UPSC has released the EXAMINATION NOTICE NO. 4/2026 CDS- I on December 10, 2025 for 451 vacancies. Candidates can apply for UPSC CDS 1 2026 from December 10 to December 30, 2025. The written exam will be organized on April 12, 2026 in 81 cities across the country. Applicants who are unmarried and have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university can apply online.
This post is specially for those candidates who are interested to apply for Combined Defence Services (CDS I), complete details of age limits, salary, selection process and application procedure are mentioned below.
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Notification
The Union Public Service Commission has officially issued the CDS 2026 (Exam I) Notification No. 4/2026. There are 451 vacancies in IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA for SSC. Interested applicants can fill out the form online from December 10 to December 30, 2025, until 6 PM on the UPSC online website. Vacancies Details as
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun — 100 posts (including 13 reserved for NCC ‘C’ certificate holders)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala — 32 posts (6 reserved for NCC holders)
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad — 32 posts (3 reserved for NCC-Air-wing)
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai — 275 posts for men (Non-Technical) & 18 posts for women (Non-Technical) SSC courses.
Age Limit
- IMA/INA: Candidates must be born between 2 January 2003 and 1 January 2008. Only unmarried males can apply.
- AFA: Birthdate should be between 2 January 2003 and 1 January 2007, meaning the age should be 20–24 years. Must be unmarried and under 25.
- OTA (Men & Women): Birthdate must fall between 2 January 2002 and 1 January 2008, and the applicant must be unmarried.
Application Fee
- SC/ST candidates: No application fee.
- All women applicants: No fee required.
- General, OBC, and EWS male candidates: Fee is ₹200.
Pay Scale/ Salary
- During the training period, both male and female cadets receive a monthly stipend of ₹56,100.
- After commissioning as a Sub-Lieutenant, Lieutenant, or Flight Officer, the pay starts at Level 10 of the Defence Pay Matrix (₹56,100–₹1,77,500) plus MSP and other allowances.
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CDS 1 2026 includes a written examination, followed by an SSB interview for shortlisted candidates. Those who qualify in both stages must also clear the medical examination for final selection.
Also Read: UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification Released Here
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Examination Date
The UPSC CDS 1 2026 written examination will be conducted on 12 April 2026, as clearly stated in the official notification. Candidates who complete their applications between 10 December 2025 and 30 December 2025 will be eligible to appear for the exam. The test will be held in offline mode in 81 cities across the country.
How to apply UPSC CDS 1 2026?
Follow the steps below to fill out the CDS 1 2025 application form online:
1. Visit the Official Website
Go to the UPSC online portal: upsconline.nic.in
2. Click on “One-Time Registration (OTR)”
If you are a new user, complete the OTR registration by entering your basic details, mobile number, email ID, and uploading required documents.
If already registered, simply log in.
3. Fill the CDS 1 2025 Application Form
After login:
- Click on “UPSC CDS I 2025 Examination” under active notifications.
- Fill in your personal information, educational details, and communication details correctly.
4. Upload Required Documents
You must upload:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Photo ID proof (as per UPSC instructions)
Make sure all files are uploaded in the specified size and format.
5. Select Your Exam Centre
Choose the preferred exam centre from the list. Centres are allotted on a first-apply, first-allot basis.
6. Pay the Application Fee
Payment can be done through:
- Debit/credit card
- Net banking
- SBI challan (offline)
Fee Details:
- SC/ST/Female: No fee
- General/OBC/EWS (Male): ₹200
7. Preview & Submit
Carefully check your form before final submission.
Once confirmed, click “Submit”.
8. Print the Application Form
After submission, download and print:
- Application Form
- Fee payment receipt (if applicable)
FAQs
1. When was the CDS 1 2026 notification released?
The notification for CDS 1 2026 has been officially released by UPSC on December 10, 2025.
2. How many vacancies are announced for CDS 1 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
3. What is the age limit for CDS 1 2026?
Age limits vary by academy, generally ranging between 20 to 24 years for AFA and broader ranges for IMA, INA, and OTA.
4. How can I apply for CDS 1 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the UPSC portal upsconline.nic.in by completing the OTR and submitting the application form.