LATEST UPDATE

UPSC official Notification for CDS I Examination 2026 Released on 10-12-2025, to fill 451 Vacancies are announced for admission to the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy for courses commencing in April 2026. Interested Candidates can apply online from 10/12/2025 to 30/12/2025. As per the UPSC Calendar 2026, the CDS I 2026 exam is scheduled for 12th April 2026.

IMPORTANT DATES

The UPSC CDS I 2026 notification was released in December 2025, with the application window open till 30 December 2025. The written examination is scheduled for 12 April 2026, and the admit card is expected in the first week of April 2026. Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website for updates related to admit cards and results.

VACANCY DETAILS

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially published the CDS I Notification 2025 on 10th December 2025, along with the CDS I Application Form 2025. A total of 451 vacancies have been announced for admission to the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy, for courses starting in October 2026.

SALARY STRUCTURE

The stipend given during the training in the respective academies is Rs 56,100 per month. The training period is not treated as the commissioned service. Once the candidates are commissioned successfully, the CDS salary of officers will be in the pay matrix of level 10 and will be liable to get all the arrears remaining based on their pay matrix with effect from their training period.

The table below highlights the CDS Salary based on different Ranks:

Other Allowances Risk and Hardship allowance has been introduced by the 7th CPC under which an individual gets his entitled allowance as per risk and hardship of the area where he/she is serving.

Dress allowance Rs. 25000/- Rate will be enhanced by 25% each time DA is increased by 50%.

Transport Allowance (TPTA): Pay Level  – 10 and above, Higher TPTA Cities (Rs. Per month) – Rs. 7200+DA thereon, Other Places (Rs. Per month) – Rs. 3600+DA thereon

Children Education Allowance: Rs.2813/-per month per child for two eldest surviving only. CEA is admissible from Nursery to 12th Class.

HOW TO APPLY

Completing the CDS I Application process for CDS 2026 is the initial step in applying for recruitment through the Combined Defence Services exam. Follow the step-by-step procedure outlined below to ensure a smooth application process.

Step 1: Visit the Official UPSC Website

Go to the official UPSC website

Alternatively, you can directly access the CDS I 2026 application page via upsconline.nic.in.

Step 2: Read the CDS I 2026 Notification

Carefully read the CDS I6 2025 Notification to understand eligibility criteria, important dates, and other relevant details.

This will ensure you meet the necessary qualifications and follow the correct procedure.

Step 3: Register on the UPSC Portal (If Not Already Registered)

If you don’t have an existing account, click on the New Registration link on the UPSC online portal.

Fill in personal details such as name, date of birth, and contact information.

Create a username and password, which will be used for future login and application.

Step 4: Fill in the Application Form

After successful registration, log in to your account using the username and password.

Select the CDS I 2026 examination from the list of available exams.

Fill in the application form with accurate details, such as:

Personal information (name, father’s name, address, etc.)

Educational qualifications

Choice of Academy (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA)

Upload scanned copies of photographs and signatures as per the specifications mentioned.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

Choose your preferred payment method (online via net banking, credit/debit card, or through offline challan at a bank).

The application fee is typically Rs. 200 for male candidates (SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted).

After completing the payment, you will receive a confirmation of the transaction.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Review the application form thoroughly to ensure all details are correct.

Once satisfied, click the Submit button to complete your application.

Take a printout of the application form and payment receipt for future reference.

EXAM CENTERS

The Combined Defence Services Examination II will be conducted at various centers. Candidates are required to select their preferred exam center while filling out the CDS II application form. Below is a list of the centers mentioned in the previous notification. Any updates, including additions or removals of centers, will be provided here.

ADMIT CARD

 The CDS I Exam 2026 is scheduled for April 12, 2026, and its admit cards will likely be released by the UPSC around the first week of April, specifically around April 2, 2026, with direct download links available on the UPSC website a few days before the exam 

1. Availability

Admit cards will be issued 3 weeks before the examination date.

Available only on UPSC official website – upsconline.nic.in / upsc.gov.in.

No hard copy will be sent by post.

2. 
   How to Download

Visit the UPSC website.

Click on “E-Admit Card: CDS I 2026” link.

Login using: Registration ID / Roll Number, and Date of Birth.

Enter Captcha – Submit.

Download and print the admit card.

3. 
   Details Mentioned on Admit Card

Candidate’s Name, Roll Number, Registration ID

Photograph & Signature

Exam Date & Time

Exam Centre & Address

Important Instructions (items allowed & prohibited)

4. 
   Documents to Carry on Exam Day

Printed copy of Admit Card

Valid Photo ID proof (original) – Aadhaar / Voter ID / Driving Licence / Passport / PAN card, etc.

Black ballpoint pen (mandatory for marking answers in OMR sheet).

5. 
   Important Instructions

Reach exam centre at least 30 minutes early.

Entry closes 10 minutes before exam starts.

Follow dress code & instructions strictly (no electronic gadgets allowed).

Admit card must be preserved till SSB Interview & final selection.

EXAM RESULT

The UPSC is expected to announce the CDS I Result 2026 by May 2026 on the official website. The result will include details such as the roll numbers of the recommended candidates, their All India ranks, and the qualifying marks. Separate merit lists will be prepared for each academy, including IMA, AFA, Navy, INA, SSC (Men), and SSC (Women).

1. 
   Declaration of Result

UPSC declares result in two stages:

Written Examination Result

Final Result (Written + SSB Interview)

Results are published on the UPSC official website – upsc.gov.in.

Results are announced in the form of a PDF list of roll numbers/names of qualified candidates.

2. 
   Written Exam Result

Published 2–3 months after the exam.

Shows the list of candidates shortlisted for SSB Interview.

No mark sheet at this stage, only roll numbers.

3. 
   SSB Interview Result

Conducted by Service Selection Boards (Army, Navy, Air Force).

After completion of SSB interviews, UPSC publishes the Final Result.

4. 
   Final Result / Merit List

Based on marks in Written Exam + SSB Interview.

Candidates must also be Medically Fit to be included.

Separate merit lists are prepared for:

IMA (Indian Military Academy)

INA (Indian Naval Academy)

AFA (Air Force Academy)

OTA (Officers Training Academy)

5. 
   How to download

Open your browser: Go to www.upsc.gov.in.

On the homepage, click on the “Written Result” link (under the Examination tab).

Look for “Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025 – Written Result”.

Click on the link A PDF file will open.

Press Ctrl + F (Find option).

Enter your Roll Number or Name.

If qualified, it will be highlighted in the PDF.

Click the download icon (usually top-right corner of the PDF).

Save it on your device.

Take a printout (recommended for SSB interview).

6. Scorecard / Marksheets

UPSC uploads individual mark sheets on its website 15 days after final result.

Available for download for about 30 days.

Contains subject-wise marks, total marks, cut-off marks.