer Training Academy.
The online application process starts on 10 December 2025 and the last date to apply is 30 December 2025. Interested candidates are advised to read the complete notification carefully before applying.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 30 December 2025 |
| CDS-I Examination Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card | Before Exam |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST | ₹0/- |
| All Female Candidates | ₹0/- |
Payment Mode (Online)
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Internet Banking
- IMPS
- Cash Card / Mobile Wallet
Age Limit (As per UPSC Rules)
- Date of Birth: Between 02 January 2003 to 01 January 2008
- Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC CDS-I Recruitment rules.
Total Vacancies: 451 Posts
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officer Training Academy (OTA) | 275 |
| Officer Training Academy (OTA – Women) | 18 |
Eligibility Criteria
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university
- Date of Birth: 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from a recognized university
- Date of Birth: 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008
Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from a recognized university
- Date of Birth: 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008
Officer Training Academy (OTA)
- Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university
- Date of Birth: 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2008
Officer Training Academy (OTA – Women)
- Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university
- Date of Birth: 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2008
Selection Process
- Written Examination
- Interview
- Medical Examination
- Physical Examination
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |