Table of Contents
About the Post
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. This examination is conducted to recruit eligible candidates for various courses at the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.
Successful candidates will undergo training and be commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. The recruitment offers 451 vacancies across different wings.
Recruitment Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Recruitment Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | Exam Notice No. 4/2026.CDS-I |
| Dated | 10th December 2025 |
| Name of Posts | Commissioned Officers (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Nature of Job | Permanent Commission / Short Service Commission |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | All India (Service Liability) |
| Exam Date | 12th April 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 30th December 2025 (up to 06:00 PM) |
Post Vacancy Details
| Course / Academy Name | Total Vacancies |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Educational Qualification | • IMA & OTA: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent. • Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution. • Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering. |
| Age Limit (As on 01/01/2027) | • IMA: Unmarried males born not earlier than 02/01/2003 and not later than 01/01/2008. • INA: Unmarried males born not earlier than 02/01/2003 and not later than 01/01/2008. • Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years (Born 02/01/2003 to 01/01/2007). • OTA (SSC Men & Women): Born not earlier than 02/01/2002 and not later than 01/01/2008. |
| Nationality | • Citizen of India, Subject of Nepal, or Person of Indian Origin (migrated with intention of permanent settlement). |
| Marital Status | • Candidates must be Unmarried (check specific academy rules for exceptions/widows). |
Pay Scale
Selected candidates will receive a stipend during training and pay level 10 upon commissioning.
| Rank | Pay Level | Salary Structure |
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500/- |
| Stipend (During Training) | Level 10 (Start) | Rs. 56,100/- per month (Fixed) |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | – | Rs. 15,500/- per month |
Selection Process (Scheme of Examination)
| Stage | Type | Details |
| Stage 1 | Written Examination | • IMA/INA/AFA: 3 Papers (English, GK, Maths) – 300 Marks. • OTA: 2 Papers (English, GK) – 200 Marks. • Negative Marking: 0.33 marks deduction. |
| Stage 2 | SSB Interview | • Intelligence & Personality Test: Two-stage process (Screening + Interview/Psych/GTO). • Marks equal to Written Exam (300 for IMA/INA/AFA; 200 for OTA). |
| Stage 3 | Medical Examination | • Conducted for candidates recommended by SSB at designated Armed Forces hospitals. |
How to Apply?
Candidates must apply online through the website upsconline.nic.in. Applications received through any other mode will not be accepted. Follow these detailed steps:
Step 1: One Time Registration (OTR)
- Visit the official website.
- If you are a new user, click on “New Registration” to create an account.
- Fill in basic personal details (Name, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, Date of Birth, Mobile No., Email ID).
- Verify the OTP sent to your Mobile/Email and create a password.
- Once registered, you will receive a Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Note: If you are already registered, log in using your Email/Mobile/OTR ID and Password/OTP.
Step 2: Login and Dashboard
- Log in to the portal.
- Go to the “Latest Notifications” tab.
- Look for “Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026”.
- Click on “Click Here for Part-I” to begin the application.
Step 3: Filling the Application Form (Part-I)
- Personal Details: Review your details fetched from OTR.
- Service Preference: Enter your order of preference for the academies (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) based on your eligibility. Enter ‘0’ for academies you are not eligible for or do not wish to join.
- Educational Details: Enter your qualification status (Passed/Appearing).
- Address: Fill in your communication address.
- Click “Continue” and proceed to Part-II.
Step 4: Payment of Fee (Part-II)
- Pay the examination fee of Rs. 200/- (if applicable).
- Modes: Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking.
- Exemption: Female, SC, and ST candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Step 5: Uploading Documents
- Photograph & Signature: Upload scanned images of your recent passport-size photograph and signature. (Ensure they are legible and adhere to the size/format specifications).
- Photo ID Proof: Upload a scanned PDF of the Photo ID card (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, etc.) mentioned in the application.
Step 6: Live Photo Capture (Mandatory)
- The application module now requires a Live Photograph.
- Use a webcam or mobile camera to capture your real-time photo.
- Ensure the background is plain and the lighting is sufficient.
- The live photo should match the uploaded passport photograph.
Step 7: Centre Selection & Declaration
- Select your preferred Examination Centre from the drop-down list. (Centres are allotted on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis).
- Read the declaration carefully.
- Click on “I Agree” to submit the form.
Step 8: Final Submission
- After successful submission, a message will appear on the screen.
- Print Application: Click on the link to view/print your application. Save the PDF for future reference (you will need the Registration ID).
- Note: Do not send any hard copy to UPSC.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 30th December 2025 (up to 06:00 PM) |
| Examination Date | 12th April 2026 |
| Course Commencement (IMA/INA/AFA) | January 2027 |
| Course Commencement (OTA) | April 2027 |
Important Links
| Description | Links |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible for the Air Force Academy (AFA)?
Candidates with a Degree from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR a Bachelor of Engineering are eligible. The age limit is 20 to 24 years.
Is there a different exam pattern for OTA candidates?
Yes. OTA candidates appear for only two papers: English and General Knowledge. They do not have to attempt the Elementary Mathematics paper.
Can final year students apply?
Yes, candidates studying in the final year/semester of their degree course can apply, provided they do not have any present backlog and can produce proof of passing at the time of course commencement.
What is the application fee?
The fee is Rs. 200/- for General and OBC Male candidates. Female candidates and SC/ST candidates are exempted from paying any fee.
Can I withdraw my application later?
No. The notification clearly states that candidates cannot withdraw their applications after submission.
Is there negative marking in the written exam?
Yes. There is a penalty of 0.33 marks (one-third of the marks assigned to that question) for every wrong answer.
Can women candidates apply for IMA or INA?
No. Women candidates are eligible to apply only for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Short Service Commission).
What ID proof is required?
One Photo ID Card is mandatory (Aadhaar, Voter Card, PAN, Passport, Driving License, etc.). Aadhaar is strongly recommended.
When will the Admit Card be released?
The e-Admit Card will be issued on the UPSC website on the last working day of the preceding week of the examination. No Admit Card will be sent by post.
What is the Live Photo Capture feature?
While filling the application, candidates must capture a live photograph using a webcam/camera to ensure authenticity. This is mandatory in the new UPSC application module.
Stay updated with APSC ORG official website for further details and notifications.
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