UPSC Opens CDS-I 2026 Recruitment; Here’s How & Where to Apply

College Tour Dec-12-2025

UPSC has officially announced the CDS-I 2026 recruitment, inviting eligible candidates to apply for officer-level positions in the Indian Armed Forces. Check the detailed application process, eligibility criteria, and important dates here. This exam is for recruiting officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

This year, there are 451 openings in these academies:

Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Naval Academy (NA)
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)

Here is a simple guide with all the important details:

Exam dates
Who can apply (eligibility)
Age limits
Fees
How to fill out the online application form

Important Dates

Event	Date / Details
Application Start Date	10-Dec-25
Last Date to Apply	30-Dec-25
Last Date for Fee Payment	30-Dec-25
Exam Date	12-Apr-26
Admit Card Availability	Available before the exam

Application Fee

General / OBC / EWS: ₹200
SC / ST / Female Candidates: ₹0
Payment Methods: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking

Age Limit (As per UPSC Rules)

As mentioned in the official notice:

Minimum Age: 20 years
Maximum Age: 24 years

UPSC may provide age relaxation according to its guidelines.

Total Vacancies (451 Posts)

Academy / Category	Number of Posts
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun	100
Indian Naval Academy (INA)	26
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad	32
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)	275
OTA (Women)	18

Eligibility Criteria

Academy	Educational Qualification	Date of Birth (DOB) Range
Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)	Bachelor’s degree in any stream	02 January 2002 – 01 January 2008
Indian Naval Academy (INA)	Bachelor’s degree in Engineering	02 January 2003 – 01 January 2008
Air Force Academy (AFA)	Bachelor’s degree in Engineering	02 January 2003 – 01 January 2008

Note: Candidates must ensure that their DOB and educational certificates meet the requirements specified in the UPSC CDS-I Notification 2026.

How to Fill the UPSC CDS-I Online Form 2026

Applying for UPSC CDS-I 2026 is easy.
Go to the official UPSC website.
Click on the link for the CDS-I 2026 application.
Fill in your personal and educational details in Part I registration.
Upload your needed documents.
Pay the application fee online.
Submit the form and save the confirmation page.

Selection Process

The UPSC CDS-I Recruitment 2026 selection includes:

Written Examination
Interview
Medical Examination
Physical Examination

Why Apply for CDS-I 2026?

The CDS exam is one of India’s most respected pathways to becoming an officer in the Armed Forces. With 451 vacancies, the competition is high, but so are the opportunities. If you dream of serving the nation, this is the right time to apply through the UPSC CDS-I 2026 Apply Online link.

Final Words

The UPSC CDS-I 2026 application is now open. Interested students must apply before 30 December 2025. Read the full UPSC CDS-I announcement 2026 carefully and fill your online form correctly. Prepare well, study constantly, and move closer to joining the Indian Defence Forces. Good luck!

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