The Combined Defence Services (CDS I) Examination is your gateway to becoming a Commissioned Officer in the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force). The job description is that of a military leader and manager.
📅 Key Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | December 10, 2025 |
| Online Application Start | December 10, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 30, 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Written Examination Date | April 12, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Course Commencing (Tentative) | January / April 2027 |
📋 Vacancy Breakdown
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced across the four main academies:
| Academy | Course | Approximate Vacancies |
| IMA (Indian Military Academy, Dehradun) | Permanent Commission | 100 |
| INA (Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala) | Permanent Commission (Executive) | 26 |
| AFA (Air Force Academy, Hyderabad) | Permanent Commission (Flying) | 32 |
| OTA (Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai) – Men | Short Service Commission (SSC) | 275 |
| OTA (Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai) – Women | Short Service Commission (SSC) | 18 |
| TOTAL | 451 |
✅ Eligibility Criteria (Crucial Details)
1. Educational Qualification
| Academy | Required Qualification |
| IMA & OTA (Men/Women) | Degree from a recognized University or equivalent. |
| INA | Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution. |
| AFA | Degree from a recognized University (with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR a Bachelor of Engineering. |
Note: Final year/semester students who expect to complete their degree before the specified course commencement date are generally eligible to apply.
2. Age Limit (as per Jan 1, 2027, for IMA/INA/AFA and April 1, 2027, for OTA)
| Academy | Marital Status | Date of Birth Range (Must be born between) |
| IMA | Unmarried Male | January 2, 2003, and January 1, 2008 |
| INA | Unmarried Male | January 2, 2003, and January 1, 2008 |
| AFA | 20 to 24 years* | January 2, 2003, and January 1, 2007 |
| OTA (Men) | Unmarried Male | January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2008 |
| OTA (Women) | Unmarried, Issueless Widows/Divorcees | January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2008 |
*AFA age limit is relaxed up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
📝 Selection Process
The selection process is stringent and involves two main phases:
- Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC.
- Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview/Personality Test: Conducted by the Defence Services.
📚 Written Examination Pattern
The pattern varies based on the academy chosen:
A. For IMA, INA, and AFA (3 Papers)
| Subject | Max Marks | Duration |
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 300 Marks |
B. For OTA (2 Papers)
| Subject | Max Marks | Duration |
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 200 Marks |
- Negative Marking: One-third (1/3) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
🔗 Application Link & Fee
- Official UPSC Website:
https://www.upsc.gov.in - Direct Application Link (UPSC Online Portal):
https://upsconline.nic.in/- Note: Candidates must first complete the One Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC portal before applying for the CDS exam.
- Application Fee:
- ₹200/- for General/OBC/EWS candidates.
- Nil for Female/SC/ST candidates.
