UPSC CDS 1 2026: Bumper recruitment for 451 UPSC CDS-1 posts, applications started..

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (1) 2026. Interested candidates can apply online by visiting the official websites upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in. The application deadline is December 30, 2025, at 6:00 pm.

Where are the seats?
According to the notification, a total of 451 positions will be filled under the CDS (1) 2026 for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). These positions include 100 for IMA, 26 for INA, 32 for AFA, 275 for OTA Chennai (male), and 18 for OTA (female). Selected candidates will be admitted to courses commencing in January–April 2027.

Who can apply?

Regarding eligibility, different academies have different age limits and educational qualifications. Unmarried male candidates applying for IMA and INA must be born no earlier than January 2, 2003, and no later than January 1, 2008. Male candidates eligible for OTA must be born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2008, while the same age limit applies to women.

For the Air Force Academy, candidates must be between 20 and 24 years of age by January 1, 2027. Educational qualifications also vary by academy. A bachelor's degree from a recognized university is required for IMA and OTA, while an engineering degree is required for INA, and a B.Tech or graduate degree with mathematics and physics is required for AFA.

Application Fee?

The application fee is ₹200 for General, OBC, and EWS category candidates. SC, ST, and all female candidates are completely exempt from the fee. The application fee can be paid online through net banking, debit, or credit cards.

Selection Process?
The selection process for the CDS exam will be completed in four stages: a written exam, an SSB interview, document verification, and medical examination. The first stage will be a written exam, after which selected candidates will be called for an SSB interview. Final selection will be made after document and medical fitness verification.

How to Apply

First, visit the official website upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in.
Register and obtain a login ID.
Fill the application form.
Upload the required documents and photographs.
Pay the fee and submit the application.

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