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.
Total vacancies: 451
Applications for this role have closed.
Last date to apply was Dec 30, 2025
Dec 10, 2025
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Vacancy count, salary, fee, age limit, selection process, and qualification details are included below.
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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 |
Dec 10, 2025
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?
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