New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced that the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) (I), 2026 will be conducted on 12 April 2026 for admission to various defence training academies. A total of 451 vacancies will be filled through this examination for courses commencing in January and April 2027.
Vacancy Details and Training Academies
The CDS (I) 2026 will offer admissions to the following institutions:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
DE Course commencing January 2027
100 vacancies, including 13 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing) holders - Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro Course commencing January 2027
26 vacancies, including 6 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) holders and 1 Hydro vacancy - Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
Flying (Pilot) Training Course commencing January 2027
32 vacancies, including 3 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Special Entry - Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
SSC (Men) (Non-Technical) Course commencing April 2027
275 vacancies - Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
SSC (Women) (Non-Technical) Course commencing April 2027
18 vacancies
Women candidates will be considered only for Short Service Commission at OTA and must indicate OTA as their sole preference.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the nationality, age limits, sex and marital status conditions as prescribed in the official notification available at upsc.gov.in.
Educational Qualifications
- IMA and OTA: Degree from a recognised university or equivalent
- INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognised university/institution
- AFA: Degree from a recognised university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering
Candidates appearing in the final year/semester of their degree course are also eligible to apply, subject to submission of proof of passing as specified in the notification.
Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit according to the medical standards prescribed for CDS (I) 2026, as detailed in Appendix-III of the notification.
Application Process and Important Dates
- Online Application Portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025 (till 6:00 PM)
Application Fee
- Rs. 200 for General and OBC candidates
- Exempted: Female candidates and candidates belonging to SC/ST categories
The fee can be paid via Credit/Debit Card, UPI or Internet Banking.
Scheme of Examination
The CDS (I) 2026 comprises two stages:
- Written Examination as per the subjects, syllabus, time duration and maximum marks specified in the notification
- Interview and Personality Test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) for candidates qualifying the written examination
Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks separately in both the written examination and SSB test.
Selection and Merit List
UPSC will prepare a merit list based on the combined performance in the written examination and SSB interview. Final selection will be made strictly on the basis of merit, medical fitness and availability of vacancies.
Training and Commissioning
Detailed information regarding training schedules, commissioning and service conditions is provided in the official UPSC notification.
Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces are advised to carefully read the notification and apply well before the deadline.
Read also: UP Government Launches Digital Libraries in 11,350 Gram Panchayats to Boost UPSC Preparation
