UPSC CDS I 2026 Final Result Declared — 243 Qualified for IMA, INA and AFA
Update (2 November 2026): UPSC has declared the final result of the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. The press note, dated 2 November 2026, gives three lists in order of merit: 243 (155 + 63 + 25) candidates who qualified on the written exam (held in April 2026) and the SSB interviews held by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence. The lists cover the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy only. Download the CDS (I) 2026 Final Result PDF
What Does the UPSC CDS I 2026 Final Result Say?
| Academy and course | Candidates in list | Vacancies intimated and written-test recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun — 162nd (DE) Course | 155 | Vacancies: 100 (including 13 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing) holders). Recommended in written test: 2601 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala — Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro | 63 | Vacancies: 26 (including 6 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) holders and 1 for Hydro). Recommended in written test: 770 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad — (Pre-Flying) Training Course, No. 221 F(P) Course | 25 | Vacancies: 32 (including 3 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Special Entry). Recommended in written test: 640 |
The note says there are some common candidates in the three lists. The number of candidates finally qualified is counted after the SSB test conducted by Army Headquarters.
How to Check the UPSC CDS I 2026 Final Result?
- Open the final result PDF or the UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Find your roll number in the IMA (pages 2 to 5), INA (pages 6 and 7) or AFA (page 8) list. Each list gives serial number, roll number and name.
- Candidates may be in more than one list, as the press note says some candidates are common to the lists.
What Conditions Apply to the UPSC CDS I 2026 Final Result?
- Medical examination: its results have not been taken into account in preparing these lists.
- Provisional candidature: verification of date of birth and educational qualifications is still under process by Army Headquarters, so the candidature of all these candidates is provisional on this score.
- Certificates: candidates are requested to send original certificates supporting date of birth and educational qualification, with photostat attested copies, to Army Headquarters, Naval Headquarters or Air Headquarters, as per their first choice.
- Change of address: candidates should promptly tell Army, Naval or Air Headquarters directly.
- Marks: candidates’ marks will be put on the UPSC website after the final result of the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) course for CDS (I) 2026 is declared. This press note does not carry the OTA result.
- Help: UPSC has a Facilitation Counter on its campus, open on working days from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and a Candidate’s Helpdesk by telephone from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on all days.
What Are the UPSC CDS I 2026 Stages So Far?
| Stage | Date / status |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 12 April 2026 |
| Provisional answer keys | 16 April 2026 (per corrigendum) |
| Representation window | 18 to 22 April 2026, till 6:00 PM (per corrigendum) |
| Final result (IMA, INA, AFA) | 2 November 2026 |
| OTA final result | Not in this press note |
Result Links
- UPSC final result notice for CDS (I) 2026 (2 November 2026): Download Final Result PDF
- UPSC website for results: upsc.gov.in
- Corrigendum on answer keys and representation window (10 April 2026): Download Corrigendum PDF
- Admit card important notice (2 April 2026): Download Admit Card Notice PDF
- Original notification: Download Notification PDF
UPSC CDS (I) 2026: Corrigendum — Answer Key & Representation Window Updated
UPSC has released a corrigendum for CDS (I) 2026. The provisional answer keys will be published on 16 April 2026. Candidates can now challenge both questions and answer keys from 18 to 22 April 2026 (5 days instead of the earlier 7 days) through the new portal at upsconline.nic.in. No changes in vacancies or eligibility.
Download CDS (I) 2026 Corrigendum PDF
UPSC CDS (I) 2026: Admit Card Released — Download e-Admit Card Now
Update (4 April 2026): Great news for CDS aspirants! The UPSC CDS (I) 2026 e-Admit Card has been released. The written exam is on 12 April 2026 (Sunday) with three sessions — English (9:00–11:00 AM), General Knowledge (12:30–2:30 PM), and Elementary Mathematics (4:00–6:00 PM). Download your e-Admit Card immediately from upsconline.nic.in and take a printout — no paper admit card will be issued. Carry your printed e-Admit Card and Photo ID to the venue. Entry closes 30 minutes before each session.
🔗 Important links for this update:
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Recruitment Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for unmarried graduates to join the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. The Commission has announced a total of 451 vacancies across various academies. Selected candidates will receive a starting stipend of ₹56,100 during training, which converts to a handsome Level 10 pay scale upon commissioning. The online application window ran from 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025 and is now closed. If you aspire to serve the nation as a Commissioned Officer, this exam is your gateway.
Key Highlights of UPSC CDS 1 2026 Exam
- Recruitment Board: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Exam Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026
- Total Vacancies: 451 Posts
- Job Location: All India (Training at respective Academies)
- Salary/Pay Scale: Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500)
- Application Mode: Online
- Last Date to Apply: 30th December 2025
The Union Public Service Commission conducts the CDS exam twice a year to recruit officers for the Indian Armed Forces. The selection process is rigorous, involving a written examination followed by an Intelligence and Personality Test by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Successful candidates undergo training at their respective academies before being commissioned as Lieutenants (or equivalent) in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
UPSC CDS 1 Vacancy Breakdown 2026
The total 451 vacancies are distributed among the four training academies as follows:
| Academy Name | Course Details | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 162nd (DE) Course commencing in Jan 2027 | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | Course commencing in Jan 2027 Executive Branch | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in Jan 2027 | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 125th SSC (Men) (NT) Course (April 2027) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 125th SSC Women (NT) Course (April 2027) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must ensure they fulfill all eligibility conditions before applying. Admission is purely provisional subject to satisfying the prescribed conditions.
Educational Qualification
- For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
- For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution.
- For Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
- Note: Final year students can also apply provided they submit proof of passing by the specified dates.
Age Limit & Marital Status
- IMA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2003 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
- Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2003 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
- Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years as on 1st Jan 2027 (Born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2003 and not later than 1st Jan 2007).
- OTA (Men – SSC): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2002 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
- OTA (Women – SSC): Unmarried women, issueless widows/divorcees born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2002 and not later than 1st Jan 2008.
Medical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit according to the prescribed physical standards for admission to the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. This includes height, weight, and vision standards specific to the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
CDS Salary Structure and Benefits
The financial benefits of joining the Armed Forces are excellent.
- Stipend: During the training period at service academies (IMA and OTA), gentlemen cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100/- per month (Starting pay in Level 10).
- Pay on Commission: On successful commissioning, the rank of Lieutenant (or equivalent) is granted with pay in Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500).
- Allowances: Officers are entitled to various allowances such as Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500/- p.m., Dearness Allowance (DA), High Altitude Allowance, Field Area Allowance, Transport Allowance, and Uniform Allowance.
- Perks: Additional benefits include free ration, medical facilities for self and family, Group Insurance cover (₹1.25 Cr), canteen facilities, and accommodation.
Selection Process for UPSC CDS 2026
The selection procedure comprises two main stages:
Tier 1: Written Examination
The written exam is objective type. There is a penalty (Negative Marking) of 1/3rd marks for wrong answers.
- For IMA, INA, AFA: Three papers – English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Each paper is of 2 hours and 100 marks. (Total 300 Marks).
- For OTA: Two papers – English and General Knowledge. Each paper is of 2 hours and 100 marks. (Total 200 Marks).
Tier 2: SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test)
Candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. This involves:
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II: Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. These tests assess officer-like qualities over 4 days.
- Marks: The maximum marks for the SSB interview are 300 for IMA/INA/AFA and 200 for OTA.
How to Apply Online for CDS 1 2026
Follow these steps to submit your application successfully:
- Visit the official application portal: upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete Account creation and Universal Registration if not already done.
- Login and click on “Latest Notifications” to find the CDS (I) 2026 link.
- Fill in the Common Application Form and the exam-specific module.
- Upload your photograph, signature, and Photo ID card (preferably Aadhaar Card) as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee of ₹200/- (if applicable) via online mode.
- Select your preferred exam centre carefully.
- Submit the form and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Dates for UPSC CDS 1 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 10th December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30th December 2025 (till 6:00 PM) |
| CDS 1 Exam Date 2026 | 12th April 2026 |
Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 200/- |
| Female / SC / ST | Nil (Exempted) |
| Payment Mode | Online (Net Banking/Visa/Master/Rupay/UPI) |
Essential Links
- Official Notification PDF: Download Notification
- Apply Online: Apply Online
- Official Website: UPSC Website
- Whatsapp Channel for Government Jobs: Join WhatsApp
- Telegram Channel for Government Jobs: Join Telegram
- Follow us on Our Indian App Arattai: Follow on Arattai
The UPSC CDS 1 2026 examination is a golden chance for patriotic youth to don the uniform and serve India. With 451 vacancies and a transparent selection process, your preparation and dedication can lead you to a glorious career in the defence forces.