The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced a recruitment UPSC CDS Examination 2026 drive for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026, with 451 vacancies available. This exam is your gateway to joining the Indian Armed Forces as an officer in the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Post Details UPSC CDS Examination 2026
Name of exam: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026
No of posts: 451 posts
Training Institute-wise vacancy:
# Indian Military Academy, Dehradun: 100
# Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala: 26
# Air Force Academy, Hyderabad: 32
# Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras), 125th SSC (Men) (NT): 275
# Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Madras), 125th SSC Women (NT): 18
Eligibility Criteria UPSC CDS Examination 2026
Nationality: Candidate must be unmarried and must either be:
(i) a Citizen of India, or
(ii) a subject of Nepal, or
(iii) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
# Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii) and (iii) above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.
# Certificate of eligibility will, however, not be necessary in the case of candidates who are Gorkha subjects of Nepal.
Age Limits, Sex and Marital Status:
# IMA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008 only are eligible.
# Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008 only are eligible.
# Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years as on 1st January, 2027 i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January 2003 and not later than 1st January 2007. Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January 2001 and not later than 1st January 2007 only are eligible.
# Officers’ Training Academy: (SSC Course for men) Unmarried male candidate born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2008 only are eligible.
# Officers’ Training Academy: (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2008.
Educational Qualification UPSC CDS Examination 2026
# I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
# Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution.
# Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
Application Fee:
# Others: Rs. 200/-
# Female/ SC/ ST: NIL
# Payment mode: Online. Using Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or by using internet banking facility of any Bank .
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Key Details UPSC CDS Examination 2026
- Last Date to Apply: December 30, 2025.
- Eligibility: Indian citizens meeting specific age, education, and physical criteria. Check the official notification for specifics.
- Selection Process: Written exam, followed by SSB interview, and medical examination.
- Apply Online: Visit the [UPSC official website]((link unavailable)) to submit your application.
This is a great opportunity for those aspiring to serve the nation! Ensure you prepare well for the exam and meet all eligibility criteria. For detailed guidelines, visit the UPSC website or the official notification.
