INDNotice

Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 (Including Ssc Women (Non-Technical) Course)

JOBAdded: 11 Dec 2025UPSC

Important Information

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites online applications for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026.

The online application portal features a four-card/module system: Account Creation, Universal Registration (URN), Common Application Form (CAF), and an Examination-Specific Module. The first three are common to all examinations and can be filled at any time. The examination-specific module must be completed within the notification period.

Applicants are required to apply online via the website: https://upsconline.nic.in.

  • Universal Registration Number (URN): Generated upon registration, unique and constant across all examinations.
  • Application Number: Generated after filling the examination-specific form, dynamic and varies per examination.

Candidates are strongly advised to refer to the detailed instructions available on the portal's home page for filling out the application and uploading documents. Using an Aadhaar Card for identity verification is recommended for a seamless process.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must ensure they fulfill all eligibility conditions for admission. Admission at all stages of the examination is purely provisional.

  • Nationality:

    • A Citizen of India, or
    • A Subject of Nepal, or
    • A Person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam) with the intention of permanently settling in India.
    • An eligibility certificate from the Government of India is required for subjects of Nepal and Indian origin migrants (not required for Gorkha subjects of Nepal).

  • Age Limits, Sex, and Marital Status (as on 2027-01-01, unless specified):

    • For Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried Male candidates born not earlier than 2003-01-02 and not later than 2008-01-01.
    • For Air Force Academy (AFA): Age 20 to 24 years (born not earlier than 2003-01-02 and not later than 2007-01-01). The upper age limit is relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) (born not earlier than 2001-01-02 and not later than 2007-01-01). Candidates below 25 years must be unmarried.
    • For Officers' Training Academy (OTA) Chennai (SSC Men): Unmarried Male candidates born not earlier than 2002-01-02 and not later than 2008-01-01.
    • For Officers' Training Academy (OTA) Chennai (SSC Women Non-Technical Course): Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried. Born not earlier than 2002-01-02 and not later than 2008-01-01.
    • Note: Male divorcee/widower candidates are not considered unmarried for IMA/INA/AFA/OTA Chennai courses.
    • The date of birth accepted is as recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate.

  • Educational Qualifications:

    • For I.M.A. and Officers' Training Academy, Chennai: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
    • For Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution.
    • For Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
    • Candidates studying in their final year/semester can apply, but must submit proof of passing the degree examination by the following dates:
      • For admission to IMA and Indian Naval Academy: 2027-01-01.
      • For Air Force Academy: 2026-11-13.
      • For Officers' Training Academy, Chennai: 2027-04-01.

  • NCC 'C' Certificate Holders (Army Wing (Senior Division)/ Air Wing/Naval Wing): May compete for Short Service Commission Course vacancies and will be treated as general candidates. Those yet to pass must submit proof of passing by 2026-11-13 for Air Force first choice candidates, and other dates for other choices. Eligibility includes serving 3 academic years in Senior Division NCC and not being discharged for more than 24 months.

  • Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit as per the detailed guidelines provided in Appendix-III of the notice.

Vacancy Details (Tentative)

S. No. Name of the Course Approximate No. of Vacancies
1. Indian Military Academy, Dehradun –162nd (DE) Course commencing in January 2027 [including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC C Certificate (Army Wing) holders] 100
2. Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala - Course commencing in January 2027 Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro [including 06 vacancies for NCC 'C' Certificate (Naval Wing) holders and 01 for Hydro] 26
3. Air Force Academy, Hyderabad - (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in January 2027 i.e. 221 F(P) Course. [including 03 vacancies reserved for NCC C Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Special Entry] 32
4. Officers' Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 125th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course Commencing in April 2027. 275
5. Officers' Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 125th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in, April 2027. 18
Total 451
  • Vacancies for Men and Women categories for SSC(NT) Courses are notified through a common notification but selected separately.
  • The number of vacancies is tentative and may be changed at any stage.
  • Candidates must specify their service preferences in the Examination Specific Module.
  • Correction Facility: No request for addition/alteration of preferences or corrections in the application form will be entertained after submission and closure of the application window.

Examination Details

  • Examination Date: 2026-04-12 (This date may be changed at the discretion of the Commission).

  • Scheme of Examination:

    • Written Examination:
      • For IMA, INA, and AFA: English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks), Elementary Mathematics (100 marks). Each paper is 2 hours. Total 300 marks.
      • For OTA: English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks). Each paper is 2 hours. Total 200 marks.
      • All papers consist of objective-type questions. General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers will be bilingual (Hindi as well as English).
      • Negative Marking: One third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each wrong answer.
      • Candidates must use a black ball pen for marking answers on the OMR sheet.
      • Calculators are not permitted.
    • Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB): Conducted in two stages (Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception* Description Test (PP&DT); Stage II: Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference).

  • Syllabus:

    • English: To test understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
    • General Knowledge: Current events, everyday observation, scientific aspects, History of India, and Geography.
    • Elementary Mathematics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics (Matriculation level).

  • Tie-Breaking Principle (for equal aggregate marks):

    1. Candidate with more marks in the written total (specific subjects for IMA/INA/AFA vs. OTA) ranks higher.
    2. If (1) is equal, candidate with more marks in General Knowledge ranks higher.
    3. If (1) and (2) are equal, the senior candidate in age ranks higher.
    4. Any remaining ties will be resolved at the Commission's discretion.

  • Examination Centres: A list of 81 examination centres is provided in the notice. Allotment is on a first-apply-first-allot basis with a ceiling on candidates per centre, except for Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, and Nagpur. Candidates are advised to apply early to secure their preferred centre.

Application Fee

  • Fee: Rs. 200/- (Rupees Two Hundred Only).
  • Exemptions: Female, Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates are exempted from payment of fee.
  • Note: Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates are required to pay the full prescribed fee.
  • Payment Mode: Through Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or Internet Banking facility of any Bank.
  • Fee is non-refundable and cannot be held in reserve for any other examination or selection.

Important Dates

  • Notice Date: 2025-12-10
  • Last Date for Submission of Applications: 2025-12-30 (until 06:00 PM)
  • Examination Date: 2026-04-12 (Tentative)
  • e-Admit Card Issue: Last working day of the preceding week of the examination date (available on UPSC website).
  • Helpline Operational Dates: 2025-12-10 to 2025-12-30 (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days).

General Instructions

  • How to Apply: Applications must be submitted online only through https://upsconline.nic.in. No other mode of application will be accepted.
  • e-Admit Card: Eligible candidates will be issued an e-Admit Card, which must be downloaded from the UPSC website. No physical admit card will be sent by post or e-mail. Candidates who do not receive their e-Admit Card seven days before the examination should contact the Commission's Helpdesk (011-24041001 or upscsoap@nic.in).
  • Communication: All communications to the Commission/Army Headquarters should be made via email at upscsoap@nic.in and must include Name and year of the examination, URN, Application ID, Roll Number (if received), Name of candidate (full and in block letters), Complete Postal Address with telephone number, and a VALID AND ACTIVE registered Email ID/Mobile Number.
  • Conduct in Examination Hall: Mobile phones (even in switched-off mode), pagers, electronic equipment, programmable devices, smartwatches, cameras, Bluetooth devices, and any other communication devices or incriminating material are strictly prohibited. Any infringement will result in disciplinary action, including a ban from future examinations.
  • Government Service: Candidates already in Government Service (including Armed Forces, PSUs, etc.) must submit their applications online directly and inform their Head of Office/Department in writing. Armed Forces personnel must also submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of the SSB interview.
  • Disqualification: Candidates removed from earlier courses at NDA/IMA/AFA/INA/OTA due to disciplinary grounds or lack of Officer-like qualities will not be considered. Marriage during training will lead to discharge and liability to refund expenditure.
  • Public Disclosure of Marks: The Government will publicly disclose the scores of unsuccessful candidates who appeared in the SSB Interview through public portals. Candidates have the option to opt out of this scheme.
  • Face Authentication: Mandatory at the examination venue for all candidates.

Training and Service Conditions (Summary from Appendix IV)

  • Pay Scale: Officers will be placed in a pay matrix ranging from Level 10 (Lieutenant) to Level 18 (COAS).
    • Lieutenant: Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500
    • Captain: Rs. 61,300 - Rs. 1,93,900
    • Major: Rs. 69,400 - Rs. 2,07,200
    • Lieutenant Colonel: Rs. 1,21,200 - Rs. 2,12,400
    • Colonel: Rs. 1,30,600 - Rs. 2,15,900
    • Brigadier: Rs. 1,39,600 - Rs. 2,17,600
    • Major General: Rs. 1,44,200 - Rs. 2,18,200
    • Lieutenant General HAG Scale: Rs. 1,82,200 - Rs. 2,24,100
    • HAG+Scale: Rs. 2,05,400 - Rs. 2,24,400
    • VCOAS/Army Cdr/Lieutenant General: Rs. 2,25,000 (fixed)
    • COAS: Rs. 2,50,000 (fixed)
  • Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs. 15,500 p.m. for officers from the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier.
  • Stipend for Cadet Training: Rs. 56,100 p.m. (equivalent to starting pay in Level 10).
  • Other Allowances: Dearness Allowance, Dress allowance (Rs. 20,000 p.a.), Free Ration in kind, Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance (Rs. 2,250 p.m.).
  • Training Duration: Indian Military Academy (18 months), Indian Naval Academy (approx. 18 months), Air Force Academy (74 weeks for Flying Branch Pilots), Officers' Training Academy (49 weeks).
  • Disability Benefits: Ex-gratia amount of Rs. 9,000 p.m. for disablement, plus ex-gratia disability award of Rs. 16,200 p.m. for 100% disability (pro-rata reduction for lesser disability). Constant Attendant Allowance (CAA) of Rs. 6,750 p.m. for 100% disabled.
  • Death Benefits: Ex-gratia amount of Rs. 12.5 lakhs to Next of Kin, plus Rs. 9,000 p.m. ex-gratia amount.
  • Promotions: Substantive promotions based on time scale (e.g., Captain after 2 years, Major after 6 years, Lt. Col. after 13 years, Col (TS) after 26 years) and selection for higher ranks.

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