The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I) for 2026. This is a chance for young men and women to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. Applications for over 450 expected posts will start online from December 10, 2025 . The last date to apply is December 30, 2025 . The exam is scheduled for April 12, 2026 .
Interested candidates aged 19 to 25 years, depending on the academy, can apply. You need a Bachelor’s Degree for most posts. Read the full details below to understand how to apply, eligibility, and important dates.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | December 10, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | December 30, 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | December 30, 2025 |
| Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
| Admit Card | Will be announced later |
| Result Date | Will be announced later |
Application Fee
Candidates must pay an application fee. Check the table for details:
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General (Gen), OBC, EWS | ₹200/- |
| SC, ST | ₹0/- |
You can pay the fee using a Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or through an E-Challan offline.
Age Limit
Your age is counted as of July 01, 2025 . Check the age limits for each academy:
| Academy | Age Limit (as of 01.07.2025) |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19 to 24 Years |
| Air Force Academy | 20 to 24 Years |
| Officer Training Academy (OTA) | 19 to 25 Years |
Expected Vacancies and Eligibility
UPSC expects to fill 450+ posts . The final number will be shared in the detailed notification. Check the required education for each academy:
| Post Name | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream from a recognized university. |
| Indian Naval Academy | Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from a recognized university. |
| Air Force Academy | Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream with Physics and Math at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering from a recognized university. |
| Officer Training Academy (Men & Women) | Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream from a recognized university. |
Salary
Selected candidates will receive a good salary and other benefits. The salary ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500/- per month . You will also get allowances as per government rules.
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026 has several steps:
- Written Exam: Candidates first take a written test.
- SSB Interview / Personality Test: Those who pass the written exam go for an interview by the Service Selection Board (SSB).
- Document Verification: Your original documents are checked.
- Medical Examination: You must pass a medical fitness test.
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps to apply for the UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026:
- First, read the official notification PDF carefully when it is released on December 10, 2025 .
- Go to the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in .
- Find and click on the ‘Apply Online’ link for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026. This link will be active from December 10, 2025 .
- Fill in the online application form with all your correct details.
- Upload all the needed documents, like your photo and signature.
- Pay the application fee as required.
- Finally, print a copy of your filled application form for your records.
Important Links
The official website for applying and checking the detailed notification is upsc.gov.in .