UPSC CDS 2026 Notification Out: 451 Vacancies, Exam Date, Salary & Eligibility
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Job summary
Qualifications
- Candidates should have a valid degree for respective academies.
- Age limits vary by academy; candidates must be unmarried for certain roles.
- Physical fitness is a must according to medical standards.
Responsibilities
- Fulfill duties as lieutenants in the Army, Navy, or Air Force upon commissioning.
- Undergo rigorous training at designated academies.
- Participate in a written examination followed by an SSB interview.
Education
Job description
UPSC CDS 2026 Notification Out: 451 Vacancies, Exam Date, Salary & Eligibility The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for unmarried graduates to join the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. The Commission has announced a total of 451 vacancies across various academies. Selected candidates will receive a starting stipend of ₹56,100 during training, which converts to a handsome Level 10 pay scale upon commissioning. The application window is open from 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025. If you aspire to serve the nation as a Commissioned Officer, this exam is your gateway.
Key Highlights of UPSC CDS 2026 Exam
- Recruitment Board: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Exam Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026
- Total Vacancies: 451 Posts
- Job Location: All India (Training at respective Academies)
- Salary/Pay Scale: Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500)
- Application Mode: Online
- Last Date to Apply: 30th December 2025
The Union Public Service Commission conducts the CDS exam twice a year to recruit officers for the Indian Armed Forces. The selection process is rigorous, involving a written examination followed by an Intelligence and Personality Test by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Successful candidates undergo training at their respective academies before being commissioned as Lieutenants (or equivalent) in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
UPSC CDS 2026 Vacancy Breakdown
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – 162nd (DE) Course commencing in Jan 2027 – 100 vacancies
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – Executive Branch Course commencing in Jan 2027 – 26 vacancies
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – (Pre‑Flying) Training Course commencing in Jan 2027 – 32 vacancies
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 125th SSC (Men) (NT) Course (April 2027) – 275 vacancies
- OTAs (Women – SSC) – 125th SSC Women (NT) Course (April 2027) – 18 vacancies
- Total – 451 vacancies
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification
- For IMA and OTA: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
- For INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution.
- For AFA: Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
- Note: Final year students can also apply provided they submit proof of passing by the specified dates.
- Age Limit & Marital Status
- IMA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2003 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
- INA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2003 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
- AFA: 20 to 24 years as on 1st Jan 2027 (Born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2003 and not later than 1st Jan 2007).
- OTA (Men – SSC): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2002 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
- OTA (Women – SSC): Unmarried women, issue‑less widows/divorcees born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2002 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
- Medical Standards – Candidates must be physically fit according to the prescribed physical standards for admission to the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. This includes height, weight, and vision standards specific to the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Salary Structure and Benefits
- Stipend: During the training period at service academies (IMA and OTA), cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month (Starting pay in Level 10).
- Pay on Commission: On successful commissioning, the rank of Lieutenant (or equivalent) is granted with pay in Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500).
- Allowances: Officers are entitled to various allowances such as Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month, Dearness Allowance (DA), High Altitude Allowance, Field Area Allowance, Transport Allowance, and Uniform Allowance.
- Perks: Additional benefits include free ration, medical facilities for self and family, Group Insurance cover (₹1.25 Cr), canteen facilities, and accommodation.
Selection Process for UPSC CDS 2026
- Tier 1: Written Examination – The written exam is objective type. There is a penalty (negative marking) of 1/3rd marks for wrong answers.
- For IMA, INA, AFA: Three papers – English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Each paper is of 2 hours and 100 marks (Total 300 Marks).
- For OTA: Two papers – English and General Knowledge. Each paper is of 2 hours and 100 marks (Total 200 Marks).
- Tier 2: SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test) – Candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview.
- Stage I – Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II – Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. These tests assess officer‑like qualities over 4 days.
- Marks: The maximum marks for the SSB interview are 300 for IMA/INA/AFA and 200 for OTA.
How to Apply Online for CDS 2026
- Visit the official application portal: upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if you haven’t already.
- Login and click on “Latest Notifications” to find the CDS (I) 2026 link.
- Fill in the application form in two parts (Part I and Part II).
- Upload your photograph, signature, and Photo ID card (preferably Aadhaar Card) as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee of ₹200 (if applicable) via online mode.
- Select your preferred exam centre carefully.
- Submit the form and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Dates for UPSC CDS 2026
- Notification Released – 10th December 2025
- Online Application Start Date – 10th December 2025
- Last Date to Apply Online – 30th December 2025 (till 6:00 PM)
- Correction Window – 31st Dec 2025 – 06th Jan 2026
- CDS 1 Exam Date – 12th April 2026
- Application Fees – General / OBC / EWS: ₹200
Female / SC / ST: Nil (Exempted)
Essential Links
- Official Notification PDF: Download Notification
- Apply Online: Apply Online
- Official Website: UPSC Website
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