The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) CDS Examination‑I 2026 is one of the most prestigious national-level recruitment exams in India for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) as commissioned officers.
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| UPSC Combined Defence Services |
This examination provides young graduates and final-year students a direct path to serve the nation in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. (upsc.gov.in)
📌 Overview – UPSC CDS-I 2026
Exam Name: Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination‑I 2026
Conducted By: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Recruitment For: IMA, OTA, INA, AFA
Application Mode: Online only via upsc.gov.in
Exam Type: Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical Examination
Course Start: Training batches in 2026-27 after selection
This exam is ideal for graduates in any discipline or final-year students who want to join the defence services as commissioned officers. (jagranjosh.com)
🗓️ Important Dates – CDS-I 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 06 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 06 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 26 February 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 April 2026 (Sunday) |
| Admit Card Release | 10–12 days before exam |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 (Tentative) |
| SSB Interview | July–September 2026 |
Candidates should apply online only through the UPSC portal and ensure submission before the last date to avoid rejection. (upsc.gov.in)
🎯 Eligibility Criteria
1️⃣ Nationality
Indian citizens are eligible.
Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan may also apply.
Persons of Indian origin with a certificate issued by Indian authorities can apply. (upsc.gov.in)
2️⃣ Age Limit (as on 01 Jan 2026)
| Academy | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| IMA | 19–24 years |
| OTA (Men) | 19–25 years |
| OTA (Women) | 19–25 years |
| INA | 19–22 years |
| AFA | 19–23 years |
Note: Relaxation may apply for certain categories as per government rules. (jagranjosh.com)
3️⃣ Educational Qualification
| Academy | Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Graduate (any discipline) from a recognized university |
| INA | B.Sc/Engineering degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level |
| AFA | Graduate (any discipline) with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level |
Final-year students can also apply but must submit proof of graduation before joining training. (jagranjosh.com)
📝 Selection Process
The selection involves three major stages:
Written Examination (CBT/Offline) – Conducted by UPSC
Subjects: English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics
Duration: 2–3 hours per subject, multiple-choice and subjective questions
Marks vary per academy
SSB Interview (Service Selection Board) – 5-day personality & aptitude assessment
Psychological Tests
Group Tasks & Officer-Like Qualities (OLQ) Assessment
Personal Interview
Medical Examination – Candidates must meet strict medical standards for commissioning
Candidates who clear all three stages are recommended for final selection and training. (upsc.gov.in)
💰 Salary & Benefits
Once commissioned, officers receive a competitive salary & perks:
Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10)
Additional Allowances: Dearness Allowance, Field Area Allowance, Transport Allowance
Other Perks: Free accommodation, medical facilities, travel allowances, and post-retirement pension benefits
This makes a career in the CDS very rewarding both financially and socially. (defencecareersindia.in)
🧠 Syllabus – CDS-I 2026
For IMA, OTA, AFA
English: Vocabulary, grammar, comprehension
General Knowledge: Current affairs, history, geography, politics, science
Elementary Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, probability
For INA (Navy)
English & General Knowledge same as above
Mathematics: Physics & Maths focus from 10+2 level
Preparation Tips:
Practice previous year papers of UPSC CDS
Focus on General Knowledge & Current Affairs
Use standard NCERT textbooks for Maths and English
🧑💻 How to Apply Online
Visit UPSC official portal: upsc.gov.in
Register as a new user and generate a login ID
Fill personal, educational, and contact details
Upload photograph, signature, and other necessary documents
Pay application fee online
Submit the form and take a printout for future reference
⚠ Candidates are advised to read the official notification before applying. (upsc.gov.in)
📌 Quick Tips for CDS Aspirants
Start early preparation for Mathematics & General Knowledge
Practice previous year papers and mock SSB interviews
Maintain good physical fitness for SSB medical test
Keep all educational & identity documents ready
Follow UPSC official website for updates
🌟 Final Summary – Why CDS-I 2026 is Important
The UPSC CDS-I 2026 is a prestigious gateway for young graduates to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. With opportunities in Army, Navy, and Air Force, this examination attracts thousands of aspirants seeking a stable, rewarding, and respected career in defence.
Whether your goal is combat, naval technology, or air force operations, CDS offers a structured path with excellent training, pay, and growth prospects. (upsc.gov.in)
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