UPSC CDS (I) Examination 2026
Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission
Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025Application Closed
Official SourceKey Dates & Info
Last Date to Apply
30 December 2025
Closed
Salary
₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500
Age limit
19-25 years (IMA: 19-24, INA: 19-22, AFA: 20-24, OTA: 19-25)
Application Fee
General/OBC: ₹200, Female/SC/ST: Nil
About This Exam
Combined Defence Services exam for entry into Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. CDS I 2026 exam conducted on April 12, 2026.
Conducting Body
Union Public Service Commission
Total Vacancies
451
Available Posts
Important Dates
Notification Released
10 December 2025
Application End Date
30 December 2025
Exam Date
12 April 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Graduation (Engineering degree for Navy tech branch)
Age limit
19-25 years (IMA: 19-24, INA: 19-22, AFA: 20-24, OTA: 19-25)
19-25 years
No relaxation for any category
Educational Qualification
Bachelor's Degree for IMA/OTA, Engineering for technical entries
Number of Attempts
No limit (within age)
Application Fee
General/OBC: ₹200, Female/SC/ST: Nil
Detailed Syllabus
Exam Pattern
Selection Process
Written Exam → SSB Interview (5 days) → Medical → Final Selection
Previous Year Question Papers
We haven't catalogued previous year papers for this exam yet.
Salary & Career Growth
Salary / Pay Scale
₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500
Range: ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500
Pay Level 10 starting
Plus DA, HRA, and other government allowances as applicable.
Perks & Allowances
Free training, Mess facilities, CSD, Medical, Pension, Adventure training
Job Role & Responsibilities
Officer in Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force
Career Growth & Promotions
Lieutenant → Captain → Major → Lt Colonel → Colonel → Brigadier and above.
Career Benefits
- ✓ Job security and pension benefits
- ✓ Regular pay commission revisions
- ✓ Government housing and medical benefits
- ✓ Career advancement through promotions
Application Process
Visit the official website and locate the online registration link for this exam
Register with a valid, active email ID and mobile number — this is used for all future communication, including admit card and result notifications
Fill in personal, educational, and category details accurately as per your certificates — mismatches can lead to rejection at document verification
Keep scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required certificates ready in the specified format and file size before you start, to avoid losing progress midway
Review all entered details carefully — most government exam applications cannot be edited after final submission
Pay the application fee online through the accepted payment methods — category-based fee waivers may apply, so check the official notification
Submit the form and download or print the confirmation page, and note your registration number for future reference
Application Fee
General/OBC: ₹200, Female/SC/ST: Nil
Quick Actions
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