The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites online applications for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I) 2026 for a total of 451 vacancies 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 to commission eligible graduates as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Key Dates
- Online application start date: 10 December 2025
- Online application last date: 30 December 2025
- Last date for fee payment: 30 December 2025
- Examination date: 12 April 2026
- Admit card: Before the exam (as per UPSC schedule)
Vacancies (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 their respective academies and, upon successful completion, will be commissioned as officers. Typical responsibilities include:
- Leading and managing teams in operational and administrative environments
- Planning and executing assigned duties in accordance with service requirements
- Maintaining discipline, professional conduct, and adherence to defence protocols
- Participating in training, drills, and continuous professional development
- Meeting physical fitness, medical, and service standards throughout training and service
Eligibility & Requirements
Educational Qualification (as per academy)
- IMA: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
- INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university
- AFA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university
- OTA / OTA (Women): Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
Age Limit / Date of Birth (as per notification)
- IMA / INA / AFA: Date of birth between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008 (as per UPSC rules)
- OTA / OTA (Women): Date of birth between 02 January 2002 and 01 January 2008 (as per UPSC rules)
- Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC regulations (refer official notification for category-wise rules).
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: INR 200
- SC / ST: NIL
- All Female candidates: NIL
Payment Mode (Online)
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Internet Banking
- IMPS
- Cash Card / Mobile Wallet
Selection Process
- Written Examination
- Interview
- Medical Examination
- Physical Examination
How to Apply
- Apply online through the UPSC official website within the application window.
- Complete the form carefully and submit it before 30 December 2025.
- Pay the applicable fee (if any) by the deadline.
- Keep a copy/printout of the submitted application for reference.
- Read the official notification thoroughly before applying (eligibility, age limits, documents, and instructions).
Benefits
- Opportunity to serve as a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces
- Structured training at premier defence academies
- Career progression, professional development, and leadership opportunities
- Pay, allowances, and service benefits as per applicable government/defence regulations
About the Company / Organization
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s central recruiting agency responsible for conducting examinations and selection processes for appointments to various services of the Government of India, including the Combined Defence Services Examination for officer entry into the Indian Armed Forces.
Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in/
Note: Applicants should verify all details (dates, eligibility, instructions) from the UPSC official notification/website. This listing is a structured summary of the provided content.