UPSC CDS 2026 Notification Out: 451 Vacancies, Exam Date, Salary & Eligibility
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 recognized university |
| Age Limit | 19-25 years (varies by academy) |
| Salary | Level 10 pay scale as per 7th Pay Commission |
| Location | All India |
| Category | Defence Jobs |
UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 notification released for 451 vacancies across Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy. Online applications open from 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025. Selected candidates receive Level 10 pay scale (Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500) upon commissioning. Exam scheduled for 12th April 2026. Eligibility includes graduation degree for most academies, age limit 19-25 years varies by academy. Selection involves written exam followed by SSB interview. Excellent career opportunity for unmarried graduates to serve the nation as commissioned officers in Indian Armed Forces.
Complete Job Details
Educational Qualification
Graduation degree from recognized university
Age Limit
19-25 years (varies by academy)
Age relaxation applicable as per government rulesApplication Fee
Read Notification
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Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Recruitment
Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Officers' Training Academy
UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 notification released for 451 vacancies across Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy. Online applications open from 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025. Selected candidates receive Level 10 pay scale (Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500) upon commissioning. Exam scheduled for 12th April 2026. Eligibility includes graduation degree for most academies, age limit 19-25 years varies by academy. Selection involves written exam followed by SSB interview. Excellent career opportunity for unmarried graduates to serve the nation as commissioned officers in Indian Armed Forces.
📌 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 | Level 10 pay scale as per 7th Pay Commission |
| Qualification Required | Graduation degree from recognized university |
| Age Limit | 19-25 years (varies by academy) |
| 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 | Course Details | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 162nd (DE) Course - Jan 2027 | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | Executive Branch Course - Jan 2027 | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | Pre-Flying Training Course - Jan 2027 | 32 |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 125th SSC (Men) Course - April 2027 | 275 |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 125th SSC Women Course - April 2027 | 18 |
✅ Eligibility Criteria
📚 Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Degree from recognized University or equivalent
- Indian Naval Academy: Engineering degree from recognized University/Institution
- Air Force Academy: Degree from recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering
- IMA: Born between 2nd Jan 2003 and 1st Jan 2008 (Unmarried males)
- INA: Born between 2nd Jan 2003 and 1st Jan 2008 (Unmarried males)
- AFA: 20-24 years as on 1st Jan 2027 (Born between 2nd Jan 2003 and 1st Jan 2007)
- OTA Men: Born between 2nd Jan 2002 and 1st Jan 2008 (Unmarried males)
- OTA Women: Born between 2nd Jan 2002 and 1st Jan 2008 (Unmarried women/widows/divorcees)
Educational Qualification:
Age Limit:
Medical Standards:
Candidates must meet prescribed physical standards including height, weight, and vision requirements specific to Army, Navy, and Air Force.
👤 Age Limit
- 19-25 years (varies by academy)
- Age relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-Servicemen as per government rules
💰 Salary Structure
Pay Scale: Level 10 pay scale as per 7th Pay Commission
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 test with negative marking of 1/3rd marks for wrong answers
- For IMA/INA/AFA: 3 papers (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics) - 300 marks total
- For OTA: 2 papers (English, General Knowledge) - 200 marks total
- SSB Interview: Intelligence & Personality Test including
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT)
- Stage II: Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, Conference (4 days assessment)
- Maximum marks: 300 for IMA/INA/AFA, 200 for OTA
Note: Selection process may vary. Please refer to official notification for exact details.
📋 Exam Pattern
| Academy | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA/INA/AFA | English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 | |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 | |
| OTA | English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
Note: Exam pattern is indicative. 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 | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before exam date |
📝 How to Apply
- Visit official portal: upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not done already
- Login and click on 'Latest Notifications' to find CDS (I) 2026 link
- Fill application form in two parts (Part I and Part II)
- Upload photograph, signature, and Photo ID card as per specifications
- Pay application fee of Rs. 200/- online (if applicable)
- Select preferred exam centre carefully
- Submit form and print confirmation page for future reference
⭐ Important Highlights
- ✨ Total Vacancies: 451 Post(s)
- ✨ Attractive Salary: Level 10 pay scale as per 7th Pay Commission
- ✨ 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.