UPSC CDS-I 2026 Recruitment: Secure Your Commissioned Officer Role in Indian Defence Services (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA)

The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the CDS-I 2026 notification for 451 vacancies, inviting online applications from eligible graduates for commissioning into the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and OTA. Candidates can now apply through the official UPSC portal before 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM).

This exam is one of India’s most prestigious defence recruitment pathways, offering a direct gateway to join IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA as an officer.

UPSC CDS-I 2026: Important Dates (Latest Updated Schedule)

CDS-I 2026 Vacancies: Total 451 Posts (Academy-Wise Breakdown)

Vacancies are tentative and may change based on Services HQ requirements.

The notification also specifies special reservation for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders in IMA, INA, and AFA entries.

UPSC CDS-I 2026 Eligibility Criteria (Age, Education, Marital Status)

Eligibility is strictly defined in the official notification. Below is the accurate breakdown.

1. Nationality (As per PDF)

Candidate must be:

• A citizen of India, OR
• A subject of Nepal, OR
• A person of Indian origin migrating from listed countries with intent to settle in India.

2. CDS-I 2026 Age Limit, Sex & Marital Status

Important: Male divorcee/widower candidates are NOT considered unmarried for IMA/INA/AFA/OTA.

3. Educational Qualifications (Verified)

Final-year candidates may apply but must submit proof of passing by the relevant deadlines.

CDS-I 2026 Application Fee

Mode of Payment: Debit/Credit Cards, UPI, Net Banking only.
Fee once paid cannot be refunded.

How to Apply for UPSC CDS-I 2026 Online (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Visit the official website: https://upsconline.nic.in
2. Complete Account Creation
3. Fill the Universal Registration Number (URN) profile
4. Complete Common Application Form (CAF) with live photo capture
5. Fill the Exam-Specific Module for CDS-I
6. Choose preferences for IMA / INA / AFA / OTA
   • Women MUST select OTA only
7. Pay the examination fee
8. Submit the form — no correction window available

Candidates cannot withdraw their application after submission.

CDS Written Exam Pattern 2026 (Updated)

For IMA, INA, AFA

For OTA (Men/Women)

Negative Marking

• 0.33 mark deducted for each wrong answer
• Multiple answers = automatically wrong
  

CDS Exam Centres 2026 (81 Centres Across India)

Popular centres include:
Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Lucknow, Patna, Jaipur, Bhopal, Ranchi, Guwahati etc.
Allocation is first-apply-first-allot.

Physical & Medical Standards (Summary)

Candidates must satisfy detailed physical standards given in Appendix-III.

General Requirements:

• Mentally & physically fit
• No disease/disability interfering with military duties

Height Standards:

• Men (General Entry): 157 cm minimum
• Women (General Entry): 152 cm minimum
• Men (Gorkhas, Hills of North Eastern region, Garhwal, and Kumaon): 152 cm minimum
• Women (Gorkhas, Hills of North Eastern region, Garhwal, and Kumaon): 148 cm minimum

Vision Standards:

• Vary by academy
• AFA requires stricter 6/6–6/9 correctable standards

SSB Interview Process for CDS 2026

The SSB process consists of two stages:

1. Stage I: OIR + PP&DT
2. Stage II: Psychology + GTO Tasks + Interview + Conference

Only candidates who qualify Stage I proceed to Stage II.

Training, Career Prospects & Pay Structure

Training Duration

• IMA: 18 months
• INA: Approx. 18 months
• AFA: 74 weeks
• OTA: 49 weeks

Pay During Training

• Officer Cadets receive ₹56,100/month stipend (Level-10 starting pay).

Officer Pay After Commission

MSP (Military Service Pay): ₹15,500/month

Official UPSC Helpline (Verified)

(Active during application window 10–30 Dec 2025)

• Phone: 011-24041001
• Email: upscsoap@nic.in

Direct Official Links

For Official Notification: Click Here
Direct Link To Apply: Click Here
For More Job Notifiactions: Click Here