The Union Public Service Commission has officially begun the application process for the Combined Defence Services Examination I, 2026. The notification, issued on December 10, 2025, outlines the selection procedure for 451 posts across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Officers Training Academy. The examination is scheduled to be held on April 12, 2026, and interested candidates must complete the registration process by December 30, 2025, before 6 PM. Applications can only be submitted through the official UPSC online portal.
The CDS examination, one of the most sought after defence recruitment tests, provides an opportunity for eligible candidates to join prestigious academies including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and the Officers Training Academy. The recruitment cycle commences with the written examination, followed by the Services Selection Board interview and medical examination.
As per the notification, the Indian Military Academy offers 100 vacancies for the January 2027 course, which includes 13 seats reserved for NCC certificate holders. The Indian Naval Academy has 26 vacancies for the Executive and Hydro branches. The Air Force Academy has announced 32 seats for the pre flying training course, including three vacancies for NCC Air Wing candidates. The Officers Training Academy in Chennai will fill 275 positions for the men’s Short Service Commission course and 18 positions for the women’s course commencing in April 2027.
The written exam pattern differs based on the academy. For IMA, INA and AFA, candidates are required to appear for three papers comprising English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, each carrying 100 marks. For OTA, the examination consists of two papers English and General Knowledge. The examination includes a negative marking scheme where one third of the marks for a question are deducted for incorrect answers.
Eligibility criteria include age limits, marital status and educational qualifications. For IMA and INA, only unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2003, and January 1, 2008, are eligible. For the Air Force Academy, the age requirement is between 20 and 24 years as on January 1, 2027, with an upper age relaxation for candidates holding a valid commercial pilot licence. Candidates below the age of 25 must be unmarried, while those aged 25 or above may apply even if married, though accommodation rules apply.
For the Officers Training Academy, unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2008, can apply. The women’s OTA course accepts unmarried women, widows who have not remarried, and divorcees without children, born within the same date range.
Applicants must complete the One Time Registration process, fill in accurate details, upload essential documents such as educational certificates and proof of residence, and submit the application fee where applicable. Female candidates and those belonging to SC and ST categories are exempt from paying the examination fee.
Candidates are advised to download and retain a printed copy of the submitted form for future reference. Complete details can be accessed through the official notification provided on the UPSC website.
