Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the CDS Exam-I 2026, offering young candidates a chance to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. A total of 451 vacancies are available across various prestigious defence academies. Interested aspirants can apply online through the UPSC official website before the last date.

The vacancies are distributed as follows: Indian Military Academy (IMA) – 100 posts, Indian Naval Academy (INA) – 26 posts, Air Force Academy (AFA) – 32 posts, and Officers Training Academy (OTA) – 293 posts. This recruitment is an excellent opportunity for graduates aiming to build a career in the defence sector.

Regarding eligibility, candidates applying for IMA and OTA must have a graduate degree from a recognised university or equivalent qualification. For INA, an engineering degree from a recognised institution is mandatory. Candidates aspiring for AFA must hold a graduate degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or possess a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

The application fee is Rs. 200 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. Female applicants and candidates belonging to SC/ST categories are exempt from the fee. Payments can be made online via credit card, debit card, UPI, or internet banking.

The deadline to submit online applications is December 30, 2025. Candidates are advised to complete their applications well before the last date to avoid last-minute issues.

To apply, visit the official website upsc.gov.in, click on the UPSC CDS Exam I 2026 link on the homepage, register by filling in the required details, complete the application form, pay the fee online, and submit the form. It is important to download and keep a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Applicants should regularly check the UPSC official website for the latest updates on the exam date, admit card release, and other important notifications related to the CDS Exam 2026.

(Udaipur Kiran)