UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 – The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) I 2026 Notification under Examination Notice No. 4/2026, dated 10 December 2025, announcing 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. The application process has started, and the last date to apply online is 30 December 2025 (6 PM). This defence recruitment is one of India’s top competitive exams—last year nearly 7 to 8 lakh candidates applied, and a similar or higher number is expected for CDS 2026, especially due to stable vacancy numbers and increasing defence career interest.
This detailed post explains all key points including important dates, eligibility, vacancy breakup, fees, syllabus, exam pattern and more.
Candidates must apply through the official website and for Latest & Easy-to-Read Updates and Simplified Details, visit GovtJobLink.com.
Table of Contents
The Union Public Service Commission Recruitment 2026 – Combined Defence Services Examination 2026
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 –Notification No. : 4/2026
Govt Jobs Simplified on GovtJobLink.com
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 : Important Dates & Application Fee
| Important Dates | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date -10 /12 / 2025 | General/OBC: Rs. 200 |
| Last Date to Apply – 30 / 12 / 2025 | SC/ST: No Fee |
| Correction Window: Not Allowed | Female Candidates: No Fee |
| Admit Card Release: Last working day before exam week | Payment Mode: UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card |
| CDS Exam Date: 12 April 2026 | Offline Fee: Not Available |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 : Age Limit & Eligibility Details
| Age Limit | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| IMA: 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008 | IMA/OTA: Graduation Degree |
| INA: 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008 | INA: Engineering Degree |
| AFA: 20–24 yrs (as on 1 Jan 2027) | AFA: Graduation with Physics & Maths / B.E./B.Tech |
| CPL Holders: Up to 26 yrs | Final Year Students: Allowed with conditions |
| OTA: 2 Jan 2002 – 1 Jan 2008 | Other Conditions: Degree proof required before training |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026: Vacancy Details
| Academy / Course Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) – 162nd DE Course | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) – Executive/ Hydro | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) – 221 F(P) Course | 32 |
| OTA – Chennai (Men) – 125th SSC (NT) | 275 |
| OTA – Chennai (Women) – 125th SSC (NT) | 18 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 : How to Apply Online & Required Documents
| How to Apply | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Visit upsconline.nic.in | Recent Photograph (as per UPSC rules) |
| Create URN Profile | Live Photo Capture mandatory |
| Fill CAF with accurate details | Signature in black ink |
| Choose IMA/INA/AFA/OTA preferences | Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar preferred) |
| Select Exam Centre | Matric Certificate (for DoB) |
| Upload photo, signature, live photo | Graduation Degree / Provisional |
| Make fee payment (if applicable) | Caste Certificate (if applicable) |
| Download confirmation PDF | NCC ‘C’ Certificate (if applicable) |
| Recheck all details—no corrections allowed | Domicile, NOC (if required) |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 : Pay Scale & Selection Process
| Selection Process | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Written Exam (2–3 papers) | Training Stipend: Rs. 56,100 |
| SSB Stage I (OIR + PPDT) | Level 10 Pay: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| SSB Stage II (5-day testing) | MSP: Rs. 15,500 |
| Medical Examination | Allowances: HRA, DA, Flying Allowance |
| Final Merit List | Other Benefits: Housing, CSD, Medical |
| Document Verification | Promotion ladder up to General |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026: Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Exam Pattern | Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Offline OMR exam | English: Grammar, RC, Vocabulary |
| IMA/INA/AFA: 3 papers | GK: Polity, History, Economy |
| OTA: 2 papers | Maths: Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration |
| Each paper 2 hours | Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| 1/3rd negative marking | Defence & IR topics |
| Difficulty moderate–high | Maps, Geography, Climate |
| GK paper unpredictable | Economy concepts |
| Maths based on class 10 level | Modern History |
| Stable pattern every year | OTA: English & GK focus |
Important Useful Links for Apply Online, Download Notification
| IMORTANT LINKS | CLICK HERE FOR DIRECT LINKS |
|---|---|
| 1. Apply Online Link | Click here for Apply Online |
| 2. Download Notification PDF | Click Here for Download Notification |
| 3. Official Website Link | Click Here for Official Website |
| 4. WhatsApp Channel Link | Join us on WhatsApp |
| 5. Telegram Channel Link | Join us on Telegram |
| 6. YouTube Channel Link | Follow us on YouTube |
| 7. Instagram Channel Link | Follow us on Instagram |
| 8. Facebook Page Link | Follow us on Facebook |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 : Exam Preparation Strategy
1. Understand the Exam Pattern Clearly
Before studying, candidates must know the number of papers, marking system, negative marking, and syllabus.
- IMA/INA/AFA: 3 papers – English, GK, Mathematics
- OTA: 2 papers – English, GK
- Each paper: 100 marks
- Negative marking: 1/3rd for each wrong answer
2. Plan According to Your Academy Preference
- IMA/INA/AFA students must prepare all 3 subjects equally.
- OTA students must focus more on English and GK.
- GK carries equal weight for all academies, so it cannot be ignored.
3. Daily Study Plan (3–4 Hours Minimum)
A balanced daily routine:
- 1 hour – English
- 1 to 1.5 hours – GK
- 1 to 1.5 hours – Mathematics (IMA/AFA/INA)
- 15 minutes – Revision
4. Weekly Practice Plan
- Solve at least 2 previous year papers each week.
- Practice 50–70 English questions, 40–60 GK questions, and 30 Maths questions daily.
- Sundays should be used for full-length mock tests.
5. English Strategy
- Improve vocabulary through daily reading.
- Practice spotting errors, cloze tests, sentence improvement, and comprehension.
- Read editorials, magazines, and previous year CDS English papers.
6. General Knowledge Strategy
GK is the most unpredictable section.
Focus on:
- Indian Polity
- Indian History (Modern India most important)
- Geography (India & World)
- Defence-related current affairs
- Science basics
- Economy & International Relations
Use monthly magazines and trusted defence current affairs sources.
7. Mathematics Strategy (IMA/INA/AFA Only)
Maths requires conceptual clarity more than formulas.
Important topics:
- Trigonometry
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Arithmetic
- Coordinate Geometry
- Statistics
Solve past CDS maths papers to understand problem patterns.
8. Mock Tests & Time Management
- Attempt full-length mock tests for real-exam experience.
- Learn to skip tough questions to avoid negative marking.
- Focus more on accuracy rather than attempting all questions.
9. Revision Strategy
- Revision is the key to clearing CDS.
- Revise vocabulary, formulas, important GK facts every week.
- Keep a separate notebook for difficult concepts.
10. Physical & Mental Preparation
- Officer-level roles require confidence and clear thinking.
- Maintain good health, routine exercise, sleep, and stress-free preparation.
- For SSB, start building leadership and communication skills early.
Sample Questions & Recommended Books / Study Material
English Section
- Choose the correct synonym for the word “Eminent”.
- Identify the error: “He don’t know how to swim.”
- Fill in the blank: “He walked ______ the road.”
- Choose the correct sentence improvement option.
- Read the passage and answer: What is the author’s main argument?
General Knowledge Section
- Who was the first Governor-General of Independent India?
- The Battle of Plassey was fought in which year?
- Which article of the Constitution deals with Fundamental Duties?
- INS Vikrant is associated with which Armed Force?
- Which river is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar”?
- The Planning Commission was replaced by which body?
- The term “GDP” stands for what?
- Who discovered the Law of Motion?
- Which country shares the longest border with India?
- What does the term “Fiscal Deficit” mean?
Mathematics Section
(For IMA/AFA/INA applicants)
- Solve: If x – 1/x = 2, find x² + 1/x².
- What is the area of a circle with radius 7 cm?
- A train running at 60 km/h crosses a pole in 9 seconds. Find its length.
- Find the LCM of 24, 36, and 54.
- Solve for x: 3x – 5 = 16.
Recommended Books & Study Material for CDS 2026
Below is the best and most trusted booklist for all CDS aspirants:
English Books
- Pathfinder for CDS – Arihant Publication
- Objective General English – S.P. Bakshi
- Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
- Previous year English question papers by UPSC
General Knowledge Books
- Lucent’s General Knowledge
- Pathfinder CDS GK Section (Arihant)
- Manorama Yearbook
- NCERT Books (Class 6–10)
- Monthly Current Affairs (Defence, India, International)
- PIB, The Hindu, Yojana – for latest developments
Mathematics Books
- Pathfinder for CDS Maths – Arihant
- RS Aggarwal – Objective Mathematics
- NCERT Maths (Class 6–10)
- CDS Previous Year Maths Solved Papers (Highly Recommended)
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
1. What is the educational qualification required for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 ?
Candidates must have a Graduation Degree from a recognized university.
- IMA/OTA: Any Graduation
- INA: Engineering Degree
- AFA: B.Sc. with Physics & Maths OR B.E./B.Tech
2. How many papers are there in the CDS 2026 exam?
There are 3 papers for IMA/INA/AFA – English, GK, Mathematics.
For OTA, there are only 2 papers – English and GK.
3. What is the marking scheme in CDS?
Each paper is 100 marks, and every wrong answer has 1/3rd negative marking.
4. Is calculator allowed in the CDS exam?
No. Calculators, smartwatches, and electronic gadgets are strictly banned.
5. What is the medium of the CDS question paper?
All papers (English, GK, Maths) are available only in English language, except some GK questions with Hindi explanations.
6. When will CDS 2026 admit card be released?
UPSC releases the admit card 3 weeks before the exam date on its official website.
7. Which section is most scoring in the CDS exam?
- For IMA/INA/AFA: English and Mathematics
- For OTA: English
GK remains the most unpredictable.
8. Does CDS require physical fitness before SSB?
Yes, candidates should maintain basic fitness—running, stamina, and proper medical health—for SSB and academy training.
9. Can candidates fill multiple CDS applications for one cycle?
No. Only one application is allowed per cycle. Multiple forms may be rejected by UPSC.
10. What happens after clearing the CDS written exam?
Candidates are shortlisted for SSB Interview, followed by medical examination and a final merit list based on combined marks.
“Note: Applicants must thoroughly check all details including last date, eligibility, fee, age criteria, no. of posts, experience and selection process & other relevant details at official website . Candidates must apply only from direct login at official website directly. For latest, easy to understand & simplified updates, visit GovtJobLink.com, where we also assist you in comprehensive exam preparation guidance and in-depth exam pattern & syllabus support. For more latest government job updates, also check our Latest Jobs page. Parts of this content has been refined and structured with AI assistance to enhance clarity and readability.”