The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially launched the Combined UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026, inviting graduates to embark on a prestigious career as Commissioned Officers in the Indian Armed Forces. With 451 vacancies announced across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), this is a golden opportunity for aspirants seeking leadership roles in defence services. The online application window is now open from 10 December 2025 and will close on 30 December 2025. The written examination is scheduled for 12 April 2026. Eligible candidates must apply promptly to seize this chance to serve the nation.
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Important Dates
Notification Release: 10 December 2025Online Application Start: 10 December 2025Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025 (until 6:00 PM) Written Exam Date: 12 April 2026Pro Tip: Apply as soon as possible to avoid last-minute website rush.
Application Fees
The application fee is nominal and varies by category:
General / OBC / EWS Candidates: ₹200SC / ST / Female Candidates: Exempted (No Fee)Payment Mode: Online (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
Age Limit
For IMA & INA : Candidates must be born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2008.For OTA (Men & Women) : Candidates must be born between 02 January 2002 and 01 January 2008.
Age Relaxation: Category-wise relaxation is applicable as per government rules.
Post Details – (451 Posts Total)
Here’s the complete vacancy split for the UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026:
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
100 Posts
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
26 Posts
Air Force Academy (AFA)
32 Posts
OTA (Men)
275 Posts
OTA (Women)
18 Posts
Qualification
Your educational background decides your eligible post:
A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
Specific Requirements: For Air Force Academy, candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or in graduation.Final Year Students are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing before the SSB interview.
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026:
Written Examination (Objective-type paper)
SSB Interview (Personality and Officer-Like Qualities Test)
Medical Examination (As per service standards)
Document Verification & Final Merit List
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026:
Visit the official UPSC portal: upsconline.nic.in .
Click on the “CDS 1 2026 Apply Online” link.
Register/Login using a valid email ID and mobile number.
Fill in the application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details.
Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per specifications.
Pay the application fee online (if applicable).
Submit the form and download/print the confirmation page for future reference.
⚠️ Pro Tips
Prepare Scans First : Have all documents scanned, clear, and within the specified file size (usually 50KB-200KB) before starting the application.Verify Details : Double-check all entered information and uploaded documents before final submission. Corrections may not be allowed later.Read Official PDF : Download and read the full notification PDF from upsconline.nic.in for exact format details and other rules.
1. What is UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026?
It is a national-level recruitment conducted by UPSC for selecting Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and OTA.
2. What is the last date to apply?
The application deadline is 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM).
3. Who is eligible for CDS 1 2026
Graduates from any recognized university. Final-year students may also apply.
4. When is the CDS 1 2026 exam?
The written examination is scheduled for 12 April 2026.
5. How is the selection done?
Candidates are selected through a written test, SSB interview, medical examination, and document verification.
