UPSC CDS 1 Application Form 2026 Apply Online

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📰 Job Title

Combined Defence Service CDS-I Examination 2026

📅 Post Date

Updated On: 10 December 2025

🧾 Brief Description

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Service CDS-I Examination 2026. Online applications are invited for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The application process starts on 10 December 2025.

📆 Important Dates

💰 Application Fee & Payment Mode

General / OBC Category: ₹200/-
SC / ST Candidates: ₹00/- (Exempted)
Female Candidates (All Categories): ₹00/- (Exempted)
Payment Mode: Pay the Examination Fee Through Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking.

🎂 Age Limit (As on 01.07.2025)

Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19 to 24 years.
Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19 to 22 years.
Air Force Academy (AFA): 20 to 24 years.
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): 19 to 25 years.
For exact date ranges and relaxation, refer to the official notification.

📊 Total Posts

450+ (Expected). The exact number of vacancies will be notified by UPSC.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

For IMA and OTA: Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university[citation:1][citation:4].
For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) / B.Tech. degree.
For Air Force Academy (AFA): Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee.

📋 Vacancy Details (Courses & Result Links)

🏃 Physical Eligibility & Measurement Test

Not Applicable at this application stage. Detailed medical and physical standards are assessed during the SSB Interview and subsequent Medical Examination for shortlisted candidates.

🖊️ How To Apply Online

1. Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in or the online portal https://upsconline.nic.in.
2. Click on the link for “Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026” under ‘Active Examinations’.
3. If you are a new user, complete the One Time Registration (OTR) to generate your credentials[citation:2][citation:3].
4. Log in and fill out the two-part application form with personal, educational, and communication details.
5. Upload scanned documents: Photograph and Signature (in JPG format, 20-300 KB each)[citation:2][citation:3].
6. Pay the application fee online (if applicable) and select your examination centre.
7. Submit the form, review all details, and download/print the confirmation page for future reference.

⚖️ Mode of Selection

The selection process consists of two main stages: Written Examination followed by the SSB Interview. Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the SSB, which includes psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview. Finally, recommended candidates undergo a detailed Medical Examination.

🔗 Important Links

❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions