UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 : Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Combined Defence Service (CDS) 1 2026 notification for 451 posts . You can apply for UPSC CDS 1 2026 from 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025. Read this article for eligibility , fee structure , application link all other details.
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Service 1 Recruitment 2026 |
| Conducting Body | UPSC |
| purpose | Recruitment to IMA, INA, AFA & OTA |
| Notification Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date To Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Mode Of Application | Online |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Official Website | https://upsconline.nic.in/ |
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The candidates are required to full fill certain eligibility criteria before applying for the CDS 1 2026. These criteria include nationality, age limit, and educational qualifications.
UPSC CDS I Nationality
Candidates must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1962 with the intent to settle permanently.
UPSC CDS 1 Age Limit
- For IMA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1 st January, 2008 only are eligible.
- For Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008 only are eligible.
- For Air Force Academy (Age) :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.
Educational Qualifications
- For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
- For Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution
- For Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / OBC (male candidate) | 200 rupees |
| SC / ST / Femail / PWD | Exempted |
How To Apply For UPSC CDS 1 2026 Step by step Process
- Visit the official website of UPSC at upsconline.nic.in.
- If you are a new user, first complete the registration process by completing the three modules and then you will receive a URN.
- Login to the fourth module using your URN and fill the UPC CDS 1 Application Form 2026.
- Fill in all the required personal and educational details and upload the scanned documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee as mentioned in the official notification.
- Double check the form before final submission and save it for future reference.
UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 Application Link
| UPSC CDS 1 Recruitment 2026 Application Form | Apply Here |