UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2025: The Detailed essential information regarding the application process. You can gain an understanding of the eligibility criteria, selection procedure, application form, and important dates for this recruitment drive.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) I 2026 under Notice No. 04/2026.CDS-I, dated 10 December 2025. This exam is held for admission into premier defence institutions including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) for courses beginning in January 2027 and April 2027.
The online application window is open from 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025 (6 PM). Candidates must thoroughly check their eligibility, including age, educational qualifications, and marital status, before applying. The written examination is scheduled for 12 April 2026, followed by SSB interviews for candidates who qualify the written test.
UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2025 Notice Overview
| Recruitment Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | CDS I 2026 |
| Notification No. | 04/2026.CDS-I |
| Mode Of Apply Form | Online |
| Courses | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Join Telegram Channel | Join Now |
UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2025
Understanding the significant dates outlined in the UPSC CDS I Vacancy 2025 table holds great importance. Furthermore, detailed information regarding the application fee for each vacancy category is provided below.
UPSC CDS I Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Result (Written) | May 2026 (expected) |
Application Fees
- Gen/ OBC/ EWS/ : ₹ 200/-
- SC/ ST/ Female/: ₹ 0/-
- Payment Mode: Online Mode
Read More:- AAI NER Non-Executive Recruitment 2025 Notification Out for Junior & Senior Assistant Posts
Bharti Age Limit
The age limit for UPSC CDS I Recruitment ranges from 19 to 24 years (age calculated as of 1.1.2025). It’s recommended that candidates thoroughly review the recruitment notification before applying online.
- IMA: 19–24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008)
- INA: 19–24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008)
- AFA: 20–24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2002 – 1 Jan 2008)
- OTA (Men & Women): 19–25 years (Born between 2 Jan 2001 – 1 Jan 2006)
UPSC CDS I Post Details, Eligibility & Qualification
| Course | Vacancies | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 | Graduation in any discipline |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 | Engineering Degree |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 | Graduation with Physics & Maths at 12th OR B.E./B.Tech |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 275 | Graduation in any discipline |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 18 | Graduation in any discipline |
Bharti Selection Process
The selection process for Recruitment involves the following steps:
- Written Examination by UPSC
- SSB Interview by Armed Forces Selection Boards
- Document Verification & Medical Examination
- Final Merit List based on marks in written exam + SSB interview
How to Apply for UPSC CDS I Vacancy 2025 Online Form
- Check the eligibility from the UPSC CDS I Recruitment official notification pdf
- Fill out the application form or visit the Official site
- Upload the required documents
- Pay Fees
- Print the Application Form
Important Link
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
What Is The Start Date Of The UPSC CDS I Vacancy in 2025?
10 December 2025
What Is The Last Date Of The UPSC CDS I Vacancy 2025?
30 December 2025