UPSC CDS 1 Online Form 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 on 10 December 2025. This is the premier entry for graduates who aspire to serve as Commissioned Officers in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The online application window is open from 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025. The written examination is scheduled for 12 April 2026. If you hold a Bachelor’s degree and have the passion to lead from the front, this is your opportunity. Check the complete details regarding Age Limit, Educational Qualification, Exam Pattern, Exam Date, Admit Card, Answer Key, Exam Result, and Selection Process below.
Overview of UPSC CDS I Exam 2026
| Details | Information |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Exam (I), 2026 |
| Course Name | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA (Men & Women) |
| Total Vacancies | To Be Notified (Approx. 450+) |
| Job Location | All India (Training Academies) |
| Application Mode | Online Form (OTR Based) |
Important Dates
- Notification Released: 10 December 2025
- Online Application Starts: 10 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025 (06:00 PM)
- Exam Fee Payment Last Date: 30 December 2025
- Correction Window: 7 Days after closing (Expected)
- Written Exam Date: 12/04/2026
- Admit Card Release: 2 weeks before the exam
- Answer Key: 16/04/2026
Application Fees
- General / OBC / EWS (Male): ₹200/-
- SC / ST / Female (All Categories): ₹0/- (Nil)
You May Also Like: Chandigarh Air Force Apprentice Online Form 2025
Age Limit (Crucial)
| Academy | Age Limit |
| IMA & INA | 19 – 24 Years (Unmarried Male) |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 – 24 Years (Unmarried Male) |
| OTA (Men & Women) | 19 – 25 Years (Unmarried/Married depending on status) |
Qualification and Vacancies
| Post / Academy | Qualification Required |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized University. |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Engineering Degree from a recognized University/Institution. |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Bachelor’s Degree (with Physics & Math at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering. |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized University. |
Post Wise Vacancies
| Post Name | Total | Post Name | Total |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 | Officers Training Academy (Men), Chennai | 275 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 | Officers Training Academy (Women), Chennai | 18 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 | Grand Total | 451 |
Selection Process
- Written Examination:
- SSB Interview: A 5-day personality and intelligence test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
- Medical Examination: Rigorous health check-up.
- Merit List: Based on Written + SSB marks.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS I Online Form 2026
Follow these steps to submit your application form on the UPSC OTR portal:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to upsconline. nic.in (Direct link below).
- OTR Registration: If applying for the first time, complete the One Time Registration (OTR). If already registered, log in with Email/Mobile/OTR ID.
- Fill Part I: Complete the Part I registration with personal details, educational qualification, and academy preferences (1, 2, 3, 4).
- Fill Part-II: Pay the exam fee (if applicable), select the exam center, and upload scanned Photo and Signature.
- Submit: Review all details carefully and click on “Final Submit”.
- Print: Save the application PDF for future reference.
Important Links
| Content | Dates | Link |
| Answer Key Maths | 16/04/2026 | Click Here |
| Answer Key English | 16/04/2026 | Click Here |
| Answer Key GK | 16/04/2026 | Click Here |
| Admit Card | 02/04/2026 | Click Here |
| Exam Date Notice | 07/01/2026 | Click Here |
| Apply Online | 10/12/2025 | Click Here |
| Download Notification PDF | 10/12/2025 | Click Here |
| Official Website | 10/12/2025 | Click Here |
FAQs – UPSC CDS I Exam 2026
Q1. When will the CDS 1 2026 Exam be held?
Ans: The written exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026.
Q2. Can final year students apply for CDS?
Ans: Yes, candidates studying in the final year/semester of their degree course can apply, provided they do not have any backlogs and can submit proof of passing at the time of SSB.
Q3. Is Mathematics compulsory for CDS?
Ans: Math is compulsory for IMA, INA, and AFA written exams. However, for OTA (Officers’ Training Academy), there is no Mathematics paper.
Q4. What is the application fee for females?
Ans: Female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
Q5. Can women apply for IMA?
Ans: No, currently, women can only apply for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Short Service Commission.