UPSC CDS I 2026 (Combined Defence Services)

For NDA, candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age. Only unmarried male candidates and unmarried female candidates (from 2022 onwards) are eligible.

For officer posts: Written exam (NDA/CDS/AFCAT) → SSB Interview (5-day process) → Medical Examination → Merit list. For Agniveer: Written test → Physical Fitness Test → Medical → Document Verification.

Agniveer is a 4-year contractual short-term military service scheme launched in 2022. Agniveers serve for 4 years, after which 25% are retained as regular soldiers. They receive a Seva Nidhi package of ₹11.71 lakh at exit.