UPSC declares the final result of the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 with 243 recommended
2 November 2026
The Union Public Service Commission has released the final result of the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026.
In all 243 candidates have been recommended, in three separate merit lists of 155, 63 and 25 names.
The written test was held in April 2026, after which the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence interviewed the qualified candidates.
The recommended candidates will join the 162nd Direct Entry Course at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala in Kerala, and the Air Force Academy at Hyderabad.
The notified vacancies were 100 for the Military Academy, 26 for the Naval Academy and 32 for the Air Force Academy.
A share of these seats is kept for holders of the NCC 'C' Certificate of the Army, Naval and Air Wings.
Every selection stays provisional until age and educational certificates are checked, and marks will be put out only after the Officers' Training Academy result.
In plain words
CDS Combined Defence Services Examination — The UPSC examination through which officers are recruited to the three service academies and the Officers' Training Academy.
SSB Services Selection Board — The Ministry of Defence board that interviews and tests candidates after the written examination.