- For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai: A degree from a recognised University or equivalent.
- For Indian Naval Academy: A degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution.
- For Air Force Academy: A degree from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.
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Union Public Service Commission
PermanentDec. 30, 2025
UPSC CDS (I) Recruitment 2026: 451 Vacancies for IMA, INA, AFA & OTA
Indian Military Academy (IMA)Indian Naval Academy (INA)Air Force Academy (AFA)Officers' Training Academy (OTA) - SSC (Men)Officers' Training Academy (OTA) - SSC Women (NT)
Vacancies
451
Pay Scale
Level 10 (Rs. 56,100 - 1,77,500)
Age Limit
Varies by academy, typically 20-24 years as of 01-01-2027
Job Location
Important Dates
Published
Dec. 10, 2025
2
Starts
Dec. 10, 2025
3
Deadline
Dec. 30, 2025
4
Exam Date
Apr. 12, 2026
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Job Analysis
AI-generated insights
Best-Fit Profile
Graduates with a strong sense of patriotism, physical fitness, and leadership potential, aspiring to become commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Engineering graduates are particularly suited for the Naval Academy, while those with Physics and Maths at the 10+2 level are ideal for the Air Force Academy.
Important Considerations
Candidates who do not meet the stringent physical and medical standards, or those who are over the specified age limits. Individuals who are married are ineligible for most courses (except AFA candidates over 25). Those not prepared for a disciplined, regimented lifestyle and pan-India service liability should not apply.
Career Impact
Joining the Indian Armed Forces through UPSC CDS is one of the most prestigious career paths in the country, offering unparalleled honour, responsibility, and a chance to serve the nation. The career progression is well-defined, leading to senior leadership roles within the military hierarchy, with excellent perks, pay, and post-retirement benefits.
Note: This is a helpful, AI-generated overview designed to save you time. Always refer to the official PDF notification for complete and final details.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Age Limit Details
Age limits and marital status vary for each academy:
- For IMA & Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2003 and not later than 1st January 2008.
- For Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years as on 1st January 2027 (i.e., born not earlier than 2nd January 2003 and not later than 1st January 2007). The upper age limit is relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence.
- For Officers' Training Academy (SSC Men & Women): Unmarried candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2008.
Salary & Pay Scale
The pay scale for Army Officers and equivalent ranks in the Air Force and Navy is structured according to the following levels:
| Rank | Level | Pay in Rs. |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | 56,100 - 1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10 B | 61,300 - 1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | 69,400 - 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | 1,21,200 - 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | 1,30,600 - 2,15,900 |
A fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month is provided to cadets during their training period. Additionally, a Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500 p.m. is applicable for officers from Lieutenant to Brigadier.
Vacancy Breakdown (Category-wise)
- Indian Military Academy, Dehradun100
- Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala26
- Air Force Academy, Hyderabad32
- Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Men)275
- Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Women)18
Total Vacancies451
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC website, https://upsconline.nic.in. The application process involves two main parts:
- One Time Registration (OTR): First-time applicants must create an account on the OTR platform. This registration is valid for all future UPSC examinations.
- Examination-Specific Application: After OTR, candidates must fill out the specific application form for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. This includes selecting the examination centre, paying the fee, and uploading required documents like a live photograph.
It is crucial to complete both parts of the application before the deadline of 6:00 PM on 30th December, 2025. Candidates are advised to read the instructions carefully and keep all necessary documents ready before starting the application process.
Application Fee
Candidates are required to pay an application fee of Rs. 200/-. However, Female, SC, and ST candidates are exempted from payment of the fee.
Official Links
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Job Analysis
AI-generated insights
Best-Fit Profile
Graduates with a strong sense of patriotism, physical fitness, and leadership potential, aspiring to become commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Engineering graduates are particularly suited for the Naval Academy, while those with Physics and Maths at the 10+2 level are ideal for the Air Force Academy.
Important Considerations
Candidates who do not meet the stringent physical and medical standards, or those who are over the specified age limits. Individuals who are married are ineligible for most courses (except AFA candidates over 25). Those not prepared for a disciplined, regimented lifestyle and pan-India service liability should not apply.
Career Impact
Joining the Indian Armed Forces through UPSC CDS is one of the most prestigious career paths in the country, offering unparalleled honour, responsibility, and a chance to serve the nation. The career progression is well-defined, leading to senior leadership roles within the military hierarchy, with excellent perks, pay, and post-retirement benefits.
Note: This is a helpful, AI-generated overview designed to save you time. Always refer to the official PDF notification for complete and final details.
Official Links
72h Deadline Tracker
Free ExtensionNever miss closing dates on SSC & UPSC portals • Real-time alerts & zero fake links
Get Extension →
Prepare Your Application Documents
🔒 100% Secure & In-Browser: Filling out the application form? Use these free utilities to easily format and compress your uploads. All tools process files locally in your browser—nothing is ever uploaded to our servers.
Smart Image Resizer
Compress photo/signature to exact KB limits (e.g. 20-50KB) for SSC, UPSC.
Passport Photo Maker
Crop and tile photos into printable A4 or 4x6 sheet grids.
Signature Extractor
Remove gray shadows & shadows from signature photos.
Image to PDF Combiner
Merge multiple marksheets/certificates into a single lightweight PDF.
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