UPSC CDS Examination (I) 2026 – Apply Online for Defence Services Entry

 Name of the Post:UPSC CDS Examination (I) 2026 – Apply Online for Defence Services Entry

Post Date: 10-12-2025

Total Vacancy:  soon

Brief Information: The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2026 is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment into IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The online application process starts on 10 December 2025, and the last date to apply is 30 December 2025. The examination will be held on 12 April 2026

UPSC CDS Examination (I), 2026
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Important Dates	Application Fee
Starting Date for Apply Online: 10-12-2025 Last Date for Apply Online: 30-12-2025 Exam Date : 12/04/2026	General / OBC / EWS :200/- SC / ST :0/- All Category Female :0/-

Age Limit
IMA & INA : 19-24 Years Air Force : 20-24 Years OTA : 19-25 Years . Age relaxation is applicable as per government norms

Qualification
Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India,Engineering Degree,Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Math at 10+2 Intermediate Level

Post Name	Total
IMA (Indian Military Academy)	Soon
INA (Indian Naval Academy)	Soon
AFA (Air Force Academy)	Soon
OTA (Officers’ Training Academy)	Soon

Interested Candidates Can Read the Full Notification Before Apply Online
Important Links

Apply online Link Active soon	Click Here
Notification Link Active soon	Click Here
Official Website	Click Here
Join Telegram Channel	Click Here
facebook channel	Click Here
Join WhatsApp Channel	Click Here

UPSC CDS Examination (I), 2026 – FAQs

1. What is the UPSC CDS Examination (I), 2026?

The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is a national-level exam conducted by UPSC to recruit candidates for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.

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2. When was the CDS (I) 2026 notification released?

The notification was released on 10 December 2025.

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3. What is the last date to apply online for CDS (I) 2026?

The last date to apply is 30 December 2025.

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4. What is the exam date for UPSC CDS (I) 2026?

The written exam will be held on 12 April 2026.

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5. How do I apply for CDS (I) 2026?

You need to apply online through the UPSC OTR (One Time Registration) and submit the CDS (I) form on the UPSC online portal.

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6. What is the application fee for CDS (I) 2026?

• ₹200 for General/OBC Male candidates

• No fee for Female, SC, ST candidates

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7. What are the posts available through CDS?

CDS exam recruits candidates for:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA)

• Indian Naval Academy (INA)

• Air Force Academy (AFA)

• Officers Training Academy (OTA)

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8. What is the educational qualification required?

• IMA & OTA: Graduate in any discipline

• INA: B.Tech/B.E. (Engineering degree)

• AFA: B.Tech/B.E. + Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level

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9. What is the age limit for CDS (I) 2026?

• IMA: 19–24 years

• INA: 19–22 years

• AFA: 19–23 years

• OTA: 19–25 years

(Age calculated as per UPSC rules)

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10. Is there any limit on the number of attempts?

No. You can attempt CDS any number of times until you meet the age and eligibility criteria.

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11. Is there negative marking in CDS?

Yes, 1/3rd mark is deducted for each wrong answer.

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12. Can women apply for CDS 2026?

Yes, women can apply only for OTA (Non-Technical).

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13. When will the admit card be released?

Admit cards are usually released three weeks before the exam.

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14. How will the final selection be done?

Final selection is based on:

1. Written Examination

2. SSB Interview

3. Medical Examination

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15. Is OTR (One Time Registration) mandatory?

Yes, candidates must complete OTR before filling the CDS application form.