Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026
Domain: Defense & Security
Employment Type: Full time
Stage: Announcement - Detailed Notification
Posted: 9 months ago
Posts: 451
Location: CENTRAL
Closed: 30 Dec 2025
My Bharat Jobs - Govt Alert App
Get real-time alerts for Sarkari jobs across India — fast, free, and without ads.
Job Details
The Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a prestigious examination for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. The examination tests candidates on various subjects, including English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The results of the written examination have been announced, and qualified candidates will proceed to the SSB interview stage.
- Level:
- central
- Cities:
- Dehradun, Ezhimala, Hyderabad, Chennai
- Other Information:
- Service Allocation: Candidates may be posted in various locations across India based on service requirements.
- Exam Centers:
- Centres of Examination: Agartala; Agra; Ajmer; Ahmedabad; Aizawl; Aligarh; Almora (Uttarakhand); Anantpur (Andhra Pradesh); Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar [Aurangabad (Maharashtra)]; Bengaluru; Bareilly; Bhopal; Bhubaneswar; Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh); Chandigarh; Chennai; Coimbatore; Cuttack; Dehradun; Delhi; Dharamshala; Dharwad; Dispur; Faridabad; Gangtok; Gaya; Gautam Buddh Nagar; Ghaziabad; Gorakhpur; Gurugram; Gwalior; Hyderabad; Imphal; Indore; Itanagar; Jabalpur; Jaipur; Jammu; Jodhpur; Jorhat; Kargil; Kochi; Kohima; Kolkata; Kozhikode (Calicut); Leh; Lucknow; Ludhiana; Madurai; Mandi; Mumbai; Mysore; Nagpur; Nashik; Navi Mumbai; Panaji (Goa); Patna; Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair); Prayagraj (Allahabad); Puducherry; Pune; Raipur; Rajkot; Ranchi; Sambalpur; Shillong; Shimla; Siligudi; Srinagar; Srinagar (Uttarakhand); Surat; Thane; Thiruvananthapuram; Tiruchirappalli; Tirupati; Udaipur; Varanasi; Vellore; Vijayavada; Vishakhapatnam; Hanumakonda (Warangal Urban).
- Centre allocation policy: There is a ceiling on the number of candidates for most centres; allotment is on first-apply-first-allot basis. Once a centre’s capacity is attained, it is frozen. No request for change of centre will be granted.
Job Summary
The CDS Examination (I), 2026 offers a pathway for candidates to join the Indian Armed Forces. The examination process includes a written test and an SSB interview, assessing candidates' knowledge, aptitude, and suitability for a career in defense services. The results of the written examination have been announced, and candidates are advised to prepare for the SSB interview.
Important Dates
Notification Release Date
Applications open · Application Start Date
Last date to apply · Application End Date
Last date to apply · Application closing time
Helpline window
Examination · Examination Date
Result · Provisional Answer Keys Release Date
Representation Window
Result · Result Announcement Date
Document verification · NCC 'C' Certificate submission deadlineNext
Document verification · Proof of Graduation (Air Force Academy)
Document verification · Proof of Graduation (IMA/INA)
Document verification · Proof of Graduation (Officers' Training Academy)
Dates not announced
- Admit card availability
Fee Structure
Application Fee
- 1. General/OBC:
- Rs. 200
- 2. SC/ST/Female:
- Exempted
Payment Methods
- 1. Accepted Payment Methods:
- Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, UPI, Internet banking of any bank.
Other Information
- 1. Refund:
- Fee once paid shall not be refunded nor held in reserve for any other examination.
- 2. Mode restriction:
- Payment of fee through any mode other than those prescribed is not acceptable.
- 3. OBC note:
- No fee exemption is available to OBC candidates.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualifications
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| For IMA and OTA: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent. | Required |
| For Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution. | Required |
| For Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering. | Required |
2. Other Educational Qualifications
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Final-year candidates | Candidates in the final year/semester degree course may apply, but must submit proof of passing the degree examination by the dates prescribed for the respective courses in the notice. |
3. Experience Requirements
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience Range | N/A - N/A years |
4. Age Limit
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 20 - 24 years |
| Age Limit As On | 1 Jan 2027 |
| Indian Military Academy | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008. |
| Indian Naval Academy | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008. |
| Air Force Academy | 20 to 24 years as on 1st January, 2027 (born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2007). Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years (born not earlier than 2nd January, 2001 and not later than 1st January, 2007). |
| Officers’ Training Academy (Men) | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2002 and not later than 1st January, 2008. |
| Officers’ Training Academy (Women) | Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (with divorce documents) who have not remarried, born not earlier than 2nd January, 2002 and not later than 1st January, 2008. |
5. Citizenship
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | A candidate must be 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 of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. |
6. Physical Requirements
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical Standards | Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 as per guidelines in Appendix-III. |
7. Other Eligibility
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Candidates must provide details of one Photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Passport/Driving License/other Govt. ID) in the URN profile and carry the same ID to Examination/Personality Test/SSB. |
| Application withdrawal/correction | Withdrawal of applications is not permitted; no correction/alteration is allowed after submission and closure of the application window. |
| Marital status (AFA note) | Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried; marriage is not permitted during training. Married candidates aged 25 years or above may apply but will not be provided married accommodation during training. |
🎯 One App for All Govt Jobs. Zero Ads.
Track jobs by state, department, or stage. Get real-time alerts and save your favorites — without any login or distractions.
- ✅ Real-time verified alerts
- 📍 Smart filters for state & department
- 🔔 Personalized notifications
Post Details
Total Posts: 451
1. Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
Age Limitations:
- Age Criteria: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008.
Category Wise Vacancy:
| Category | Reserved Seats | Other Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| NCC 'C' Certificate (Army Wing) | 13 |
|
2. Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
Age Limitations:
- Age Criteria: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008.
Category Wise Vacancy:
| Category | Reserved Seats | Other Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| NCC 'C' Certificate (Naval Wing) | 6 |
|
| Hydro | 1 |
|
3. Air Force Academy, Hyderabad
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
Age Limitations:
- Age Criteria: 20 to 24 years as on 1st January, 2027; CPL holders up to 26 years as per notice.
Category Wise Vacancy:
| Category | Reserved Seats | Other Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| NCC 'C' Certificate (Air Wing) | 3 |
|
4. Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (SSC Men)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
Age Limitations:
- Age Criteria: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2002 and not later than 1st January, 2008.
5. Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (SSC Women)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
Age Limitations:
- Age Criteria: Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees who have not remarried, born not earlier than 2nd January, 2002 and not later than 1st January, 2008.
Salary Details
> Salary Range: ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500 Monthly
> Allowances: Military Service Pay, Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other applicable allowances.
Other Information
- Transport Allowance (illustrative): Pay Level 10 and above: Rs. 7200 + DA in higher TPTA cities; Rs. 3600 + DA at other places (as per notice).
Cut Off Marks
- 1. Written Examination:
- Cut-off marks for the written examination will be released after the results are declared.
How to Apply
- 1. Online only:
- Candidates are required to apply online at https://upsconline.nic.in using URN, Common Application Form and the Examination Specific module.
- 2. Live photo capture:
- Applicants must upload a photograph and capture a live photograph while filling the Common Application Form as per instructions on the portal.
- 3. Photo ID:
- Provide details of one valid Photo ID in the URN profile and carry the same ID to the Examination/Personality Test/SSB.
- 4. No withdrawal/corrections:
- Applications cannot be withdrawn and no corrections are allowed after submission and closure of the application window.
- 5. Aadhaar advised:
- Applicants are strongly advised to use Aadhaar as ID for seamless verification.
Exam Pattern
- 1. Papers and marks (IMA/INA/AFA):
- English (2 Hours, 100 marks); General Knowledge (2 Hours, 100 marks); Elementary Mathematics (2 Hours, 100 marks).
- 2. Papers and marks (OTA):
- English (2 Hours, 100 marks); General Knowledge (2 Hours, 100 marks).
- 3. Question type:
- Objective type questions; GK and Elementary Mathematics papers are set bilingually in Hindi and English.
- 4. Negative marking:
- There will be penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers in objective type papers.
- 5. OMR instructions:
- Use black ball pen only to mark answers in OMR sheets; pencils/ink pens are not permitted.
Syllabus Details
- 1. English (Code 11):
- Designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
- 2. General Knowledge (Code 12):
- Current events, everyday observation and experience in scientific aspects, History of India and Geography.
- 3. Elementary Mathematics (Code 13):
- Arithmetic (Number System, percentages, time & work, interest, ratio & proportion), Algebra (quadratics, linear equations, sets, indices), Trigonometry (values, identities, heights & distances), Geometry (lines, angles, triangles, circles, loci), Mensuration (areas and volumes), Statistics (data tabulation, graphs, measures of central tendency).
Selection Process
- 1. Written examination:
- Candidates must qualify the written examination as per scheme in Appendix-I of the notice.
- 2. SSB procedure:
- Two-stage selection at SSB: Stage I (OIR tests and PP&DT); Stage II (Interview, Group Testing Officer tasks, Psychology tests and Conference).
- 3. Merit and medical fitness:
- Final selection is in order of merit subject to medical fitness and number of vacancies available.
Admit Card Details
- 1. Issue and download:
- e-Admit Card will be issued on the last working day of the week preceding the examination and will be available at https://upsconline.nic.in; no admit card by post.
- 2. If not received:
- If no e-Admit Card/communication is received at least seven days before the examination, contact the Commission immediately (Facilitation Counter/Helpline 011-24041001).
Reservation Details
- 1. NCC ‘C’ Certificate reservations:
- Reserved within courses as notified: IMA 13 (Army Wing), INA 06 (Naval Wing) and 01 for Hydro, AFA 03 (Air Wing).
- 2. SSC (OTA) note:
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders may compete for SSC (OTA), but there is no reservation in SSC (NT); they will be treated as general candidates. Unfilled NCC reserved vacancies will be filled by general candidates as per the notice.
Document Requirements
- 1. Identity document:
- Carry the same Photo ID whose details are provided in the URN profile to Examination/Personality Test/SSB.
- 2. Educational proofs:
- Matriculation/Secondary certificate (date of birth) and Degree/Provisional Degree/marksheets. Final-year candidates must carry a bonafide certificate at SSB and submit proof of passing by the dates prescribed in the notice.
Preparation Tips
- 1. Preparation Strategy:
- Candidates should focus on understanding the syllabus, practicing previous years' question papers, and taking regular mock tests to evaluate their preparation levels.
- 2. Time Management:
- Effective time management is crucial. Candidates should allocate adequate time to each subject and balance between optional and general studies.
Important Instructions
- 1. Banned items:
- Mobile phones, pagers, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, programmable devices, cameras, storage media, bags and valuable items are strictly prohibited at the venue.
- 2. Reporting time:
- Reach the examination venue well in time and at least 30 minutes prior to commencement; no late entry will be allowed.
- 3. Face authentication:
- Face authentication/identity verification is mandatory at the examination venue.
- 4. OMR compliance:
- Use only black ball pen to mark OMR; mistakes in encoding Roll Number/Test Booklet Series may lead to rejection.
Interview Details
- 1. SSB call and timeline:
- Candidates qualifying the written exam will be detailed for SSB; IMA/INA/AFA first-choice candidates in Aug–Sep 2026; SSC (OTA) only candidates in Oct–Dec 2026 (as per notice).
Training Details
- 1. Training Period:
- Selected candidates undergo training at respective academies, including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.
- 2. Training Content:
- Training includes foundational courses in military tactics, leadership skills, and physical fitness, preparing candidates for their responsibilities in defense services.
Bond or Service Agreement
- 1. Service Bond:
- Selected candidates may be required to sign a service bond committing to a minimum tenure in the defense services.
Disqualification Criteria
- 1. Unfair means/impersonation:
- Impersonation, procuring impersonation, use of unfair means, influencing examiners, or possession/use of banned electronic devices leads to disqualification and possible debarment.
- 2. False information/documents:
- Submitting fabricated/incorrect/tampered documents or incorrect statements can lead to cancellation and debarment.
- 3. Misconduct:
- Misbehaving at the exam venue, creating disorderly scenes, or writing obscene/irrelevant matter in scripts invites disciplinary action.
Probation Period
- 1. Probation Terms:
- The probation period for selected candidates is two years, during which performance and conduct are closely monitored.
Other Information
- 1. QPRep window:
- Question Paper Representation Portal will be open for 7 days: from the next day of the Examination Date to 6:00 PM of the 7th day.
- 2. Gender balance:
- Government strives to have a workforce reflecting gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
Important Links
Contact Details
Email: upscsoap@nic.in
Phone: 011-24041001
Address: UPSC Facilitation Counter, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069
Other Information
Helpline hours (applications): 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all working days during 10.12.2025 to 30.12.2025 for application/exam queries.
FAQ
Latest Notifications
Result Announcement for CDS (I) Examination 2026
View PDFProvisional Answer Key Released for CDS-I Examination 2026
View PDFProvisional Answer Key Released for CDS-I (2026)
View PDFProvisional Answer Key Released for CDS-I 2026
View PDFCorrigendum to CDS Examination-I, 2026 Notice
View PDFAdmit Card Released for CDS Examination (I), 2026
View PDFExamination Instructions Released for CDS (I), 2026
View PDFExamination Notice No. 4/2026 for UPSC CDS (I) 2026
View PDFExam Instructions Released for CDS (I) 2026
View PDFExam Instructions for UPSC CDS Examination (I) 2026
View PDFOfficial Notification Released for Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026
View PDF
Share This Page
Let your network know about this content
Click below to copy the link and share it!
Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026
Domain: Defense & Security
Employment Type: Full time
Stage: Announcement - Detailed Notification
Posted: 9 months ago
Posts: 451
Location: CENTRAL
Closed: 30 Dec 2025
My Bharat Jobs - Govt Alert App
Get real-time alerts for Sarkari jobs across India — fast, free, and without ads.
Job Details
The Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a prestigious examination for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. The examination tests candidates on various subjects, including English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The results of the written examination have been announced, and qualified candidates will proceed to the SSB interview stage.
- Level:
- central
- Cities:
- Dehradun, Ezhimala, Hyderabad, Chennai
- Other Information:
- Service Allocation: Candidates may be posted in various locations across India based on service requirements.
- Exam Centers:
- Centres of Examination: Agartala; Agra; Ajmer; Ahmedabad; Aizawl; Aligarh; Almora (Uttarakhand); Anantpur (Andhra Pradesh); Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar [Aurangabad (Maharashtra)]; Bengaluru; Bareilly; Bhopal; Bhubaneswar; Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh); Chandigarh; Chennai; Coimbatore; Cuttack; Dehradun; Delhi; Dharamshala; Dharwad; Dispur; Faridabad; Gangtok; Gaya; Gautam Buddh Nagar; Ghaziabad; Gorakhpur; Gurugram; Gwalior; Hyderabad; Imphal; Indore; Itanagar; Jabalpur; Jaipur; Jammu; Jodhpur; Jorhat; Kargil; Kochi; Kohima; Kolkata; Kozhikode (Calicut); Leh; Lucknow; Ludhiana; Madurai; Mandi; Mumbai; Mysore; Nagpur; Nashik; Navi Mumbai; Panaji (Goa); Patna; Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair); Prayagraj (Allahabad); Puducherry; Pune; Raipur; Rajkot; Ranchi; Sambalpur; Shillong; Shimla; Siligudi; Srinagar; Srinagar (Uttarakhand); Surat; Thane; Thiruvananthapuram; Tiruchirappalli; Tirupati; Udaipur; Varanasi; Vellore; Vijayavada; Vishakhapatnam; Hanumakonda (Warangal Urban).
- Centre allocation policy: There is a ceiling on the number of candidates for most centres; allotment is on first-apply-first-allot basis. Once a centre’s capacity is attained, it is frozen. No request for change of centre will be granted.
Job Summary
The CDS Examination (I), 2026 offers a pathway for candidates to join the Indian Armed Forces. The examination process includes a written test and an SSB interview, assessing candidates' knowledge, aptitude, and suitability for a career in defense services. The results of the written examination have been announced, and candidates are advised to prepare for the SSB interview.
Important Dates
Notification Release Date
Applications open · Application Start Date
Last date to apply · Application End Date
Last date to apply · Application closing time
Helpline window
Examination · Examination Date
Result · Provisional Answer Keys Release Date
Representation Window
Result · Result Announcement Date
Document verification · NCC 'C' Certificate submission deadlineNext
Document verification · Proof of Graduation (Air Force Academy)
Document verification · Proof of Graduation (IMA/INA)
Document verification · Proof of Graduation (Officers' Training Academy)
Dates not announced
- Admit card availability
Fee Structure
Application Fee
- 1. General/OBC:
- Rs. 200
- 2. SC/ST/Female:
- Exempted
Payment Methods
- 1. Accepted Payment Methods:
- Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, UPI, Internet banking of any bank.
Other Information
- 1. Refund:
- Fee once paid shall not be refunded nor held in reserve for any other examination.
- 2. Mode restriction:
- Payment of fee through any mode other than those prescribed is not acceptable.
- 3. OBC note:
- No fee exemption is available to OBC candidates.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualifications
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| For IMA and OTA: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent. | Required |
| For Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution. | Required |
| For Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering. | Required |
2. Other Educational Qualifications
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Final-year candidates | Candidates in the final year/semester degree course may apply, but must submit proof of passing the degree examination by the dates prescribed for the respective courses in the notice. |
3. Experience Requirements
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience Range | N/A - N/A years |
4. Age Limit
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 20 - 24 years |
| Age Limit As On | 1 Jan 2027 |
| Indian Military Academy | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008. |
| Indian Naval Academy | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008. |
| Air Force Academy | 20 to 24 years as on 1st January, 2027 (born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2007). Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years (born not earlier than 2nd January, 2001 and not later than 1st January, 2007). |
| Officers’ Training Academy (Men) | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2002 and not later than 1st January, 2008. |
| Officers’ Training Academy (Women) | Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (with divorce documents) who have not remarried, born not earlier than 2nd January, 2002 and not later than 1st January, 2008. |
5. Citizenship
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | A candidate must be 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 of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. |
6. Physical Requirements
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical Standards | Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 as per guidelines in Appendix-III. |
7. Other Eligibility
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Candidates must provide details of one Photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Passport/Driving License/other Govt. ID) in the URN profile and carry the same ID to Examination/Personality Test/SSB. |
| Application withdrawal/correction | Withdrawal of applications is not permitted; no correction/alteration is allowed after submission and closure of the application window. |
| Marital status (AFA note) | Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried; marriage is not permitted during training. Married candidates aged 25 years or above may apply but will not be provided married accommodation during training. |
🎯 One App for All Govt Jobs. Zero Ads.
Track jobs by state, department, or stage. Get real-time alerts and save your favorites — without any login or distractions.
- ✅ Real-time verified alerts
- 📍 Smart filters for state & department
- 🔔 Personalized notifications
Post Details
Total Posts: 451
1. Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
Age Limitations:
- Age Criteria: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008.
Category Wise Vacancy:
| Category | Reserved Seats | Other Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| NCC 'C' Certificate (Army Wing) | 13 |
|
2. Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
Age Limitations:
- Age Criteria: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st January, 2008.
Category Wise Vacancy:
| Category | Reserved Seats | Other Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| NCC 'C' Certificate (Naval Wing) | 6 |
|
| Hydro | 1 |
|
3. Air Force Academy, Hyderabad
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
Age Limitations:
- Age Criteria: 20 to 24 years as on 1st January, 2027; CPL holders up to 26 years as per notice.
Category Wise Vacancy:
| Category | Reserved Seats | Other Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| NCC 'C' Certificate (Air Wing) | 3 |
|
4. Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (SSC Men)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
Age Limitations:
- Age Criteria: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2002 and not later than 1st January, 2008.
5. Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (SSC Women)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
Age Limitations:
- Age Criteria: Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees who have not remarried, born not earlier than 2nd January, 2002 and not later than 1st January, 2008.
Salary Details
> Salary Range: ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500 Monthly
> Allowances: Military Service Pay, Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other applicable allowances.
Other Information
- Transport Allowance (illustrative): Pay Level 10 and above: Rs. 7200 + DA in higher TPTA cities; Rs. 3600 + DA at other places (as per notice).
Cut Off Marks
- 1. Written Examination:
- Cut-off marks for the written examination will be released after the results are declared.
How to Apply
- 1. Online only:
- Candidates are required to apply online at https://upsconline.nic.in using URN, Common Application Form and the Examination Specific module.
- 2. Live photo capture:
- Applicants must upload a photograph and capture a live photograph while filling the Common Application Form as per instructions on the portal.
- 3. Photo ID:
- Provide details of one valid Photo ID in the URN profile and carry the same ID to the Examination/Personality Test/SSB.
- 4. No withdrawal/corrections:
- Applications cannot be withdrawn and no corrections are allowed after submission and closure of the application window.
- 5. Aadhaar advised:
- Applicants are strongly advised to use Aadhaar as ID for seamless verification.
Exam Pattern
- 1. Papers and marks (IMA/INA/AFA):
- English (2 Hours, 100 marks); General Knowledge (2 Hours, 100 marks); Elementary Mathematics (2 Hours, 100 marks).
- 2. Papers and marks (OTA):
- English (2 Hours, 100 marks); General Knowledge (2 Hours, 100 marks).
- 3. Question type:
- Objective type questions; GK and Elementary Mathematics papers are set bilingually in Hindi and English.
- 4. Negative marking:
- There will be penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers in objective type papers.
- 5. OMR instructions:
- Use black ball pen only to mark answers in OMR sheets; pencils/ink pens are not permitted.
Syllabus Details
- 1. English (Code 11):
- Designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
- 2. General Knowledge (Code 12):
- Current events, everyday observation and experience in scientific aspects, History of India and Geography.
- 3. Elementary Mathematics (Code 13):
- Arithmetic (Number System, percentages, time & work, interest, ratio & proportion), Algebra (quadratics, linear equations, sets, indices), Trigonometry (values, identities, heights & distances), Geometry (lines, angles, triangles, circles, loci), Mensuration (areas and volumes), Statistics (data tabulation, graphs, measures of central tendency).
Selection Process
- 1. Written examination:
- Candidates must qualify the written examination as per scheme in Appendix-I of the notice.
- 2. SSB procedure:
- Two-stage selection at SSB: Stage I (OIR tests and PP&DT); Stage II (Interview, Group Testing Officer tasks, Psychology tests and Conference).
- 3. Merit and medical fitness:
- Final selection is in order of merit subject to medical fitness and number of vacancies available.
Admit Card Details
- 1. Issue and download:
- e-Admit Card will be issued on the last working day of the week preceding the examination and will be available at https://upsconline.nic.in; no admit card by post.
- 2. If not received:
- If no e-Admit Card/communication is received at least seven days before the examination, contact the Commission immediately (Facilitation Counter/Helpline 011-24041001).
Reservation Details
- 1. NCC ‘C’ Certificate reservations:
- Reserved within courses as notified: IMA 13 (Army Wing), INA 06 (Naval Wing) and 01 for Hydro, AFA 03 (Air Wing).
- 2. SSC (OTA) note:
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders may compete for SSC (OTA), but there is no reservation in SSC (NT); they will be treated as general candidates. Unfilled NCC reserved vacancies will be filled by general candidates as per the notice.
Document Requirements
- 1. Identity document:
- Carry the same Photo ID whose details are provided in the URN profile to Examination/Personality Test/SSB.
- 2. Educational proofs:
- Matriculation/Secondary certificate (date of birth) and Degree/Provisional Degree/marksheets. Final-year candidates must carry a bonafide certificate at SSB and submit proof of passing by the dates prescribed in the notice.
Preparation Tips
- 1. Preparation Strategy:
- Candidates should focus on understanding the syllabus, practicing previous years' question papers, and taking regular mock tests to evaluate their preparation levels.
- 2. Time Management:
- Effective time management is crucial. Candidates should allocate adequate time to each subject and balance between optional and general studies.
Important Instructions
- 1. Banned items:
- Mobile phones, pagers, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, programmable devices, cameras, storage media, bags and valuable items are strictly prohibited at the venue.
- 2. Reporting time:
- Reach the examination venue well in time and at least 30 minutes prior to commencement; no late entry will be allowed.
- 3. Face authentication:
- Face authentication/identity verification is mandatory at the examination venue.
- 4. OMR compliance:
- Use only black ball pen to mark OMR; mistakes in encoding Roll Number/Test Booklet Series may lead to rejection.
Interview Details
- 1. SSB call and timeline:
- Candidates qualifying the written exam will be detailed for SSB; IMA/INA/AFA first-choice candidates in Aug–Sep 2026; SSC (OTA) only candidates in Oct–Dec 2026 (as per notice).
Training Details
- 1. Training Period:
- Selected candidates undergo training at respective academies, including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.
- 2. Training Content:
- Training includes foundational courses in military tactics, leadership skills, and physical fitness, preparing candidates for their responsibilities in defense services.
Bond or Service Agreement
- 1. Service Bond:
- Selected candidates may be required to sign a service bond committing to a minimum tenure in the defense services.
Disqualification Criteria
- 1. Unfair means/impersonation:
- Impersonation, procuring impersonation, use of unfair means, influencing examiners, or possession/use of banned electronic devices leads to disqualification and possible debarment.
- 2. False information/documents:
- Submitting fabricated/incorrect/tampered documents or incorrect statements can lead to cancellation and debarment.
- 3. Misconduct:
- Misbehaving at the exam venue, creating disorderly scenes, or writing obscene/irrelevant matter in scripts invites disciplinary action.
Probation Period
- 1. Probation Terms:
- The probation period for selected candidates is two years, during which performance and conduct are closely monitored.
Other Information
- 1. QPRep window:
- Question Paper Representation Portal will be open for 7 days: from the next day of the Examination Date to 6:00 PM of the 7th day.
- 2. Gender balance:
- Government strives to have a workforce reflecting gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
Important Links
Contact Details
Email: upscsoap@nic.in
Phone: 011-24041001
Address: UPSC Facilitation Counter, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069
Other Information
Helpline hours (applications): 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all working days during 10.12.2025 to 30.12.2025 for application/exam queries.
FAQ
Share This Page
Let your network know about this content
Click below to copy the link and share it!
More jobs at UPSC Service Commission
IOCL NRPL Panipat LA Staff (Patwari) EOI 2026-27
2 posts · Haryana · Announcement
DRDO DMRL Hyderabad JRF Recruitment 2026 (DMRL/HRD/JRF/2026/01)
18 posts · Telangana · Announcement
CSBC Bihar Police Driver Constable Recruitment 2025 (Advt 02/2025)
Bihar · Selection Process
BSSC CBT tender 2026 (NIT 05/310)
Bihar · Selection Process
DRDO CAIR JRF Mathematics Recruitment 2026
1 posts · Karnataka · Announcement
Directorate General of Maritime Administration Shipping Master and Director (Deputation) Recruitment 2026
1 posts · Announcement
