The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the CDS 2026 Notification for recruitment to the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA for men and women. The CDS Exam will be conducted on April 12, 2026. A total of 451 vacancies have been announced. The online application process started on December 10, 2025, and remained open until December 30, 2026. Interested candidates were advised to check the notification for details regarding eligibility, age limit, application fees, salary, and selection process before applying through the official link.
UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026
CDS 2026 Notification and CDS Exam
Short Details of Notification
| Important Dates | Application Fee |
| • Notification Date: 10 December 2025 • Application Begins: 10 December 2025 • Apply Last Date: 30 December 2025 • Last Date for Fee: 30 December 2025 • Admit Card Date: Notify Later • Exam Date: Notify Later • Result: Notify Later • Candidates are advised to verify the details from the official website of the Union Public Service Commission. | • For General, OBC: ₹ 200/- • For SC/ST: ₹ 0/- • For All Female Category: ₹ 0/- 👉 Payment Mode (Online): You can make the payment using the following methods: • Debit Card • Credit Card • Internet Banking • IMPS • Cash Card / Mobile Wallet |
| Total Post | 541 Posts |
| CDS Age Limit as of 01 August 2025 | ||
| Academy/Course | Age Limit | Date of Birth Between |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19–24 Years | 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19–24 Years | 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20–24 Years | 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2007 |
| AFA (with valid CPL) | Up to 26 Years | 02 Jan 2001 – 01 Jan 2007 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men) | 19–25 Years | 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2008 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Women) | 19–25 Years | 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2008 |
| CDS 2026 Notification: Total Vacancies | |||
| Course/Academy | Male Vacancies | Female Vacancies | Total |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | — | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 | — | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | — | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – SSC (Non-Technical) | 275 | 18 | 293 |
| Grand Total | 433 | 18 | 451 |
| NDA 2026 Notification: Educational Qualification | |
| Academy / Post | Educational Qualification Required |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | • The candidate must have a degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | • The candidate must have a degree in engineering from a recognized university/institution. |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | • The candidate must have a degree from a recognized university with physics and mathematics at the 10+2 level OR a bachelor of engineering. |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – SSC (Men) | • The candidate must have a degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – SSC (Women) | • The candidate must have a degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
| How to Apply for CDS 2026 Notification and CDS Exam | |
| 👉 How to apply for CDS 2026 Notification and CDS Exam 1. Go to the UPSC Online Application Portal at https://upsconline.nic.in 2. Complete the Common Application Form (CAF), Universal Registration Number (URN), and Account Creation. 3. Choose your exam center and service preferences when completing the CDS-I 2026 Examination Specific Form. 4. Upload the necessary files and a picture, then take a live picture as directed. 5. If necessary, pay the ₹200 application fee (females, SC, and ST are exempt). 6. For future reference, submit the form and record the application number and URN. Candidates can check their CDS 2026 Notification and CDS Exam through the official link provided below. | |
| CDS 2026 Notification: Mode Of Selection | |
| CDS 2026 Notification – Mode of Selection. 1. Written Examination (Objective Type) 2. SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test) • Stage I: OIR & PPDT • Stage II: Interview, Psychology Test, GTO Tasks, and Conference 3. Medical Examination 4. Final Merit List • Prepared based on written exam and SSB marks, subject to medical fitness and vacancies | |
| IMPORTANT LINKS | |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Homepage | Click Here |
CDS 2026 Notification – Important FAQs
Q1. What is CDS 2026?
Ans. CDS (Combined Defence Services) 2026 is a UPSC exam to recruit officers for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA (men & women) in the Indian Armed Forces.
Q2. When will the CDS 2026 exam be conducted?
Ans. The CDS-I 2026 written exam will be held on April 12, 2026.
Q3. How many total vacancies are there in CDS 2026?
Ans. A total of 451 vacancies have been announced in the CDS-I 2026 notification.
Q4. Who can apply for CDS 2026?
Ans. Candidates who have a graduation degree (engineering for INA / specific criteria for AFA) and meet the age & eligibility conditions can apply.
Q5. Can female candidates apply for CDS 2026?
Ans. Yes, female candidates can apply only for OTA (SSC – Non-Technical), as per the notification.
Q6. What is the application fee for CDS 2026?
Ans.
• ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS
• No fee for female, SC, and ST candidates.
Q7. What is the age limit for CDS 2026?
Ans. Age is calculated as of January 1, 2027, and varies by academy (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA).
Q8. What is the selection process for CDS 2026?
Ans. Selection includes:
• Written Exam
• SSB Interview
• Medical Examination
• Final Merit List
Q9. Is there negative marking in the CDS exam?
Ans. Yes, one-third (1/3) of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer in the written exam.
Q10. How can I apply for the CDS 2026?
Ans. Candidates must apply online only through upsconline.nic.in. No offline applications are allowed.
