UPSC CDS 2026 Notification – 451 Vacancies, Exam Date
Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC CDS 2026 notification for 451 vacancies. Eligible graduates can apply online for IMA, INA, AFA & OTA posts. Check exam date, eligibility, salary, application fee and full details below.
Important Dates
- Notification Released: 10 December 2025
- Online Application Start Date: 10 December 2025
- Online Application Last Date: 30 December 2025 (06:00 PM)
- Correction Date: 31 Dec 2025 to 06 Jan 2026
- Exam Date: 12 April 2026
- Admit Card Available: March 2026 (Expected)
- Result Declared: To be announced
Vacancy Details
Academy Name | Course Details | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 162nd (DE) Course commencing in Jan 2027 | 100 |
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | Course commencing in Jan 2027 Executive Branch | 26 |
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in Jan 2027 | 32 |
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 125th SSC (Men) (NT) Course (April 2027) | 275 |
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 125th SSC Women (NT) Course (April 2027) | 18 |
Total |
| 451 |
Eligibility Criteria
🔹 Age Limit (as per academy)
- IMA / INA / AFA: As per UPSC CDS 2026 rules
- OTA (Men & Women): As per official notification
- Age relaxation: Applicable as per UPSC norms
🔹 Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Graduation degree from a recognized university
- INA: Engineering Degree
- AFA: Engineering OR Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level
🔹 Other Eligibility
- Candidate must be unmarried (rules vary by academy)
- Must meet physical and medical standards prescribed by UPSC
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 200/- |
| Female / SC / ST | Nil (Exempted) |
| Payment Mode | Online (Net Banking/Visa/Master/UPI) |
Selection Process
The UPSC CDS 2026 selection process includes the following stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test)
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit
How to Apply online form
- Visit the official UPSC online website
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
- Log in and select CDS 2026 Examination
- Fill in personal, educational & communication details
- Upload photo, signature & ID proof
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the form and download confirmation page
Useful Important Links
Apply Online | |
Check Official Notification | |
Official website | |
Join Telegram Channel | |
Join WhatsApp Channel | |
Home |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1. How many vacancies are released in UPSC CDS 2026?
A. A total of 451 vacancies have been announced.
Q2. What is the exam date of UPSC CDS 2026?
A. The exam will be held on 12 April 2026.
Q3. Who can apply for UPSC CDS 2026?
A. Candidates with a graduation or engineering degree (as per academy) can apply.
Q4. Is there any application fee for female candidates?
A. No, female candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Q5. What is the salary after selection in CDS?
A. Selected officers get Level-10 pay ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 plus allowances.
