UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. The crucial date for determining eligibility (age, qualification) is January 1, 2027 for IMA, INA, AFA, and April 1, 2027 for OTA.

Nationality:

• A Citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal, or
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. (Certificate of eligibility may be required for categories (ii) and (iii) above, except for Gorkha subjects of Nepal.)

Age Limits, Sex and Marital Status (as of 1st January 2027, unless specified):

• For IMA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008 only are eligible.
• For Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008 only are eligible.
• For Air Force Academy: Age between 20 to 24 years (i.e., born not earlier than 2nd January 2003 and not later than 1st January 2007). Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years (i.e., born not earlier than 2nd January 2001 and not later than 1st January 2007). Candidates below 25 years must be unmarried. Married candidates aged 25 years or above are eligible but with conditions during training.
• For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for Men): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2008 only are eligible.
• For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course): Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2008.

Educational Qualifications:

• For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
• For Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution.
• For Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

Vacancy Details

Below is the detailed breakdown of vacancies for each course. Please review carefully.

Application Process

The application process for the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 is entirely online. Candidates must visit the official application portal https://upsconline.nic.in to register and fill out the application form.

Steps to Apply:

1. Account Creation & Universal Registration (URN): First, candidates need to create an account on the Online Application Portal. A Universal Registration Number (URN) will be generated, which is common for all Commission examinations. This can be done anytime.
2. Common Application Form (CAF): Complete the Common Application Form. This module is also common and can be filled anytime.
3. Examination Specific Module: Fill the examination-specific form for CDS (I) 2026. This includes details like fees and choice of examination centre. An Application Number will be generated, which is unique to this examination.
4. Upload Documents: Candidates are required to upload their photograph and also capture a live photograph while filling up the Common Application Form. Ensure all documents are clear as per instructions available on the Commission’s website.
5. Photo ID Card: Provide details of one Photo ID Card (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License) while filling up the URN Profile. This ID card must be carried during the examination and Personality Test/SSB. Aadhaar Card is strongly advised for seamless verification.
6. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee of Rs. 200/- (except for Female/SC/ST candidates who are exempted) using Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or internet banking.
7. Submission: Once submitted, applications cannot be withdrawn. No changes to any field in the URN Profile or application modules are allowed after submission and closure of the application window.

Exam Pattern

The Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 consists of a written examination followed by an Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB Interview).

Written Examination:

The written examination includes objective type questions. The question papers for General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be bilingual (Hindi and English). Calculators are not permitted.

The maximum marks allotted to the written examination and interviews will be equal for each course i.e., 300 each for IMA, INA, AFA, and 200 each for OTA.

Syllabus Highlights:

• English: Designed to test candidates’ understanding and workmanlike use of words.
• General Knowledge: Covers current events, everyday observation, scientific aspects, History of India, and Geography.
• Elementary Mathematics (Matriculation Level): Includes Arithmetic (Number System, Elementary Number Theory), Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.

Negative Marking:

There will be a penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each wrong answer. If more than one answer is given, it will be treated as wrong. No penalty for unanswered questions.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 involves several stages to ensure the recruitment of suitable candidates for the Armed Forces.

1. Written Examination: Candidates must first qualify in the written examination by securing the minimum qualifying marks fixed by the Commission.
2. SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test):
   • Successful candidates from the written exam are called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview.
   • The SSB procedure is a two-stage process:
     • Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT). Candidates are shortlisted based on performance in these tests.
     • Stage II: This stage spans 4 days and includes Interview, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.
   • The personality is assessed by three assessors: Interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO), and Psychologist. Marks are allotted holistically, and candidates are Recommended or Not Recommended.
3. Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they meet the prescribed physical and mental standards as per guidelines in Appendix-III of the notification. Those declared ‘Medically Unfit’ can appeal for an Appeal Medical Board (AMB) and potentially a Review Medical Board (RMB).
4. Final Merit List: A final merit list is prepared based on the total marks secured in the written examination and the SSB interview, subject to medical fitness and availability of vacancies.

Important Notes:

• Negative Marking: There is negative marking (1/3rd of marks) for wrong answers in the written examination.
• Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit according to the detailed physical standards specified for each service (Army, Navy, Air Force) in Appendix-III.
• Disqualification: Candidates removed from earlier courses on disciplinary grounds or for lack of Officer-like qualities will not be considered.
• Marriage Restrictions: Candidates must undertake not to marry until they complete their full training.

Salary Details

The remuneration for officers commissioned through the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 includes a competitive salary structure and various allowances as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).

Pay Scale (as per 7th CPC):

Military Service Pay (MSP):

• For officers from the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier: Rs 15,500 p.m. (fixed)

Fixed Stipend for Cadet Training:

• Officer Cadets receive a stipend of Rs 56,100/- p.m. (Starting pay in Level 10) during the entire duration of training at Service academies. Upon successful commissioning, this stipend is converted to pay for all purposes, and arrears of admissible allowances for the training period are paid.

Other Allowances:

• Dearness Allowance: Admissible at the same rates and conditions as for civilian personnel.
• Dress Allowance: Rs 20,000/- per year.
• Free Ration: Provided in Peace and Field areas.
• Transport Allowance (TPTA):
  • For Pay Level 10 and above in Higher TPTA Cities: Rs 7200 + DA thereon.
  • For Pay Level 10 and above in Other Places: Rs 3600 + DA thereon.
  • Physically disabled service personnel receive double rate, subject to a minimum of Rs 2250 + DA p.m.
• Children Education Allowance: Rs 2250/- per month (rates enhanced by 25% when DA goes up by 50%). Reimbursement is done once a year.
• Risk and Hardship Allowance: As per risk and hardship of the serving area.

Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF):

• Officer Cadets are insured for Rs 1.25 Crore. Monthly subscription of Rs 12,500/- is paid in advance.
• Disability insurance: Rs 25 lakhs for 100% disability, proportionally reduced to Rs 5 lakhs for 20% disability. Ex-gratia grant of Rs 50,000/- for less than 20% disability.
• In case of death during training, ex-gratia amount of Rs 12.5 lakhs to NoK and Rs 9000/- p.m. to NoK.

Tips & FAQs

Tips for Candidates:

1. Apply Early: Submit your online application well before the deadline (December 30, 2025, 06:00 PM) to avoid last-minute technical glitches and to secure your preferred examination centre, as allotments are on a first-apply-first-allot basis.
2. Read Instructions Carefully: Thoroughly go through the entire notification, especially sections on eligibility, application process, and examination guidelines (Appendix-II for objective tests).
3. Prepare Documents in Advance: Have all required documents, including your photograph and live photograph for capture, Photo ID (Aadhaar Card is strongly advised), ready before starting the application process.
4. URN and Application Number: Keep your Universal Registration Number (URN) and the examination-specific Application Number safe for all future communications with UPSC.
5. Photo ID for Exam: Always carry the original Photo ID Card (whose details were provided in the URN Profile) when appearing for the Written Examination, Personality Test, and SSB Interview.
6. OMR Sheet Usage: For the written exam, use a black ball pen only for marking answers and filling details on the OMR sheet. Any omissions or mistakes in encoding details like Roll Number or Test Booklet Series Code can lead to rejection of the answer sheet.
7. Negative Marking Awareness: Be mindful of the penalty (0.33 deduction for each wrong answer) in the objective type papers. Avoid guessing if unsure.
8. Prohibited Items: Do not bring mobile phones (even in switched-off mode), pagers, electronic devices, or any other communication equipment to the examination hall. No arrangements will be made for safekeeping of banned or valuable items.
9. Reach on Time: Arrive at the examination venue at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of each session. Late entry is strictly prohibited.
10. Face Authentication: Be prepared for mandatory face authentication at the examination venue for identity verification.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Last-Minute Application: Waiting until the final day often leads to server issues or missed deadlines.
• Incorrect Information: Entering wrong personal details, date of birth, or educational qualifications. Remember, no changes are allowed after submission.
• Improper Photo Upload: Unclear photographs or not capturing a live photo as required can lead to rejection.
• Missing Required Documents: Failing to submit necessary proofs for age, qualification, or category at the time of SSB interview.
• Disregarding Negative Marking: Blindly attempting all questions without considering the penalty for incorrect answers.
• Not Checking Eligibility: Applying without thoroughly verifying age, educational, and marital status criteria for each specific academy.

FAQs:

• Q1: Can I apply for multiple academies?
  A1: Yes, male candidates can indicate preferences for multiple services (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA). Women candidates can only apply for OTA.
• Q2: Is there an application fee, and who is exempted?
  A2: Yes, the fee is Rs. 200/-. Female candidates, Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
• Q3: Can I withdraw my application after submission?
  A3: No, once an application is submitted, it cannot be withdrawn.
• Q4: What if I am in my final year of graduation?
  A4: Final year/semester degree course students can apply but must submit proof of passing their degree examination by the specified dates for each course.
• Q5: What should I do if my e-Admit Card is not received?
  A5: Contact the UPSC Commission’s facilitation counter or helpline (011-24041001) at least seven days before the examination if you do not receive your e-Admit Card.