JOB SUMMARY

Quick overview of this opportunity

Field
Details
Recruiting Organization
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name
Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026
Total Vacancy
462 Posts
Application Mode
Online (OTR Mandatory)
Category
Defence Services (Gazetted Officer)
Official Website

IMPORTANT DATES

Notification Release Date

10 Dec 2025
3 weeks ago

Online Application Start

10 Dec 2025
3 weeks ago

Last Date to Apply (6:00 PM)

✓ Latest
31 Dec 2025
Tomorrow

Modification Window for OTR

1 - 7 Jan 2026

Admit Card Release

March 2026

Written Examination Date

19 Apr 2026

Total Events

6

Upcoming

2

Completed

2

⚠️ Tomorrow

Last Date to Apply (6:00 PM)

Mark these dates in your calendar to never miss a deadline! 📅

ACADEMY-WISE VACANCY DISTRIBUTION

UPSC CDS 1 2026 Vacancies

6 entries

UPSC CDS 1 2026 Vacancies
Academy NameCourse CommencementTotal Vacancies
IMA DehradunIndian Military Academy (IMA)January 2027100
INA EzhimalaIndian Naval Academy (INA)January 202732
AFA HyderabadAir Force Academy (AFA)January 202732
OTA (Men)Officers' Training Academy (Men)April 2027275
OTA (Women)Officers' Training Academy (Women)April 202723
TotalGrand TotalAll Academies462
Showing 6 of 6 entries

Scroll horizontally to view all columns. The first column stays fixed for easy reference.

APPLICATION FEE

General / OBC

₹200

Exempted Categories

Nil (Exempted for Female/SC/ST candidates).

Payment Information

Payment Mode

Online through Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Cash payment via 'Pay by Cash' mode at SBI branches.

Ensure you pay the correct fee for your category before the deadline!

ELIGIBILITY & AGE LIMIT (AS ON 2027-01-01)

IMA & OTA Qualification

Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.

INA Qualification

Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.

AFA Qualification

Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

Age: IMA & INA

Calculate Age

Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2003 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.

Age: Air Force Academy

Calculate Age

20 to 24 years (Born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2003 and not later than 1st Jan 2007). Upper limit relaxed up to 26 years for Valid Commercial Pilot License holders.

Age: OTA (Men & Women)

Calculate Age

Born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2002 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.

Verify all eligibility requirements before applying.

SALARY & RANK STRUCTURE

Pay Structure

As per 7th Pay Commission

Government Pay Scale

Stipend during Training

56,100 per month (Starting pay in Level 10).

Rank Pay Level 10

56,100 – ₹1,77,500 plus Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 p.m. and various allowances like DA, HRA, and Transport Allowance.

Plus Additional Benefits

DA, HRA, TA & Other Allowances

Grade Pay

As Per Level

Pay Matrix

7th CPC

Medical
LTC
Pension
Leaves
Insurance
Bonus

Note

Final salary may vary based on posting location, experience, and applicable allowances. Please refer to official notification for exact details.

SELECTION PROCESS

Complete Overview1 Stages

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

Your complete selection journey at a glance

1
Stage 1

Stages of Selection

  • 1. Written Examination (Objective Type)
  • 2. Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB Interview)
  • 3. Document Verification
  • 4. Medical Examination.
1
Stages
1
Exams
0
Interviews
Final
Selection

Preparation Tip

Focus on clearing each stage one at a time. Prepare specifically for each round by understanding its format and requirements.

STEPS TO APPLY ONLINE

4 Steps
1
📌

One-Time Registration (OTR)

Step 1 of 4

Visit upsconline.nic.in and complete the OTR process if not already registered.

2
✍️

Application Form

Step 2 of 4

Log in using OTR ID and navigate to 'Latest Notification' for CDS I 2026. Complete Part-I and Part-II registration.

3
📌

Uploads

Step 3 of 4

Upload your Photograph, Signature, and Photo ID proof document as per the specified dimensions and format.

4
💳

Center Selection & Fee

Step 4 of 4

Select your preferred examination center and pay the application fee (if applicable).

Complete all steps to submit successfully!

OFFICIAL LINKS

3 Links

Apply Online (UPSC OTR)

Download Official Notification

UPSC Annual Calendar 2026

Pro Tip: Bookmark this page for quick access to all important links!

Disclaimer: Links are provided for informational purposes. Always verify on the official website for authentic updates.

All links verified and updated regularly! 🔗

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Find answers to common questions below

4 FAQs
Answer

Yes, candidates studying in the final year/semester of their degree course can apply, provided they produce proof of passing the degree by the commencement of the course (Jan/April 2027).

Still have questions?

Can't find what you're looking for? Check the official notification or contact support for more details.