UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 Online Form (451 Posts)
Short Information: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the **Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026**. Graduates (Male/Female) aspiring to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) can apply online now.
| App Start | 10 Dec 2025 |
| Last Date | 30 Dec 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card | March 2026 |
| Gen / OBC | ₹ 200/- |
| SC / ST / Women | ₹ 0/- (Nil) |
| IMA / INA Age | Born 02/01/2003 – 01/01/2008. |
| OTA Age | Born 02/01/2002 – 01/01/2008. |
| Academy | Posts | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| IMA (Dehradun) | 100 | Degree in Any Stream (Only Unmarried Males). |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 | Engineering Degree (B.E/B.Tech). |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | Degree with Physics & Math at 10+2 OR Engineering Degree. |
| OTA (Men / Women) | 275 / 18 | Degree in Any Stream (Males & Females). |
- Step 1: Click on the “Apply Online” link below to visit upsconline.nic.in.
- Step 2: Register for **One Time Registration (OTR)** if applying for the first time.
- Step 3: Login and select “CDS (I) 2026”. Fill Part-I (Academy Preference is Crucial).
- Step 4: Upload Photo & Signature. Pay the fee (₹200) if applicable.
- Step 5: Ensure you select the correct exam center, as they are allotted on a “First-Apply-First-Allot” basis.
📢 1. Blog Analysis
Academy Preference Strategy: While filling the form, your **Order of Preference** (e.g., AFA > IMA > OTA) matters significantly. If you are eligible for Flying Branch (AFA), always keep it as 1st preference. For non-math students, OTA is the primary entry route. Remember, OTA candidates do not need to attempt the Math paper.
📖 2. Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Written Exam (Offline Mode):
- Paper 1: English (100 Marks): 120 Qs (Grammar, Comprehension, Vocab).
- Paper 2: General Knowledge (100 Marks): 120 Qs (Polity, History, Geog, Science, Current Affairs).
- Paper 3: Elementary Math (100 Marks): 100 Qs (Arithmetic, Algebra, Trig, Geometry, Stats). *Not for OTA candidates.
🎯 3. Strategy for April Exam
1. English is Key: This is the easiest scoring section. Target 70+ marks here to clear the overall cutoff.
2. GK Cutoff: Many engineering students fail the sectional cutoff (20%) in GK. Focus on Science and Current Affairs (last 6 months) to stay safe.
3. SSB Interview: The written exam is just the gate pass. The real test is the 5-day SSB interview. Start working on your physical fitness and spoken English now.
| Apply Online (Link Active) | Click Here |
| Download Syllabus PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |