UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 451 Posts
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has put out the official notice for Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 [including SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course]. A total of 451 positions are available for entry into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers’ Training Academy for both men and women. Unmarried male and female candidates can fill the online application form from December 10, 2025 to December 30, 2025 (till 06:00 PM). This is great news for candidates who want to pursue Government Defence Jobs.
Course-wise Vacancy Details
| Name of Academy / Course | No. of Posts |
| IMA Dehradun – 162nd DE Course Jan 2027 | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – Executive/Hydro (Jan 2027) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – 221 F(P) Pre-Flying Course Jan 2027 | 32 |
| OTA Chennai – 125th SSC (Men) (NT) Course, Apr 2027 | 275 |
| OTA Chennai – 125th SSC Women (Non-Tech) Course (Apr 2027) | 18 |
| Total Posts | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria
| Academy / Course | Educational Qualification |
| Indian Military Academy & OTA |
|
| Indian Naval Academy |
|
| Air Force Academy |
|
Important Dates
- Application Begin: December 10, 2025
- Last Date to Apply Online: December 30, 2025 (06:00 PM)
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 19 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: Rs. 200/-
Application Mode
- Online
Pay Scale
- Lieutenant (Level 10): Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500/- + MSP Rs. 15,500/- pm + other allowances
Physical Standards
- Minimum Height (Male): 157 cm (152 cm for Gorkhas/North-East candidates)
- Minimum Height (Female): 152 cm (relaxable for certain regions)
- Weight: As per height-weight chart (BMI-based) provided in notification
Selection Process
- An Examination procession atop the Written Evaluation (Objective type) fi=SSB Interview/Pers.
- Test in brackets, where Psychological Tests, Group Testing & Personal Interview are enclosed.
- Document Verification, Medical Examination (Special Medical Board).
- Final Merit List based on Written + SSB marks.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026
- Visit the online application website at https://upsconline.nic.in
- If you have not yet registered, kindly complete the One-Time Registration (OTR, Aadhaar recommended).
- Access your account with your OTR Registration ID and password.
- From the list, select “Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026”.
- One must fill Part-I: Provide personal, educational and other details required.
- Application fees online: Rs. 200/- (offline through SBI challan) are exempted for female/SC/ST candidates.
- Fill Part-II: Select exam centre, Upload photo, signature and photo ID proof.
- Carefully check the entire application.
- Submit the application.
- Take a printout of the finally submitted application for reference.
FAQs
Applicants should be single men or women and should be of the age, education and physical standards as stated by the UPSC. Entry to Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy and Naval Academy is by graduation whereas graduates of any subject can be accepted in Officers Training Academy. The nationality is also a qualification requirement and other standards that must be checked before applying to eliminate rejection.
Application for UPSC CDS-I 2026 may be made between December 10, 2025 and December 30, 2025 before 6.00 PM. Applications should be made within this time since late applications are never accepted. To have a smooth procedure of application, the candidates are advised to organize necessary documents such as educational certificates and photo ID beforehand.
There is a total of 451 openings which includes Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and the Officers Training Academy both men and women. Each of the academies and courses, such as SSC Women (Non-Technical), has certain numbers assigned to them. The applicants are advised to verify official announcements to be aware of the breakdown and what entry they match according to their preference and eligibility criteria.
Important Links
| Official Notification | www.aavedan.co |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
| Apply Online | www.upsconline.nic.in |
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