UPSC CDS 1 Online Form 2026 (451 Posts)

UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026

Post Name – Combined Defense Services

(Union Public Service Commission)

Sarkari Ujala

IMPORTANT DATES

Start Date – 10-12-2025

Last Date – 30-12-2025

Fee Payment Last Date – 30-12-2025

Admit Card – March-2026

Exam Date – 12-04-2026

FEE DETAILS

• General/OBC/EWS – Rs. 200/-

• SC/ST/Female – Rs. 0/-

Fee can be paid only online through Net Banking, Credit or Debit cards

JOB LOCATION

All India

AGE LIMIT

(As on 01-01-2026)

Minimum Age – 20 Years

Maximum Age – 24 Years

Age Relaxation: As Per Rules

Total Posts: 451 Posts

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the online application form for the UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS) Online Form 2026, inviting eligible candidates to apply for a total of 451 posts. This prestigious recruitment offers aspiring candidates the opportunity to serve in the Indian Armed Forces through the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. Interested candidates are advised to submit their applications online before the last date to avoid missing this career-defining opportunity.

Details of Recruitment of UPSC CDS 1 Online Form 2026

Posts Name – Combined Defense Service
This recruitment is conducted under the Combined Defense Services (CDS) Examination, which is a gateway for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers in different branches including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Number of Posts – 451 Posts
The total number of vacancies for UPSC CDS 1 2026 is 451, distributed across various academies as per the category-wise requirements.

Category Wise Posts –

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): 100 Posts – Candidates joining the IMA will undergo rigorous training to become Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): 26 Posts – This branch requires candidates with a strong foundation in engineering as future Naval Officers.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): 32 Posts – Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 12th-grade level to qualify for AFA.
• Officers Training Academy (OTA): 275 Posts – OTA trains candidates for short service commissions in the Indian Army.
• OTA Women: 18 Posts – Specifically reserved for female candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army.

Pay Scale – As Per Rules
Selected candidates will be entitled to pay and allowances as per the latest rules defined by the Government of India for officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

Education Qualification –

• IMA & OTA: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university.
• Naval Academy (INA): A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is mandatory.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): A Bachelor’s degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at the 12th-grade level is required.

Physical Standard
The UPSC CDS examination also emphasizes physical fitness standards for selection:

• Height: 157 cm (Navy), 162.5 cm (Air Force)
• Female Height: 160 cm

Candidates should meet the prescribed physical standards to qualify for the physical tests conducted during the selection process.

How to Apply Online UPSC CDS 1 Online Form 2026

Candidates can apply online through the link provided below or by visiting the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is crucial to complete the application process before the last date, 30th December 2026, to ensure eligibility for the examination.

Required Documents for Online Application
To successfully submit the UPSC CDS 1 Online Form 2026, candidates must have the following documents ready:

• Educational mark sheets and certificates of all relevant qualifications
• Aadhar Card or PAN Card for identity verification
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Signature in digital format as per specifications

Selection Mode
The selection process for UPSC CDS 1 2026 consists of multiple stages to ensure the best candidates are selected:

1. Written Exam – Conducted by UPSC to test candidates’ knowledge, aptitude, and reasoning skills.
2. PET/PST (Physical Efficiency Test / Physical Standards Test) – Evaluates physical fitness and endurance.
3. Final Merit List – Based on performance in both the written exam and physical tests, a merit list is prepared, and candidates are selected accordingly.

This recruitment is an exceptional opportunity for dedicated and disciplined candidates aiming for a career in the Indian Armed Forces. Early preparation, meeting eligibility criteria, and submitting a complete online application are crucial for securing a place in this prestigious examination.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. What is the total number of vacancies for UPSC CDS 1 2026?

The total number of vacancies is 451 posts, distributed across Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Specific posts include 100 for IMA, 26 for INA, 32 for AFA, 275 for OTA, and 18 reserved for women in OTA.

2. What are the educational qualifications required for different academies?

• IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s degree in any stream.
• INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• AFA: Bachelor’s degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at the 12th-grade level.

3. What are the physical standards for eligibility?

• Height: 157 cm (Navy), 162.5 cm (Air Force), 160 cm for females.
• Candidates must also meet prescribed physical fitness standards tested during PET/PST.

4. How can candidates apply online for UPSC CDS 1 2026?

Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website or the direct application link. Applications must be submitted before 30th December 2026, with all required documents uploaded.

5. What is the selection process for UPSC CDS 1 2026?

The selection involves three stages:

1. Written Exam – Tests knowledge, reasoning, and aptitude.
2. Physical Tests (PET/PST) – Evaluates physical fitness and endurance.
3. Final Merit List – Candidates are selected based on combined performance in written and physical tests.

Conclusion

The UPSC CDS 1 2026 recruitment presents a remarkable opportunity for candidates aspiring to serve in India’s Armed Forces. With 451 vacancies across prestigious academies like IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA, candidates from diverse educational backgrounds can participate, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The combination of academic qualifications, physical standards, and rigorous selection tests ensures that only the most deserving and capable candidates are selected for officer training. Proper preparation and adherence to deadlines are critical to successfully securing a position in this esteemed examination.

Candidates are encouraged to carefully review all requirements, including educational qualifications, physical standards, and the necessary documents for online application submission. By preparing for both the written examination and the physical fitness tests, applicants can maximize their chances of success. The UPSC CDS 1 2026 examination not only opens the gateway to a distinguished career in defense services but also instills discipline, leadership, and excellence in all selected candidates, making it a truly transformative professional journey.