UPSC CDS I Final Result 2026 Released; IMA, INA and AFA Merit Lists Out

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the final result of the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA). The result notice was issued on November 2, 2026. It lists 243 candidates in order of merit: 155 for IMA, 63 for INA and 25 for AFA. Some candidates appear in more than one academy list, so the total includes common candidates.

The selection is based on the written examination conducted by UPSC in April 2026 and the Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews held by the Ministry of Defence. This result covers the academy courses named in the notice; candidates should check the official UPSC notice for the specific list and course applicable to them.

UPSC CDS I Result 2026: Key Details

How to Check the CDS I Final Merit List

1. Visit the UPSC website and open the examination final results section.
2. Select the notice for Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026.
3. Open the merit-list PDF for IMA, INA or AFA.
4. Use the PDF search function to find your name or roll number.
5. Read the notice carefully for document-submission instructions and any academy-specific requirements.

UPSC has stated that medical examination results were not considered while preparing these merit lists. Candidates’ date of birth and educational qualifications are also still being verified by the respective service headquarters. Therefore, recommendation in the list remains provisional on these matters. Candidates should submit original certificates and attested copies to the Army, Navy or Air Headquarters according to the instructions and their first service choice. Do not send original certificates to UPSC.

Vacancies and Candidate Instructions

The vacancies reported to UPSC were 100 for IMA, 26 for INA and 32 for AFA. These figures include specified NCC-reserved vacancies. Vacancy counts and merit-list totals are different: the merit list may include common candidates across academies, and final appointment remains subject to the applicable requirements and verification.

Marks for candidates will be made available on the UPSC website after the final result for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) course of CDS I 2026 is declared. The current notice does not provide an individual marks release date. Candidates should monitor UPSC’s official website for that update and promptly inform the relevant service headquarters if their address changes.

Important Dates

Official Links

UPSC final result notice on PIB: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2331786&lang=1&reg=3

UPSC results and archives: https://www.upsc.gov.in/exams-related-info/final-result/archives