Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites online applications for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2026 for commissioning opportunities in the Indian Armed Forces. A total of 451 vacancies are available across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (including Women).

This is a national-level selection process comprising a written examination, followed by SSB interview, medical examination, and physical assessment as applicable under UPSC/Services rules.

Key Dates

Application Start Date: 10 December 2025
Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025
Last Date for Fee Payment: 30 December 2025
Exam Date: 12 April 2026
Admit Card: Before the examination (as per UPSC schedule)

Vacancy Details (Total: 451)

Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 100
Indian Naval Academy (INA): 26
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: 32
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): 275
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (Women): 18

Responsibilities

Selected candidates will undergo pre-commission training at the respective academy and, upon successful completion, will be commissioned as officers. Typical responsibilities may include:

Leading and managing teams in operational and administrative environments.
Planning and executing duties aligned with Service requirements (Army/Navy/Air Force).
Maintaining high standards of discipline, integrity, and professional conduct.
Participating in continuous training, physical conditioning, and skill development.
Performing roles as per branch/allocation after commissioning and training.

Eligibility & Requirements

Nationality/Eligibility: As per UPSC CDS rules and official notification.
Age Limit: As per UPSC rules. The provided window indicates candidates born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008 for IMA/INA/AFA. For OTA/OTA (Women), the content indicates 02 January 2002 to 01 January 2008. Candidates must verify exact dates and conditions in the official UPSC notification.
Educational Qualification:
- IMA (Dehradun): Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
- AFA (Hyderabad): Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university (as per the provided content; verify exact AFA criteria in the official notification).
- OTA: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- OTA (Women): Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Selection Stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Physical Examination/Assessment (as applicable)

Application Fee

General / OBC / EWS: ₹200
SC / ST: ₹0
All Female Categories: ₹0
Online Payment Modes: Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Card/Mobile Wallet

How to Apply

Apply online through the UPSC portal within the application window (10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025).
Fill the application carefully and submit required details as per instructions.
Pay the fee (if applicable) by 30 December 2025.
Keep a copy/print of the submitted application for reference.
Read the official notification thoroughly before applying to confirm eligibility, age criteria, and instructions.

Benefits

Opportunity to serve as a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
Structured training at premier academies (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA).
Professional growth, leadership development, and specialized career pathways.
Pay, allowances, and service benefits as per Government/Service rules.

About the Company

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s central recruiting agency responsible for conducting examinations and selections for appointments to various services of the Government of India. Through CDS, UPSC facilitates entry into the officer cadre of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force via a transparent and merit-based competitive examination process.

Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in/

Reference Source: https://sarkariresult.com.cm/upsc-cds-i-recruitment-2026-chk/