UPSC CDS (1) 2026 Notification OUT, Apply Online For Combined Defence Services Examination
Key Highlights
Job Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Officers' Training Academy |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Qualification | Graduation degree from a recognized university (specific requirements vary by academy) |
| Age Limit | 19-26 years (Post wise) |
| Salary | Rs. 56,100/- (Starting Pay) Level-10 |
| Location | All India |
| Category | Defence Jobs |
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 notification on 10 December 2025. Applications are invited for 451 Lieutenant positions across Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy. Eligible candidates can apply online from 10 December to 30 December 2025 through the official website. The starting salary is Rs. 56,100 at Level-10 pay scale. The examination is scheduled for 12 April 2026. Selection process includes written exam, SSB, document verification, and medical examination. Application fee is Rs. 200 for General/OBC/EWS candidates while SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Complete Job Details
Educational Qualification
Graduation degree from a recognized university (specific requirements vary by academy)
Age Limit
19-26 years (Post wise)
Age relaxation applicable as per government rulesApplication Fee
General/OBC/EWS: Rs. 200
SC/ST/Female: Nil
Read Notification
First, download and read the official notification carefully to understand eligibility criteria and requirements.
Check Eligibility
Verify that you meet all the eligibility requirements including age, qualification, and other criteria.
Prepare Documents
Keep your documents ready: Photo, Signature, ID Proof, Educational Certificates, etc.
Apply Online/Offline
Visit the official website and complete the application process before the last date.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Recruitment
Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Officers' Training Academy
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 notification on 10 December 2025. Applications are invited for 451 Lieutenant positions across Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy. Eligible candidates can apply online from 10 December to 30 December 2025 through the official website. The starting salary is Rs. 56,100 at Level-10 pay scale. The examination is scheduled for 12 April 2026. Selection process includes written exam, SSB, document verification, and medical examination. Application fee is Rs. 200 for General/OBC/EWS candidates while SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted from fee payment.
📌 Last Date to Submit Application: 30 Dec 2025
📋 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) – Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Officers' Training Academy |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Post(s) |
| Salary / Stipend | Rs. 56,100/- (Starting Pay) Level-10 |
| Qualification Required | Graduation degree from a recognized university (specific requirements vary by academy) |
| Age Limit | 19-26 years (Post wise) |
| Job Location | All India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Start Date | 10 Dec 2025 |
| Last Date | 30 Dec 2025 |
| Official Website | Visit Official Website |
📊 Vacancy Details
| Post Name | No. of Posts |
|---|
| Academy | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | 0 | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 45 | 0 | 45 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | 0 | 32 |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA) Men | 225 | 0 | 225 |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA) Women | 0 | 16 | 16 |
| Total | 402 | 16 | 418 |
✅ Eligibility Criteria
📚 Educational Qualification
- IMA: Degree from recognized university
- INA: B.Sc. with Physics & Mathematics or Bachelor of Engineering
- AFA: Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering
- OTA: Degree from recognized university
- IMA: 19-24 years
- INA: 19-22 years
- AFA: 19-23 years
- OTA: 19-25 years
- Indian Citizen
- Subject of Nepal/Bhutan
- Tibetan refugee (came before 1962)
- Person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries
Educational Qualification:
Age Limit:
Nationality:
👤 Age Limit
- 19-26 years (Post wise)
- Age relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-Servicemen as per government rules
💰 Salary Structure
Pay Scale: Rs. 56,100/- (Starting Pay) Level-10
Additional allowances as per government norms (DA, HRA, TA, etc.)
💳 Application Fee
Payment Mode: Online through Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI
📝 Selection Process
- Written Examination (Objective Type)
- SSB Interview (Personality Test)
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List Preparation
- Training at respective academies
Note: Selection process may vary. Please refer to official notification for exact details.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 12 Dec 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 10 Dec 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 Dec 2025 |
| Exam Date | 20 Apr 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before exam date |
📝 How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Click on 'Online Application for Various Examinations'
- Select 'Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026'
- Register with basic details to generate Registration ID
- Fill the application form with personal, educational details
- Upload scanned photograph and signature
- Pay application fee online (if applicable)
- Submit the form and take printout for future reference
⭐ Important Highlights
- ✨ Total Vacancies: 451 Post(s)
- ✨ Attractive Salary: Rs. 56,100/- (Starting Pay) Level-10
- ✨ Location: All India
- ✨ Application Mode: Online
- ⚠️ Don't miss the last date: 30 Dec 2025
⚠️ Disclaimer: All information provided above is collected from official sources. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official notification before applying. We are not responsible for any changes or discrepancies.
Selection process may vary. Please refer to official notification for exact details.
Important Disclaimer
All information on this page is collected from official sources. Please verify all details from the official notification before applying. We are not responsible for any changes or errors in the information provided.