The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS 1 Exam Notification 2026, inviting applications for 451 prestigious posts across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
This recruitment offers not just a job, but a lifetime of honor, discipline, adventure, and unmatched growth. With salaries reaching ₹1,77,500 per month, world-class training, allowances, promotions, and the highest level of respect, CDS is easily one of India’s most sought-after defence career opportunities.
But here’s the catch—
The application window is short and closes on 30th December 2025.
Yes, you read that right… The countdown has begun!
Let’s dive into the complete details so you don’t miss this golden opportunity.
🔰 Overview of UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026
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Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
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Exam Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026
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Total Vacancies: 451 Posts
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Application Mode: Online
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Start Date: 10 December 2025
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Last Date: 30 December 2025
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Salary: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month
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Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in
This exam is your gateway to joining the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as a Commissioned Officer.
🔥 Vacancy Breakdown – 451 Defence Posts
Here’s where you can serve the nation:
1️⃣ Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – 100 Posts
(162nd DE Course, including 13 NCC vacancies)
2️⃣ Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – 26 Posts
Executive & Hydro Cadre
3️⃣ Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – 32 Posts
Pre-Flying Training Course
4️⃣ Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 275 Posts (Men)
5️⃣ OTA Chennai – 18 Posts (Women)
If you’re passionate about becoming an officer, this notification has something for everyone!
🎓 Education Qualification
Different academies require different qualifications:
For IMA & OTA
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Degree from a recognized University.
For Indian Naval Academy
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Engineering Degree.
For Air Force Academy
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Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR
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Bachelor of Engineering.
Final-year students are also eligible—another BIG advantage!
🎯 Age Limit (as on 01-01-2027)
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IMA & INA: 19 to 24 years
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AFA: 20 to 24 years (Relaxable up to 26 years for CPL holders)
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OTA (Men & Women): 19 to 25 years
Only candidates born between the approved date range are eligible. No request for DOB change will be considered later.
💰 Salary & Perks – One of India’s Best Career Packages
Serving the nation pays well—very well!
During Training
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₹56,100 per month (stipend)
After Commissioning
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Lieutenant: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
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Captain: ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900
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Major: ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200
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Lt. Colonel: ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400
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Colonel: ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900
Allowances
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Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500
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Dearness Allowance
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Transport Allowance
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Dress Allowance: ₹20,000 per year
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Free Ration
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Children's Education Allowance: ₹2,250 per month
This is one of the most rewarding government jobs in India!
🧠Selection Process – Three Stages
1️⃣ Written Examination
For IMA, INA, AFA
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English – 100 marks
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General Knowledge – 100 marks
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Mathematics – 100 marks
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Total: 300 marks
For OTA
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English – 100 marks
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General Knowledge – 100 marks
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Total: 200 marks
Negative marking: 0.33 marks per wrong answer.
2️⃣ SSB Interview
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Stage I: Screening (OIR + PP&DT)
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Stage II: GTO Tasks, Interview, Psych Tests
Marks weightage:
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300 for IMA/INA/AFA
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200 for OTA
3️⃣ Medical Examination
Candidates must be physically and medically fit.
💵 Application Fee
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General/OBC Male: ₹200
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Women/SC/ST: No Fee
Payment accepted via UPI/Net Banking/Debit/Credit Cards.
🗓 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Online Application Starts | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (6 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Result | May 2026 (Tentative) |
| Course Commencement (IMA/INA/AFA) | Jan 2027 |
| Course Commencement (OTA) | Apr 2027 |
📌 How to Apply for UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2026
Follow these simple steps:
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Register & generate URN (Universal Registration Number)
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Fill the Common Application Form (CAF)
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Upload Photo + Live Photo Capture
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Select your preferred academies
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Upload documents
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Choose exam centre
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Pay fee (if applicable)
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Submit application
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Take printout for future reference
Note: No correction allowed after submission.
⚠️ Important Instructions
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Valid Photo ID mandatory (Aadhaar recommended)
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Mobile phones/electronic gadgets are STRICTLY banned in exam centres
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Reach venue at least 30 minutes early
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Admit card will NOT be sent by email/post
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Face Authentication is mandatory at exam venue
💥 Why CDS Is One of India’s Best Career Opportunities
✔ Elite training in world-class academies
✔ Respect & prestige of being a commissioned officer
✔ High salary + allowances
✔ Job security + pension
✔ Adventure, leadership, and personal growth
✔ Opportunity to serve the nation with pride
UPSC CDS-I Important Links
- Apply Online: Click here
- Official Notification PDF: Click here
- Official Website: Click here
Join Telegram Channel – Click Here
Sarkari Result – Click Here
Age Calculator – Click Here
- Apply Online: Click here
- Official Notification PDF: Click here
- Official Website: Click here
Join Telegram Channel – Click Here
Sarkari Result – Click Here
Age Calculator – Click Here
🚀 Final Words: Apply Before It’s Too Late!
UPSC CDS is not just another government job—
it is a dream career that shapes leaders, protects the nation, and builds lifelong honour.
With 451 vacancies, this may be your chance to turn your defence dream into reality.
But remember—
⏳ The last date is 30 December 2025.
Don’t wait. Don’t delay. Apply NOW.
