UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 Notification Out
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Recruitment 2026 notification for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The UPSC CDS 2026 examination is a prestigious national-level exam conducted for graduates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces as Commissioned Officers.
Eligible candidates can apply online through upsconline.nic.in within the prescribed dates mentioned in the official notification.
UPSC CDS 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Courses | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Exam Level | National |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS Vacancy 2026 (Course-Wise)
UPSC CDS 2026 vacancies are announced course-wise. Exact numbers are provided in the official notification.
-
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
-
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
-
Air Force Academy (AFA)
-
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men & Women)
📌 Final vacancy numbers may change as per training capacity and service requirements.
UPSC CDS 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | As per UPSC Calendar |
| Online Application Start | As notified |
| Last Date to Apply | As notified |
| CDS 2026 Written Exam | As per schedule |
| Admit Card | 2–3 weeks before exam |
UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026
Nationality
-
Citizen of India / subject of Nepal or Bhutan (as per rules)
Educational Qualification
| Academy | Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA | Graduation from a recognized university |
| INA | Engineering Degree |
| AFA | Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 OR Engineering Degree |
| OTA | Graduation from a recognized university |
UPSC CDS Age Limit 2026 (Expected)
| Academy | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| IMA | 19–24 Years |
| INA | 19–24 Years |
| AFA | 20–24 Years |
| OTA | 19–25 Years |
📌 Age limits are calculated as per the date of birth mentioned in the official notification.
UPSC CDS Selection Process 2026
The UPSC CDS selection process consists of:
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Written Examination
-
SSB Interview (5 Days)
-
Document Verification
-
Medical Examination
Final merit is prepared based on Written Exam + SSB Marks.
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026
For IMA, INA & AFA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
📌 Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers)
UPSC CDS Salary 2026
Candidates selected through UPSC CDS 2026 will receive salary as per 7th Pay Commission:
-
Pay Level: Level-10
-
Basic Pay: ₹56,100 per month
-
Plus Military Service Pay (MSP) and other allowances (as applicable)
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026
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Visit upsconline.nic.in
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Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
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Fill the CDS 2026 application form
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Upload photo, signature & ID proof
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Pay application fee online
-
Submit the form and download confirmation page
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UPSC CDS Application Fee 2026 (Expected)
-
General / OBC: ₹200
-
SC / ST / Female Candidates: Exempted
Important Links
-
UPSC CDS 2026 Notification – Available on upsc.gov.in
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Apply Online – upsconline.nic.in
-
Official Website – https://www.upsc.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 notification be released?
Answer:
The UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 notification will be released as per the UPSC annual examination calendar on the official website upsc.gov.in.
Q2. Who can apply for UPSC CDS 2026?
Answer:
Candidates who have completed or are in the final year of graduation can apply for UPSC CDS 2026, provided they meet the age limit, educational qualification, and nationality criteria specified in the notification.
Q3. What is the age limit for UPSC CDS 2026?
Answer:
The age limit for UPSC CDS 2026 generally ranges from 19 to 25 years, depending on the academy (IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA). Exact dates of birth will be mentioned in the official notification.
Q4. What is the selection process for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026?
Answer:
The UPSC CDS 2026 selection process includes a written examination, followed by a 5-day SSB interview, document verification, and medical examination.
Q5. What is the salary after selection through UPSC CDS 2026?
Answer:
Candidates selected through UPSC CDS 2026 will receive a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month (Pay Level-10) along with Military Service Pay (MSP) and other allowances as per 7th Pay Commission.
Final Words
The UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for young graduates dreaming of a career in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Candidates are advised to apply early and start focused preparation for both the written exam and SSB interview.
👉 Visit SarkariWalaJob.in for the latest UPSC CDS updates, admit cards, answer keys, results, and defence job alerts.
