Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 – UPSC
Quick Info
- Vacancies
- Vacancies: 451
- Employment Type
- Employment Type: Full Time
- Pay Scale
- Pay Scale: ₹56,100 - ₹177,500 per month
- Qualification
- Qualification: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent for IMA and OTA. Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution for INA. Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering for Air Force Academy.
- Experience Required
- Experience Required: Freshers eligible
- Age Limit
- Age Limit: Between 19 to 25 years
- Application Mode
- Application Mode: Online
- Deadline
- Deadline:
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites applications for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026, to recruit officers for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy. This examination offers graduates a prestigious opportunity to join the Indian Armed Forces as Commissioned Officers with a starting salary in Level 10 and comprehensive allowances.
- Recruitment for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA via a common written examination and SSB interview.
- Offers Permanent Commission for men and Short Service Commission for men and women.
- Candidates receive a stipend of Rs 56,100 per month during the training period.
- Open to graduates and final-year students meeting specific age and educational criteria.
- Successful candidates join as Lieutenants or equivalent ranks with excellent career progression.
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Additional Salary Information
Pay Matrix Level 10; Military Service Pay Rs 15,500; Dearness Allowance; High Altitude Allowance; Field Area Allowance; Uniform Allowance; Transport Allowance.
Important Dates
Selection Process
Written Examination (Objective Type).
Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview (Intelligence and Personality Test).
Medical Examination.
Computer Pilot Selection System (CPSS) for Air Force candidates only.
Application Fees
General / OBC / EWS: Rs. 200/-
Female / SC / ST: Exempted
Pay online via Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card/UPI or Internet Banking.
Reservation
Reservation and vacancies allocated as per Indian Army/Navy/Air Force requirements.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Visit the official application portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Step 2: Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
- Step 3: Log in and fill out the application form for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026.
- Step 4: Upload your photograph, signature, and photo ID card as per the specified instructions.
- Step 5: Pay the application fee online (if applicable) and submit the form before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, candidates studying in the final year or semester of their degree course can apply, provided they submit proof of passing the degree examination by the specified dates in 2026/2027.
Yes, there is a penalty (negative marking) of one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question for every wrong answer in the objective type question papers.
For the Officers' Training Academy (SSC Course for men and women), unmarried candidates must be born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2008.