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UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 451 Posts (Exam Date 12 April)

UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for 451 Vacancies, Exam Date 12 April

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UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the detailed notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. Candidates who dream of joining the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers Training Academy (OTA) can now apply online. The application window for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 is open from 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025. This year, there are 451 Vacancies available across various academies.

UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 Overview
Important Dates
  • Notification Released : 10/12/2025
  • Online Application Start : 10/12/2025
  • Last Date to Apply : 30/12/2025 (6:00 PM)
  • Correction Window : Jan 2026
  • CDS 1 Exam Date : 12 April 2026
Application Fee
  • General / OBC / EWS : ₹ 200/-
  • SC / ST / Female : ₹ 0/- (Exempted)
  • Payment Mode:
    Online Only
    (UPI, Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking)
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Vacancy Details (451 Posts)

A total of 451 vacancies have been announced in the UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification. The academy-wise distribution of seats is given below:

Sl.Academy NameVacanciesCourse Name
1Indian Military Academy (IMA)100160th (DE) Course
2Indian Naval Academy (INA)26Executive Branch Course
3Air Force Academy (AFA)32(Pre-Flying) Training Course
4OTA Chennai (Men)275SSC (Non-Technical) Course
5OTA Chennai (Women)18SSC (Non-Technical) Course
Total Posts451

1. Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026

To apply for the UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification, candidates must meet specific age and educational requirements. Please check your eligibility carefully before applying.

Educational Qualification
AcademyQualification Required
IMA & OTADegree of a recognized University or equivalent.
INA (Navy)Degree in Engineering (B.E/B.Tech) from a recognized University/Institution.
AFA (Air Force)Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering.
Age Limit (As per CDS 1 2026)
AcademyAge Range & DOB Criteria
IMA19-24 Years (Born between 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008)
INA19-24 Years (Born between 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2008)
AFA20-24 Years (Born between 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2007)
OTA (Men/Women)19-25 Years (Born between 02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2008)

2. UPSC CDS 1 2026 Exam Pattern

The selection for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 involves a Written Examination followed by an SSB Interview. The exam pattern differs for OTA and other academies.

For IMA, INA, and AFA
SubjectDurationMax Marks
English2 Hours100
General Knowledge2 Hours100
Elementary Mathematics2 Hours100
Total300
For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
SubjectDurationMax Marks
English2 Hours100
General Knowledge2 Hours100
Total200
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification?

The application process for UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification has changed slightly with the introduction of OTR (One Time Registration). Follow these steps:

  • Step 1 (OTR): Visit upsconline.nic.in. If you are a new user, complete the ‘One Time Registration’ to get your Universal Registration Number (URN).
  • Step 2 (Login): Login using your Email/Phone and OTP. Go to “Latest Notifications”.
  • Step 3 (Apply): Select “CDS Exam (I) 2026”. The form is divided into two parts (Part-I & Part-II).
  • Step 4 (Fill Details): Enter your personal details, qualification, and choose your preferred academy preferences (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA).
  • Step 5 (Upload): Upload scanned Photograph, Signature, and Photo ID Card (Preferably Aadhaar Card as per notice).
  • Step 6 (Payment): Pay the application fee of ₹200 (if applicable).
  • Step 7: Select your Exam Centre and submit the form. Print the final application for reference.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Apply Online (Link Active)Click Here
Download Notification PDFDownload PDF
Official WebsiteVisit Website
FAQ : UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026
1. What is the last date for UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification?
➥ The last date to submit the online application is 30 December 2025 (till 6:00 PM).
2. What is the Exam Date for CDS 1 2026?
➥ The written examination will be conducted on 12 April 2026.
3. Can final year students apply for CDS 1 2026?
➥ Yes, candidates in the final year of their degree course can apply, provided they submit proof of passing at the time of SSB Interview.
4. How many vacancies are there in CDS 1 2026?
➥ There are a total of 451 Vacancies including 100 for IMA, 26 for INA, 32 for AFA, and 293 for OTA.
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification Apply Online Eligibility Exam Date.
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