The UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 notification has been officially released, opening opportunities for candidates to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers Training Academy. With a total of 451 vacancies, this national-level exam provides a direct gateway for aspirants who wish to build a prestigious career in the defence services. Eligible graduates can submit their applications online through the UPSC portal.
The UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 application process begins on 10 December 2025 and runs until 30 December 2025. Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the educational qualifications, age criteria, and other mandates. UPSC will conduct the written examination on 12 April 2026, followed by SSB Interviews for shortlisted candidates.
| UPSC Recruitment 2025 – Highlights:- |
- Organization: Union Public Service Commission
- Notification No: 4/2026 CDS-I (10.12.2025)
- Job Category: Central Govt Jobs
- Total Vacancies: 451 Posts
- Employment Type: Regular Basis
- Apply Mode: Online
- Starting Date: 10.12.2025
- Last Date: 30.12.2025
| UPSC Post Details & Salary 2025 |
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) – 100 Posts
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) – 26 Posts
- Air Force Academy (AFA) – 32 Posts
- Officers Training Academy (OTA – Men) – 275 Posts
- Officers Training Academy (OTA – Women) – 18 Posts
Salary:
- Lieutenant – Level 10: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
- Captain – Level 10B: ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900
- Major – Level 11: ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200
- Lieutenant Colonel – Level 12A: ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400
- Colonel – Level 13: ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900
- Brigadier – Level 13A: ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600
- Major General – Level 14: ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200
- Lieutenant General (HAG Scale) – Level 15: ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100
- HAG+ Scale – Level 16: ₹2,05,400 – ₹2,24,400
- VCOAS / Army Commander / Lieutenant General – Level 17: ₹2,25,000 (fixed)
- Chief of Army Staff (COAS) – Level 18: ₹2,50,000 (fixed)
| UPSC Eligibility Criteria:- |
- IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University.
- Indian Naval Academy: Engineering Degree from a recognized institution.
- Air Force Academy: Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering.
Age Limit:
- IMA: Unmarried males born between 02.01.2003 – 01.01.2008
- INA: Unmarried males born between 02.01.2003 – 01.01.2008
- AFA: 20 to 24 years as of 01.01.2027
- OTA (Men): Unmarried males born between 02.01.2002 – 01.01.2008
- OTA (Women): Unmarried women, widow (issueless), divorcee (issueless), born between 02.01.2002 – 01.01.2008
| Selection Process & Application Fee:- |
- Written Examination
- Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB)
- Medical Examination
- Document Verification
Exam Centres in Tamil Nadu: Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Vellore
Application Fee:
- Female / SC / ST: No Fee
- Others: ₹100
| Important Dates:- |
- Application Start Date: 10.12.2025
- Application Last Date: 30.12.2025
| Apply Now – Direct Link:- |
- Click below to apply for UPSC Recruitment 2025
- Apply Offline – UPSC 2025 Application Form
| UPSC Official Website | Website Link |
| UPSC Official Notification | Notification |
| UPSC Online Application | Online Apply Link |
| How to Apply for UPSC 2025:- |
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in
- Open the CDS I 2026 Notification and read the instructions.
- Click Online Application for Various Examinations.
- Complete Part I Registration → basic details.
- Complete Part II Registration → upload photo, signature, ID proof.
- Pay the application fee if applicable.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Leave a Comment