UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026 Out for IMA, INA, AFA
UPSC CDS-I 2026 final result out for IMA, INA and AFA; 243 candidates recommended.
Official Result & Scorecard Download Links
Download the official candidate selection list / merit list PDF or log in to the official portal to view your individual scorecard and marks.
📋 Exam & Result Summary
| Recruitment Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I) Final Result |
| Total Vacancies | 243 Posts |
| Advertisement / Notice No. | 04/2026 |
| Result Status | Released / Declared Online |
| Result Declaration Date | 02 November 2026 |
🎯 Category-Wise Expected & Official Cutoff Marks
The cutoff marks represent the minimum qualifying marks secured by the last shortlisted candidate in their respective category.
| Category | Cutoff Status | Qualifying Standard |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | Available in Official PDF | Refer to Merit List PDF |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | Available in Official PDF | Refer to Merit List PDF |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | Available in Official PDF | Refer to Merit List PDF |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | Available in Official PDF | Relaxation Applied as per Rules |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Available in Official PDF | Relaxation Applied as per Rules |
| PwD / Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Available in Official PDF | Horizontal Reservation Standards |
📖 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check Your Result & Merit List
- Open the Official Result PDF: Click on the Download Official Result PDF button above.
-
Search Your Roll Number: Once the PDF opens, press
Ctrl + F(Windows) orCmd + F(Mac) on desktop, or tap the search icon in your mobile PDF reader. - Enter Registration Details: Type your Roll Number or Candidate Name in the search box and press Enter.
- Verify Qualification: If your Roll Number is highlighted in the selection list, you have successfully qualified for the next stage.
- Download Scorecard & Marks: Click on the Scorecard Portal Login link and enter your Registration ID / Roll Number and Password / Date of Birth to view individual section-wise marks.
- Save & Print: Keep a downloaded copy or screenshot of your result and marks sheet for future Document Verification (DV).
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
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 |
| Advertisement Number | 04/2026 |
| Written Examination Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Written Result Date | 8 May 2026 |
| Final Result Date | 2 November 2026 |
| Courses Covered in This Result | IMA, INA, AFA |
| Candidates Recommended | 243 |
| Basis of Final Result | Written examination and SSB interview |
| Total Vacancies (All Academies) | 451 |
| Result Format | PDF on upsc.gov.in |
| Academy | Course | Qualified in Written Exam | Recommended in Final Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 162nd (DE) Course | 2,601 | 155 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | Executive Branch General Service / Hydro Course | 770 | 63 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 221 F(P) Pre-Flying Training Course | 640 | 25 |
| Total | - | 4,011 | 243 |
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:
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Locate and click on the 'What's New' section on the main homepage.
- Click on the link titled "Final Result: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026".
- Open the official PDF document in a PDF reader or web browser.
- Use the search shortcut (Ctrl + F on computers or 'Find in page' on mobile devices) and enter your Roll Number or full Name.
- 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.
