UPSC CDS 1 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited online Recruitment Applications (ORA) through a centralised recruitment drive from eager and eligible male and female individuals for recruitment to the vacancies of various Officer posts through the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) I 2026. The official Notification is available on the UPSC official website (www.upsc.gov.in).
Candidates interested in the job description and who have met all the eligibility requirements mentioned in the notification can apply online for the CDS 1 2026 posts. You can apply online for new vacancies in the Indian Armed Forces between 10th December 2025 and 30th December 2025, after which the application forms will not be accepted.
The UPSC CDS 1 2026 Recruitment is a golden chance for eligible aspirants seeking government jobs in the defence field. This article gives complete information about the vacancies, eligibility, and selection process, and provides a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the UPSC CDS 1 2026 Recruitment.
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Recruitment Highlights
| Recruitment Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Lieutenant in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force |
| Vacancies | 451 |
| Job Location | All India |
| Last date for Application | December 30, 2025 |
| Salary/ Pay Scale | (Rs. 56100-177500/-) Pay Level-10 |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
| Join Us on Telegram | Join Now |
Important Dates
- The UPSC CDS 1 2026 Recruitment Notification PDF was released on 10th December 2025.
- The online application forms for recruiting Lieutenants in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force are open from December 10, 2025, to December 30, 2025.
- The UPSC CDS 1 2026 Examination will be conducted on 12th April 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
- UPSC CDS 1 2026 Posts: The main question arises, what is the age limit for UPSC CDS 1 2026? The answer is given below:
| Course Name | Age Limit |
| IMA Dehradun | Born Between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2008 |
| INA Ezhimala | Born Between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2008 |
| AFA Hyderabad | Born Between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2007 |
| OTA Chennai (125st SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course) | Born Between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2008 |
| OTA Chennai (125th SSC (Women) (NT) (UPSC) Course) | Born Between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2008 |
Vacancy
The number of vacancies released by UPSC for the post of Commissioned Officer (Lieutenant) is as follows:
- UPSC CDS 1 2026 Posts: 451
| Course Name | Total No. of Vacancies |
| IMA Dehradun (including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC `C’ (Army Wing) holders) | 100 |
| INA Ezhimala (including 06 vacancies for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) holders and 01 for hydro) | 26 |
| AFA Hyderabad (including 03 vacancies are reserved for NCC `C’ Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Special Entry) | 32 |
| OTA Chennai (125th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course) | 275 |
| OTA Chennai (125th SSC (Women) (NT) (UPSC) Course) | 18 |
Education Qualification
Candidates must confirm they fulfil all the qualifying criteria before applying for this position. However, the authority has depicted the requirements for eligibility conditions as follows:
| Course Name | Qualification |
| IMA Dehradun | Degree |
| INA Ezhimala | Graduate in Engineering |
| AFA Hyderabad | Degree (Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level)/Graduate in Engineering |
| OTA Chennai (125th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course) | Degree |
| OTA Chennai (125th SSC (Women) (NT) (UPSC) Course) | Degree |
Selection Procedure
The selection process of UPSC CDS 1 2026 Recruitment will determine the applicants for the CDS posts. As mentioned earlier, candidates must be qualified at every level to be appointed to the posts. The process given below:
- Phase 1: Written Test
- Phase 2: SSB Interview
- Phase 3: Medical Test
- Phase 4: Final Selection List
Exam Pattern
The exam pattern for UPSC CDS 1 2026 is as follows:
For selection into the IMA Dehradun, INA Ezhimala, and Air Force Academy Hyderabad:
| Subject | Time | Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| GK | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
For selection into the Officers Training Academy:
| Subject | Time | Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| GK | 2 Hours | 100 |
SSB Interview
| Course Name | Marks |
| IMA Dehradun | 300 |
| INA Ezhimala | 300 |
| AFA Hyderabad | 300 |
| OTA Chennai | 200 |
How to apply for UPSC CDS 1 2026 Online Application Form
Follow the steps given below to apply for UPSC CDS Online Form 1 2026:
- Step 1: Check your eligibility first from the notification of UPSC CDS 1 2026 for CDS Posts.
- Step 2: Go to the official website.
- Step 3: First, register on the official website: www.upsconline.nic.in.
- Step 4: After registration, fill out the complete form.
- Step 5: Upload the relevant documents and submit the fees.
- Step 6: Submit the application form before 30th December 2025.
- Step 7: Take a printout of the application form for future reference.
Application Form Fees
- General/EWS/OBC: Rs. 100/-
- SC/ST/PwBD/female candidates / Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: Rs. 0/-
Important Links
| Official Notification PDF | Download |
| Online Application Form Link (From 10th December 2025) | Apply Online |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
| Check Other Govt. Jobs | Trending Rojgar |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question 1: How can I download the UPSC CDS 1 2026 Recruitment Notification?
Answer: You can download the official notification from the Official website of the UPSC.
Question 2: What is the Qualification for UPSC CDS 1 2026 Recruitment?
Answer: Read the above section on educational qualifications.
Question 3: What is the age criterion for UPSC CDS 1 2026 Recruitment?
Answer:
- UPSC CDS 1 2026 Recruitment Age Limit: Refer to the above section on age limit.
Question 4: How can I fill out the UPSC CDS 1 2026 Recruitment Online form?
Answer: Please refer to the above section on How to apply for UPSC CDS 1 2026 Recruitment Online Form.