Short Info : Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published notification for Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 (451 Vacancies). Interested candidates can apply online from 10 December, 2025 to 30 December, 2025 Till 6:00 PM. For further details on the syllabus, qualifications, age limit, and selection procedure, please refer to the advertisement.

Important Dates
Application Start Date
10 December, 2025
Last Date For Applying Online
30 December, 2025 Till 6:00 PM
Last Date For Paying Exam Fees
30 December, 2025
Exam Date
12 April, 2026
Admit Card for Exam
02 April, 2026
Eligibility Details
Minimum Age
20 Years (As on 01 January, 2027)
Maximum Age
24 Years (As on 01 January, 2027)
Age Relaxation
As Per Rules.
Application Fees Info
General / OBC / EWS Category Candidates
200 Rs./-
SC / ST Category Candidates
0 Rs./-
Payment Mode
Online Through Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking.
Vacancy Info

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 (451 Vacancies) - Post Wise Vacancies

Post NameTotalPost NameTotal
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun100Officers Training Academy (Men), Chennai275
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala26Officers Training Academy (Women), Chennai18
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad32Grand Total451

IMA, INA, AFA Exam Pattern

Negative Marking : 1/3rd

SubjectMarksDuration
English 10002 Hours
General Knowledge 10002 Hours
Elementary Mathematics  10002 Hours
Total 30006 Hours

Exam Pattern For OTA

Negative Marking : 1/3rd

SubjectMarksDuration
English 10002 Hours
General Knowledge 10002 Hours
Total 20004 Hours

SSB / Interview Marks

Academy NameSSB Marks
Indian Military Academy300
Indian Naval Academy300
Indian Air Force Academy300
Officers’ Training Academy200

How to Apply

  • Register/Login : Visit upsconline.nic.in, click on "Online Recruitment Application (ORA) for various recruitment posts", and log in via your One-Time Registration (OTR) profile.
  • Part I Application : Fill in basic personal details, choose the preferred academy (IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA), and ensure accuracy, as changes cannot be made easily.
  • Part II Application : Pay the application fee (if applicable) through the online portal, choose the examination center, and upload a live photo/photo identity card.
  • Upload Documents : Upload the required photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size.
  • Submit and Print : Submit the final application form, ensuring you receive a confirmation message. Print the confirmation page for future reference.

Selection Process

  • Written Examination : Conducted by UPSC, this is the first screening stage.
  • Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview : Evaluates Intelligence and Personality Test.
  • Document Verification : Verification of qualifications post-SSB recommendation.
  • Medical Examination : Final check for physical and mental fitness.
Other Details
Download Mobile App
Important Links

To Download Admit Card

To Download Exam Date Notice

To Visit Official Website

For Downloading Notification

For Applying Online

General Knowledge

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