The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially invited applications for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) I 2026 (Notice No. 04/2026-CDS). This examination selects candidates for officer training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The selected cadets will commence their courses in January 2027 or April 2027, depending on the academy.
The online application window will remain open from 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025 (until 6 PM). Candidates should thoroughly verify their eligibility, including age, educational qualifications, and marital status. The written examination is scheduled for 12 April 2026, and candidates who qualify will proceed to the SSB interview stage.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Overview
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Courses Offered | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Vacancies | 451 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Quick Links:-
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Result (Written) | May 2026 (expected) |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | Rs. 200/- |
| Female/SC/ST | Nil |
Payment can be made via online methods or by depositing cash at any SBI branch.
Vacancy Details
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA, Men) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA, Women) | 18 |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Indian citizen or as prescribed in the notification (subject of Nepal, Bhutan, or Indian origin migrants).
Age Limit
- IMA: 19–24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008)
- INA: 19–24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008)
- AFA: 20–24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2002 – 1 Jan 2008)
- OTA (Men & Women): 19–25 years (Born between 2 Jan 2001 – 1 Jan 2006)
Educational Qualification
- IMA and OTA: Candidates Should have Degree from a recognized university.
- INA: Candidates Should have Degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
- AFA: Candidates Should have Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering.
Selection Process
- Written Examination:
- IMA, INA, AFA:
- English: 100 Marks
- General Knowledge: 100 Marks
- Elementary Mathematics: 100 Marks
- OTA:
- English: 100 Marks
- General Knowledge: 100 Marks
- IMA, INA, AFA:
- SSB Interview:
- Intelligence and personality tests conducted by Services Selection Board (SSB).
- Merit List:
- Based on combined scores of the written exam and SSB interview.
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics (IMA, INA, AFA only) | 2 Hours | 100 |
- Negative marking applies to wrong answers.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS (II) 2026
- Visit upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
- Fill out the application form and upload the necessary documents.
- Pay the application fee and submit your application.
- Print the application confirmation page for future reference.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Important Links
FAQs
Yes, females can apply for specific academies like the Officers’ Training Academy.
The training duration at the Indian Military Academy is typically 18 months.
Yes, certain reserved categories have relaxation in the upper age limit as per UPSC guidelines.
There is no limit on the number of attempts for the UPSC CDS Examination, provided candidates meet the age criteria.