UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 451 Posts

Post Name : Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026

No of Posts : 451

 

Eligibility Criteria :

Educational Qualifications :

• For IMA and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent
• For Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution
• For Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering
• Candidates studying in final year/semester degree course can also apply
• Professional and technical qualifications recognised by Government as equivalent are also acceptable

 

Nationality :

Citizen of India, OR

Subject of Nepal, OR

Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam with intention of permanent settlement in India

 

Salary/Stipend :

During Training: Fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month (starting pay in Level 10)

After Commissioning as Lieutenant: Pay Level 10: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500/-

Captain: Pay Level 10B: Rs. 61,300 – 1,93,900/-

Major: Pay Level 11: Rs. 69,400 – 2,07,200/-

Lieutenant Colonel: Pay Level 12A: Rs. 1,21,200 – 2,12,400/-

Colonel: Pay Level 13: Rs. 1,30,600 – 2,15,900/-

Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs. 15,500/- per month (fixed) from Lieutenant to Brigadier

Additional Allowances: Dearness Allowance, Dress Allowance (Rs. 20,000/- per year), Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance (Rs. 2,250/- per month), Free Ration in kind

 

Vacancy Details :

Age Limit (as on 01-01-2027)

• For IMA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 02/01/2003 and not later than 01/01/2008
• For Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 02/01/2003 and not later than 01/01/2008
• For Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years (born not earlier than 02/01/2003 and not later than 01/01/2007). Upper age limit relaxable upto 26 years for candidates holding valid Commercial Pilot Licence
• For OTA (SSC Men): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 02/01/2002 and not later than 01/01/2008
• For OTA (SSC Women): Unmarried women, issueless widows/divorcees born not earlier than 02/01/2002 and not later than 01/01/2008
• Date of birth accepted only from Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate
• No subsequent change in date of birth allowed

 

Application Fee :

• Payment Mode: Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or Internet Banking
• Fee once paid shall not be refunded under any circumstances
• No fee exemption available for OBC candidates

Important Dates :

Selection Process :

• Stage 1 – Written Examination: Objective type questions conducted by UPSC
• For IMA/INA/AFA: Three papers – English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks), Elementary Mathematics (100 marks). Total: 300 marks
• For OTA: Two papers – English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks). Total: 200 marks
• Stage 2 – Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview: Intelligence and Personality Test
• Two-stage SSB selection: Stage I (OIR tests and PP&DT), Stage II (Interview, GTO Tasks, Psychology Tests, Conference)
• SSB Interview marks: Equal to written examination marks (300 for IMA/INA/AFA, 200 for OTA)
• Stage 3 – Medical Examination: Special Medical Board at designated Armed Forces Medical Services Hospitals
• Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in both written exam and SSB test
• Final selection based on combined marks (Written + SSB) subject to medical fitness
• Negative marking: 0.33 marks deduction for each wrong answer

• Candidates must apply online only through https://upsconline.nic.in
• No other mode of application is allowed
• Universal Registration Number (URN) required for all UPSC examinations
• Live Photo Capture mandatory while filling Common Application Form (CAF)
• Aadhaar Card strongly recommended as ID document
• One Photo ID Card mandatory (Aadhaar/Voter Card/PAN/Passport/Driving License)
• Candidates cannot withdraw applications after submission
• e-Admit Card will be issued on last working day of preceding week of examination
• No Admit Card will be sent by post or email
• Candidates must reach examination venue at least 30 minutes prior to commencement
• Face Authentication mandatory at examination venue
• Mobile phones and electronic devices strictly banned
• Use Black Ball Pen only for marking answers in OMR sheet
• Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep) available for 7 days after examination
• Helpdesk: 011-24041001 or email: [email protected] (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days)
• Government strives for gender balance – Women candidates encouraged to apply

How to Apply :

• Step 1: Visit official website https://upsconline.nic.in
• Step 2: Create Account and generate Universal Registration Number (URN)
• Step 3: Fill Common Application Form (CAF) with personal details
• Step 4: Upload recent photograph and capture live photo
• Step 5: Fill Examination Specific Module with preferences for Services (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA)
• Step 6: Upload required documents (Date of Birth proof, Educational certificates, etc.)
• Step 7: Select Examination Centre from available options
• Step 8: Pay application fee online (if applicable) through Credit/Debit Card/UPI/Net Banking
• Step 9: Submit application and note down Application Number
• Step 10: Take printout of application for future reference
• Important: No corrections allowed after submission of application
• Note: Candidates already in Government Service must inform their Head of Office/Department
• Note: Candidates serving in Armed Forces must inform Commanding Officer and submit NOC at SSB

Important Links :

Apply Online: Click here

Official Notification : Click here

Official Website: Click here

 

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