UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination-I 2026
Key Highlights
Job Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Qualification | For IMA & OTA: Graduate degree from recognized university; For Naval Academy: Engineering degree from recognized university; For Air Force Academy: Graduate degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering degree |
| Age Limit | IMA/Naval Academy: 20-25 years; Air Force Academy: 20-24 years; OTA: 23-26 years |
| Location | All India |
| Category | Defence Jobs |
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) (I) 2026 for recruitment of 451 officers in Indian Armed Forces. The examination will be conducted on 12th April 2026 for admission to Indian Military Academy Dehradun (100 posts), Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala (26 posts), Air Force Academy Hyderabad (32 posts), and Officers Training Academy Chennai (293 posts for men and women). Eligible candidates can apply online from 10th December to 30th December 2025. This prestigious examination offers opportunities for graduate candidates aged 20-26 years to serve as officers in Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through various training academies across the country.
Complete Job Details
Educational Qualification
For IMA & OTA: Graduate degree from recognized university; For Naval Academy: Engineering degree from recognized university; For Air Force Academy: Graduate degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering degree
Age Limit
IMA/Naval Academy: 20-25 years; Air Force Academy: 20-24 years; OTA: 23-26 years
Age relaxation applicable as per government rulesApplication Fee
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
Combined Defence Services Officer
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) (I) 2026 for recruitment of 451 officers in Indian Armed Forces. The examination will be conducted on 12th April 2026 for admission to Indian Military Academy Dehradun (100 posts), Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala (26 posts), Air Force Academy Hyderabad (32 posts), and Officers Training Academy Chennai (293 posts for men and women). Eligible candidates can apply online from 10th December to 30th December 2025. This prestigious examination offers opportunities for graduate candidates aged 20-26 years to serve as officers in Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through various training academies across the country.
📌 Last Date to Submit Application: 30 Dec 2025
📋 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) – Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Post(s) |
| Salary / Stipend | |
| Qualification Required | For IMA & OTA: Graduate degree from recognized university; For Naval Academy: Engineering degree from recognized university; For Air Force Academy: Graduate degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering degree |
| Age Limit | IMA/Naval Academy: 20-25 years; Air Force Academy: 20-24 years; OTA: 23-26 years |
| 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 | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | 160th (DE) Course | 100 (including 13 for NCC 'C' Certificate holders) |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | Executive/Hydro Course | 26 (including 6 for NCC 'C' Certificate holders) |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 221 F(P) Training Course | 32 (including 3 for NCC 'C' Certificate holders) |
| Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Men) | 125th SSC (Men) Course | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Women) | 125th SSC Women Course | 18 |
✅ Eligibility Criteria
📚 Educational Qualification
- Indian Military Academy: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd January 2003 to 1st January 2008
- Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd January 2003 to 1st January 2008
- Air Force Academy: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd January 2003 to 1st January 2007
- OTA (Men): Male candidates (married/unmarried) born between 2nd January 2001 to 1st January 2007
- OTA (Women): Unmarried women, issueless widows, issueless divorcees born between 2nd January 2001 to 1st January 2007
- IMA & OTA: Graduate degree from recognized university
- Naval Academy: Engineering degree from recognized university
- Air Force Academy: Graduate degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering degree
- Candidates must be physically fit as per prescribed standards
Age Limits & Marital Status:
Educational Qualifications:
Physical Standards:
👤 Age Limit
- IMA/Naval Academy: 20-25 years; Air Force Academy: 20-24 years; OTA: 23-26 years
- Age relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-Servicemen as per government rules
💰 Salary Structure
Pay Scale: As per pay matrix
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
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
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 | 12 Apr 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before exam date |
📝 How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsconline.nic.in
- Register with valid email ID and mobile number
- Fill the online application form with required details
- Upload scanned photographs and signature as per specifications
- Pay application fee online through SBI Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card
- Submit the application and take printout for future reference
- Application window: 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025 (6:00 PM)
⭐ Important Highlights
- ✨ Total Vacancies: 451 Post(s)
- ✨ Attractive Salary: As per pay matrix
- ✨ 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.