Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2026
Conducting body: UPSC · Official source: upsc.gov.in
Entry to Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Posts Offered
- IMA (Army)
- INA (Navy)
- AFA (Air Force)
- OTA (Short Service Commission)
Eligibility
- Age limit
- 19 to 25 years
- Education
- Graduation (IMA/OTA), Engineering (INA), Physics+Math in graduation (AFA)
Combined Defence Services (CDS) Key Dates
- Notification: 14 Feb 2026 — UPSC CSE Notification
- Exam: 13 Apr 2026 — UPSC CDS I Exam
- Exam: 14 Apr 2026 — UPSC NDA I Exam
- Exam: 25 May 2026 — UPSC CSE Prelims
Latest UPSC Vacancies
- UPSC EPFO ८० पदांकरिता अधिकृत भरती सूचना २०२६ — UPSC EPFO · 80 posts · Last date: 11 Sept 2026
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- UPSC Assistant Director (Engineering) Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 1 Post — Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) · Not specified · 1 posts · Last date: 28 Aug 2026
- UPSC Superintendent Translation (Hindi Branch) Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 1 Post — Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) · Not specified · 1 Post posts · Last date: 28 Aug 2026
- UPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 11 Posts — Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) · Not specified · 11 Posts posts · Last date: 28 Aug 2026
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See all active government job notifications
Other Upsc Exams
- UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) — UPSC · age 21–32
- National Defence Academy (NDA) — UPSC · age 16.5–19.5
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) — UPSC · age 20–25
- Indian Engineering Services (IES/ESE) — UPSC · age 21–30
- Indian Forest Service (IFS) — UPSC · age 21–32
- UPSC EPFO (Enforcement/Accounts Officer) — UPSC · age 21–30
- Combined Medical Services (CMS) — UPSC · age 21–32
- Combined Geo-Scientist Examination — UPSC · age 21–32
- Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) — UPSC · age 16.5–19.5
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who conducts Combined Defence Services (CDS)?
- Combined Defence Services (CDS) is conducted by UPSC. The official portal is upsc.gov.in.
- What is the age limit for Combined Defence Services (CDS)?
- Candidates must generally be between 19 and 25 years. Reserved categories receive the relaxation published in the current notification.
- What qualification is required for Combined Defence Services (CDS)?
- Graduation (IMA/OTA), Engineering (INA), Physics+Math in graduation (AFA)
- How do I apply for Combined Defence Services (CDS)?
- Applications are submitted only on the official UPSC portal (upsc.gov.in). This site links to the notification and tracks the vacancy, but never collects applications or fees.
Always verify notifications, dates, fees and eligibility on the official UPSC website before applying.