UPSC CDS 1 Exam Notification 2026 – Apply Online for 451 Posts

Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026

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Qualification

• Degree of a recognised University or equivalent for IMA and OTA entries.
• For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution.
• For Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree of a recognised University with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering.
• Candidates appearing in final year/semester of degree course may also apply (subject to producing proof later).
• Professional/technical qualifications recognised by Government as equivalent are acceptable.
• Nationality conditions apply (Indian citizen / certain categories of foreigners as per notification).

Application Fee

• General / OBC Male Candidates: ₹200/- (Rupees Two Hundred Only)
• Female / SC / ST / PwBD: No Fee
• Payment Mode: Credit/Debit Card / UPI / Net Banking / Other available online modes.
• Fee once paid shall not be refunded under any circumstances.

Important Dates

• Notification Release Date: 10/12/2025
• Online Application Start Date: 10/12/2025
• Last Date for Online Application: 30/12/2025 (up to 06:00 PM)
• Examination Date (Written): 12/04/2026 (Tentative / as per notification)
• Written Result Declaration: May 2026 (Tentative)
• Course Commencement (IMA/INA/AFA): January 2027 | (OTA): April 2027

How to Apply

• Visit UPSC official portal and go to the Online Application (UPSC Online / upsconline.nic.in).
• Create One Time Registration (Part-I) and generate Universal Registration Number (URN).
• Fill Common Application Form (CAF) with personal details and preferences.
• Upload recent photograph and capture live photo if required by the portal.
• Fill Examination Specific Module with service choices (IMA / INA / AFA / OTA) and other details.
• Upload required documents (Date of Birth proof, Educational Certificates etc.) as applicable.
• Pay the application fee online (if applicable) and submit the form. Note down the Application Number/URN.
• Take printout of the application form for future reference. No offline submission is required.

Pay Scale / Stipend

• During Training: Fixed stipend as per course (starting pay indicated at Level 10: Rs. 56,100/- per month during training).
• After Commissioning: Pay Level scales as per rank — e.g., Lieutenant (Level 10), Captain (Level 10B), Major (Level 11), Lt. Colonel (Level 12A), Colonel (Level 13) etc. Additional allowances (MSP, DA, TA, Children Education Allowance etc.) apply.