UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026 Out for IMA, INA, AFA

UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026: Key Highlights & Merit List Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the final merit list for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 under Advertisement No. 04/2026 on 2 November 2026. Candidates who appeared for the written examination held on 12 April 2026 and subsequently qualified the Service Selection Board (SSB) interviews can now check their selection status online.

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

A total of 243 candidates have been recommended for final admission into the regular courses of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). Candidates keeping track of competitive exams conducted by the Commission can also check related recruitment updates such as the UPSC EPFO APFC Interview Schedule 2026 Released recruitment details to stay informed about ongoing selection proceedings across departments.

Which Academies Are Covered in the CDS-I Final Result?

This final result publication covers recommendation lists for three premier defence training academies. Successful candidates will undergo officer training based on their merit order, preference, and medical fitness clear status across the following wings:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: First-choice candidates recommended for Permanent Commission in the Indian Army.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: Qualified candidates recommended for Executive Branch training in the Indian Navy.
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: Candidates shortlisted for the Flying Branch pre-commissioning training course.

Selection Methodology & Final Merit Determination

The final merit list for UPSC CDS-I 2026 has been finalized after evaluating candidates across rigorous academic and personality testing stages. The total initial intake strength sanctioned across all courses under this examination cycle stood at 451 vacancies.

The recommendation process is based on aggregate performance across three key stages:

• Stage 1 (Written Examination): Competitive written test evaluating English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics conducted on 12 April 2026.
• Stage 2 (SSB Interview): Comprehensive Stage I and Stage II personality, psychological, and intelligence evaluations conducted by Army, Navy, and Air Force Selection Boards.
• Stage 3 (Final Recommendation List): Order of merit established by combining written examination and SSB interview scores, subject to medical fitness and document verification.

How to Check & Download CDS-I Final Result 2026 PDF

Candidates can access their final selection status directly through the official portal of the Union Public Service Commission. Follow these steps to verify your roll number in the published merit list:

1. Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
2. Locate and click on the 'What's New' section on the main homepage.
3. Click on the link titled "Final Result: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026".
4. Open the official PDF document in a PDF reader or web browser.
5. Use the search shortcut (Ctrl + F on computers or 'Find in page' on mobile devices) and enter your Roll Number or full Name.
6. Save and download a clear copy of the final result PDF for future reference during joining formalities.

Editor's Key Advisory: Document Verification & Academy Joining Rules

Candidates whose roll numbers appear in the recommended list must carefully note the post-declaration procedures to ensure their candidature remains valid throughout the joining phase:

• Exact Name Match: Ensure your candidate details, father's name, and date of birth in the merit PDF exactly match your Class 10th matriculation certificate and original admit card details.
• Aadhaar & Photo Identity Verification: Carry the same valid photo ID card (such as Aadhaar Card) presented during the written examination and SSB interview when reporting for joining.
• Verification of Educational Qualifications: Recommendations remain provisional until Service Headquarters (Army HQ, Navy HQ, or Air HQ) verify original degree certificates and marksheets.
• Official Joining Letters: Recommended candidates should refrain from relying on third-party calls or unofficial result portals. Joining instructions and dispatch schedules will be issued directly by the respective Service Headquarters.