UPSC CDS 1 2026 Recruitment – 451 Posts, Online Application

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the CDS 1 Recruitment 2025 notification for a total of 451 vacancies. Candidates who have completed graduation in any discipline are eligible to apply for this recruitment.The online application process will begin on 10 December 2025 and will remain open until 30 December 2025. Interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications online through the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued an official notification inviting applications for 451 CDS 1 posts. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online through the official UPSC website. The last date to submit the online application form is 30 December 2025.This article provides complete information about the UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment, including eligibility requirements, age limit, pay details, selection process, step-by-step application procedure, and direct links to the official notification and online application form.

UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Overview: Apply Online, Eligibility & Selection

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I), 2026 to fill a total of 451 vacancies across various defence academies.

• Organization Name: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

• Examination Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026

• Total Vacancies: 451

• Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month (Pay Level-10)

• Educational Qualification: Degree from a recognized university (qualification varies by course)

• Age Limit: 19 to 24 years (age criteria vary by course)

• Online Application Start Date: 10 December 2025

• Last Date to Apply Online: 30 December 2025

• Official Website: upsc.gov.in

UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details

The course-wise vacancy distribution under UPSC CDS-I 2026 is as follows:

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 must fulfill the prescribed eligibility conditions related to educational qualification, age limit, and nationality, which may vary depending on the course applied for. Detailed course-wise eligibility criteria are provided in the official notification.

UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 – Eligibility & Other Details

Educational Qualifications

• Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai:
  Degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.

• Indian Naval Academy (INA):
  Degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.

• Air Force Academy (AFA):
  Degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

Additional Notes:

• Candidates appearing in the final year or final semester of their degree course are also eligible.

• Professional and technical qualifications recognized as equivalent by the Government are acceptable.

Nationality Criteria

Candidates must be:

• A Citizen of India, or

• A Subject of Nepal, or

• A Person of Indian Origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia), or Vietnam, with the intention of permanent settlement in India.

Salary / Stipend Details

During Training

• Fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month (Starting Pay – Level 10)

After Commissioning

Military Service Pay (MSP):
₹15,500 per month (from Lieutenant to Brigadier)

Additional Allowances:

• Dearness Allowance

• Dress Allowance – ₹20,000 per year

• Transport Allowance

• Children Education Allowance – ₹2,250 per month

• Free ration in kind

Age Limit (as on 01 January 2027)

• Indian Military Academy (IMA):
  Unmarried male candidates born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008

• Indian Naval Academy (INA):
  Unmarried male candidates born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008

• Air Force Academy (AFA):
  20 to 24 years (born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007)
  Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence

• OTA (SSC Men):
  Unmarried male candidates born between 02 January 2002 and 01 January 2008

• OTA (SSC Women):
  Unmarried women, issueless widows or divorcees born between 02 January 2002 and 01 January 2008

Important Notes:

• Date of birth will be accepted only from the Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate.

• No change in date of birth will be permitted after submission.

Application Fee

Payment Mode:
Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking.

Note:

• Application fee once paid will not be refunded.

• No fee exemption is available for OBC male candidates.

Important Dates

Selection Process

Stage 1 – Written Examination

For IMA / INA / AFA:

• English – 100 marks

• General Knowledge – 100 marks

• Elementary Mathematics – 100 marks

• Total: 300 marks

For OTA:

• English – 100 marks

• General Knowledge – 100 marks

• Total: 200 marks

Negative Marking:
One-third (0.33 marks) will be deducted for each incorrect answer.

Stage 2 – SSB Interview

• Intelligence and Personality Test

• Two-stage process:

  • Stage I: OIR Tests and PP&DT

  • Stage II: Interview, GTO Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference

SSB Marks:

• 300 marks for IMA / INA / AFA

• 200 marks for OTA

Stage 3 – Medical Examination

• Conducted by a Special Medical Board at designated Armed Forces Medical Services hospitals.

Final Selection:
Based on combined marks of the Written Examination and SSB Interview, subject to medical fitness.

General Instructions

• Applications must be submitted online only

• Universal Registration Number (URN) is mandatory

• Live photo capture is compulsory during CAF submission

• Aadhaar Card is strongly recommended as ID proof

• Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited

• e-Admit Card will be issued online only

• Face authentication is mandatory at the examination centre

• Only black ball pen should be used for OMR sheets

Helpdesk:
Helpline and email support are available during working hours.

Women candidates are encouraged to apply to promote gender balance.

How to Apply

1. Complete online registration and generate URN

2. Fill the Common Application Form

3. Upload photograph and capture live photo

4. Complete examination-specific details

5. Upload required documents

6. Select examination centre

7. Pay application fee (if applicable)

8. Submit application and note the application number

9. Take a printout for future reference

Important Notes:

• No corrections allowed after submission

• Government employees must inform their Head of Office

• Armed Forces personnel must submit NOC at the SSB stage

Status:  Closed