CDS 1 2026 Notification Released – Apply Online for 451 UPSC CDS Vacancies
UPSC has released the CDS 1 2026 notification for 451 vacancies in IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Candidates can apply online from 10 to 30 December 2025. Check eligibility, exam dates, syllabus, pattern, and the complete selection process.
Applications for this role have closed.
Last date to apply was Dec 30, 2025
Deadline: Dec 30, 2025 · Last date approaching
Post details
Vacancy count, salary, fee, age limit, selection process, and qualification details are included below.
Jump to section
CDS 1 2026 Notification Out
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS 1 2026 Notification for 451 officer-entry vacancies, as confirmed in the vacancy table on page 4 of the notification
UPSC
. The CDS exam offers aspirants the opportunity to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and OTA as commissioned officers.
The application window is open from 10 December to 30 December 2025, and the written exam will be held on 12 April 2026. Eligible candidates should apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
CDS 1 2026 – Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS 1 2026) |
| Conducting Authority | UPSC |
| Vacancies | 451 |
| Posts | IMA, INA, AFA & OTA |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Selection Stages | Written Test + SSB Interview + Medicals |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
CDS 1 2026 – Important Dates
The important dates mentioned in the notification and summary:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (6 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card | 1 week before exam |
| Written Result | Within 15–20 days of exam |
CDS 1 2026 Vacancy Details
The detailed vacancy distribution is provided in page 4 of the official PDF
UPSC
:
| Academy | Vacancies | Course Commencement | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA Dehradun | 100 | Jan 2027 | Graduation |
| INA Ezhimala | 26 | Jan 2027 | Engineering Degree |
| AFA Hyderabad | 32 | Jan 2027 | B.Tech OR Graduation with Physics & Maths (10+2) |
| OTA Chennai (Men) | 275 | April 2027 | Graduation |
| OTA Chennai (Women) | 18 | April 2027 | Graduation |
| Total | 451 | — | — |
Eligibility Criteria for CDS 1 2026
Eligibility details cross-verified from pages 7–9 of the notification
UPSC
.
1. Educational Qualification
| Academy | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| IMA | Graduation in any stream |
| OTA (Men & Women) | Graduation in any stream |
| INA | Engineering Degree (B.E/B.Tech) |
| AFA | B.Tech OR Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2 |
2. Age Limit
As per the rules listed on page 7:
| Academy | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| IMA | 19–24 years |
| INA | 19–22 years |
| AFA | 19–24 years |
| OTA | 19–25 years |
3. Nationality
- Citizen of India
OR - Subject of Nepal/Bhutan
OR - Tibetan refugee (before 1 Jan 1962)
4. Marital Status
- Unmarried males for IMA, INA & AFA
- Unmarried male & female candidates for OTA
CDS 1 2026 Application Fee
As per details on page 9:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female | No Fee |
CDS 1 2026 Salary Details
Approximate monthly in-training stipend & post-commission salary:
| Post | Salary / Stipend |
|---|---|
| Officer Cadet (Training) | ₹56,100 per month |
| After Commission (Lieutenant) | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
CDS 1 2026 Selection Process
The CDS recruitment process involves three stages, also detailed under Appendix-II (page 20):
1. Written Exam
- Objective type
- Negative marking applicable
- Three papers for IMA/INA/AFA
- Two papers for OTA
2. SSB Interview
Includes:
- OIR tests
- Psychology tests
- GTO tasks
- Personal Interview
3. Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a detailed medical check.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official UPSC Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
| CDS Online Application | https://upsconline.nic.in |
| CDS 1 2026 Notification PDF | Notification link |
Applications for this role have closed.
Last date to apply was Dec 30, 2025
Deadline: Dec 30, 2025 · Last date approaching
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was CDS 1 2026 notification released?
2. How many vacancies are announced for CDS 1 2026?
3. What is the last date to apply for CDS 1 2026?
4. What is the exam date for CDS 1 2026?
5. Is there any application fee for females?
6. Can women apply for IMA or AFA through CDS?
7. Is engineering mandatory for AFA?
8. What is the selection process for CDS?
9. Is there negative marking in CDS?
Similar opportunities
MSC Bank Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 139 Posts, Apply Online Started
The Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank Ltd. (MSC Bank), Mumbai, has released the official notification for the recruitment of Trainee Junior Officers, Trainee Associates, Trainee Typists, and Trainee Drivers. A total of 139 vacancies have been announced under Advertisement No. 03/MSC Bank/2026-27. The online application process has started on 11 June 2026 and will continue till 01 July 2026. Interested candidates who are domiciled in Maharashtra State and fulfill the prescribed eligibility criteria can ap
View detailsMazagon Dock Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 495 Posts, Apply Online
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai has released the Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification under Advertisement No. MDL_ATS/01/2026. The recruitment drive aims to fill 495 Apprentice vacancies across Group A, Group B, and Group C trades. Eligible candidates can submit their online applications from 11 June 2026 to 01 July 2026. The recruitment offers apprenticeship opportunities for candidates with 8th Pass, 10th Pass, and ITI qualifications in various technical trades. Selected candidates wi
View detailsAndaman & Nicobar CHSL Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 716 Group B and C Posts
The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has released the CHSL Recruitment 2026 notification for 716 Group B and Group C posts through the Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination 2026. Eligible candidates can apply online from 15 June 2026 to 05 July 2026 through the official recruitment portal. This recruitment offers opportunities for 12th pass candidates as well as applicants with post-specific skills such as typing, stenography, computer knowledge, trade certificates, physical standards, and technical
View detailsAIIMS CRE-5 Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 1484 Group B & C Posts, Apply Online
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has released the official notification for the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE-5) 2026 for recruitment to various Group B and Group C posts across participating AIIMS institutions and Central Government bodies. Through Advertisement No. 93/2026, AIIMS has announced 1484 tentative vacancies for multiple non-faculty positions. Interested candidates can submit their online applications from 13 June 2026 to 03 July 2026 through the official AII
View detailsCentral Bank of India Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 4500 Posts, Apply Online
The Central Bank of India has officially released the Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification for 4,500 apprentice training seats under the Apprentices Act, 1961 for the financial year 2026-27. Graduates from any discipline can apply online from 12 June 2026 to 22 June 2026. This is one of the largest banking apprenticeship drives of the year, offering candidates a one-year apprenticeship training opportunity across various states and union territories in India with a monthly stipend of ₹15,000.
View details
Job created by
