Union Public Service Commission — Ministry of Defence
| Application Start | 10 Dec 2025 |
|---|---|
| Exam Date | 12 Apr 2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) |
|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Qualification | Graduate or appearing in final year of graduation |
| Age Limit | Generally 19-25 years (varies by academy/entry type) |
| Salary | As per 7th CPC (Commissioned Officer Pay Matrix) |
| Application Fee | Rs. 200 (Exempted for SC/ST/Female candidates) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam -> SSB Interview -> Medical Exam -> Merit List |
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is the gateway for graduates to join the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The selection is a multi-stage rigorous process designed to evaluate not just academic knowledge, but the leadership potential and psychological makeup of future officers.
The recruitment follows a structured three-tier process:
| Academy | Subjects | Duration | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA, AFA | English, GK, Mathematics | 2 Hours Each | 300 |
| OTA | English, GK | 2 Hours Each | 200 |
Note: Each correct answer earns 1 mark, while 0.33 marks are deducted for every incorrect response.
The SSB is the most critical phase of the CDS selection. It is divided into two stages:
Candidates must be physically and mentally fit. Medical standards cover visual acuity, blood pressure, and absence of chronic ailments. Crucial Warning: Candidates previously withdrawn from military training academies due to a lack of Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) are generally ineligible for re-entry.
Securing a government position under Union Public Service Commission requires a disciplined and strategic approach. Candidates with Graduate or appearing in final year of graduation qualifications should focus on the following:
To avoid fraud and secure your candidature for the Commissioned Officer (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) position, always complete the following checks before submitting your application:
.gov.in, .nic.in, or .ac.in.Every job notification listed on ApplySarkariJob.com is cross-verified with official government gazettes, department portals, and national employment newspapers. We provide direct links to the official Union Public Service Commission website and the original notification PDF in the "Source/Official Links" section above. Candidates are strongly advised to verify all information on the official portal before applying for the Commissioned Officer (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) post.
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The educational qualification required for this recruitment is: Graduate or appearing in final year of graduation. Please always refer to the official notification PDF linked in the "Source/Official Links" section above for the most accurate and complete eligibility criteria, including age limits, experience requirements, and category-specific relaxations.
Kavita Nair is an education policy researcher with a Ph.D. in Education from JNU. She contributes well-researched articles on teaching vacancies, UPSC Civil Services, and central government recruitment drives.