UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 – 451 Vacancies | Apply Now!

Quick Overview

Get ready to serve your country! The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is recruiting 451 officers for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. If you’re a graduate with leadership qualities, this is your golden opportunity to become a commissioned officer.

Key Highlights:

• Open for any graduate
• Online applications only
• Last date: 30th December 2025
• Exam date: 12th April 2026

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🏛️ Organization & Position Details

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📊 Vacancy Distribution

The 451 positions are spread across different defence services:

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📅 Important Dates

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🎓 Educational Qualifications Required

Eligibility by Academy:

Indian Military Academy & Officers’ Training Academy (Chennai):

• Bachelor’s degree from any recognized university

Indian Naval Academy:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from any recognized university/institution

Air Force Academy:

• Bachelor’s degree from any recognized university (Physics & Maths at 10+2 level)
• OR Bachelor of Engineering degree

Important Notes:

• Final year students can apply but must submit degree certificate by the specified deadline
• Professional & technical qualifications recognized by Government are also acceptable

Nationality Requirements:

• Indian citizen, OR
• Subject of Nepal, OR
• Person of Indian origin from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam with permanent settlement intent

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💰 Salary & Benefits

During Training:

• Stipend: Rs. 56,100/- per month (Fixed)

After Commissioning as Officer:

Additional Perks:

• Transport allowance
• Dearness allowance (varies annually)
• Free ration in kind
• Children education allowance
• Dress allowance for officers

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⏳ Age Limit (As on 01-01-2027)

Important: Date of birth from Matriculation/School Certificate only. No changes allowed after submission.

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💳 Application Fee

Payment Methods: Visa/Mastercard, Rupay Card, Debit Card, UPI, or Net Banking

⚠️ Note: Fee once paid is NOT REFUNDED under any circumstances. No exemption for OBC candidates.

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🎯 Selection Process

The selection is done in 3 stages:

Stage 1: Written Examination (by UPSC)

For IMA, INA & AFA:

• Paper 1: English (100 marks)
• Paper 2: General Knowledge (100 marks)
• Paper 3: Elementary Mathematics (100 marks)
• Total: 300 marks
• Duration: 2 hours each paper

For OTA (Officer Training Academy):

• Paper 1: English (100 marks)
• Paper 2: General Knowledge (100 marks)
• Total: 200 marks
• Duration: 2 hours each paper

Negative Marking: 0.33 marks deducted for each wrong answer

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Stage 2: Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview

After clearing written exam, candidates appear for SSB interview which tests intelligence and personality:

Two-Stage SSB Process:

1. Stage I:
   • Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests
   • Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT)
2. Stage II:
   • Personal Interview
   • Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
   • Psychology Tests
   • Conference/Final Assessment

Marks: Equal to written exam marks (300 for IMA/INA/AFA, 200 for OTA)

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Stage 3: Medical Examination

Final stage involves medical fitness check conducted by Armed Forces Medical Services at designated hospitals. Candidates must be medically fit as per defence standards.

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Final Selection:

Final merit list is based on combined marks of:

• Written Examination (50%)
• SSB Interview (50%)
• Subject to medical fitness clearance

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📋 How to Apply – Step by Step

Follow these simple steps to apply online:

Step 1: Visit https://upsconline.nic.in

Step 2: Register & Create Account

• Generate Universal Registration Number (URN)
• Create login credentials

Step 3: Fill Common Application Form (CAF)

• Enter personal details (name, date of birth, etc.)
• Fill contact information

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Recent passport-size photograph
• Live photo capture (mandatory)

Step 5: Fill Examination-Specific Details

• Select which service you prefer: IMA / INA / AFA / OTA
• Provide course preferences

Step 6: Choose Examination Center

• Select your preferred test center from available options

Step 7: Pay Application Fee

• Online payment via Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, or Net Banking
• Female and SC/ST candidates: No fee required
• General/OBC males: Rs. 200/-

Step 8: Submit Application

• Review all details carefully
• Click submit (no corrections allowed after this)

Step 9: Note Important Details

• Save your Application Number
• Print application for future reference

Step 10: Receive Admit Card

• e-Admit Card issued 1 week before exam
• Download from website (no postal/email copies)

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⚙️ Key Documents Required

Before & During Application:

• Aadhaar Card (strongly recommended)
• Voter ID / Passport / PAN / Driving License (at least one required)
• Date of Birth certificate (Matriculation/School examination)
• Educational certificates
• Caste certificate (if applicable – SC/ST/OBC)
• Recent passport-size photograph (4×6 cm)

At Exam Center:

• Original ID proof (as mentioned above)
• Printed application form
• Admit card (e-Admit Card)
• Black ball-point pen (only for marking answers)

At Medical Examination:

• All original documents
• Medical reports (as required)

At SSB Interview:

• Original certificates & documents
• Clearance certificate from current employer (if employed)
• NOC from Commanding Officer (if in Armed Forces)

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📑 Application Mode

✅ Online Only – No offline applications accepted

• Apply through: https://upsconline.nic.in
• No other mode permitted

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📘 Important Links

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the last date to apply? A: 30th December 2025 (6:00 PM). No late submissions accepted.

Q2: Can final year students apply? A: Yes! But you must submit your degree certificate by the prescribed deadline (01-01-2027 for IMA/INA, 13-11-2026 for AFA, 01-04-2027 for OTA).

Q3: What’s the age limit? A: Usually 19-24 years as on 01-01-2027 (varies by service). Some flexibility for Air Force with CPL.

Q4: How many total vacancies? A: 451 posts across all services – IMA: 100, INA: 26, AFA: 32, OTA (Men): 275, OTA (Women): 18.

Q5: What’s the exam date? A: 12th April 2026 (Written Examination)

Q6: Is there negative marking? A: Yes, 0.33 marks deducted for each wrong answer.

Q7: Can I apply from abroad? A: Only if you fall under accepted categories (Indian citizen, Nepal subject, or person of Indian origin from specific countries).

Q8: How many papers in the exam? A: 3 papers for IMA/INA/AFA (300 marks), 2 papers for OTA (200 marks).

Q9: Is there a fee exemption for OBC candidates? A: No. Only female and SC/ST candidates are fee-exempt.

Q10: What happens after I pass the written exam? A: You appear for SSB Interview, followed by Medical Examination. Final selection based on combined merit.

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🎖️ Important Information

✅ Who Should Apply:

• Ambitious graduates wanting to serve the nation
• Individuals with leadership qualities
• Those physically and mentally fit
• Unmarried candidates (with age limits)

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Single exam for all defence services
• No internal transfers between services after enrollment
• Candidates currently employed must inform their department
• Armed Forces personnel must provide NOC from Commanding Officer
• UPSC encourages women candidates to apply
• Face authentication mandatory at exam center
• Mobile phones strictly banned in exam hall

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📞 Contact & Support

UPSC Helpdesk:

• Phone: 011-24041001
• Email: upsc@nic.in
• Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Working days only)

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💡 Pro Tips for Applicants

1. Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last day to avoid technical issues
2. Keep Documents Ready: Gather all required documents before starting application
3. Check Eligibility: Verify qualification and age before applying
4. Practice: Solve previous year papers and take mock tests
5. Prepare Well: The exam is competitive; start preparation early
6. Verify Details: Double-check all information before final submission
7. Join Channels: Subscribe to WhatsApp/Telegram for important updates
8. Read Official Notification: Carefully go through the official PDF for any specific requirements

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🚀 Start Your Journey Today!

This is a prestigious opportunity to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Defence Forces. With good preparation and determination, you can achieve this dream.

Apply now and become part of the armed forces!

👉 Apply Online: https://upsconline.nic.in

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Last Updated: 11th December 2025
Information Source: UPSC Official Website

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Good luck with your applicatio