The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the final results of the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination I for the year 2026. This announcement has been highly anticipated by candidates who participated in the written examination as well as the subsequent Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews. The complete list of candidates recommended for admission can be accessed on the UPSC’s official website, upsc.gov.in.

Lohitaksh Mahajan has achieved the highest rank in this year’s examination, securing the top position in the merit list. The UPSC has confirmed that a total of 243 candidates have been recommended for admission to various defence academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). This selection follows the rigorous assessment process that involved both written tests and interviews.

Details of Academies and Selection Process

The SSB interviews were conducted by the Services Selection Board under the Ministry of Defence, aimed at selecting candidates for the 162nd (DE) Course at the Indian Military Academy located in Dehradun, the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala, and the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, which offers the Pre-Flying Training Course. The final merit list was compiled after the completion of these interviews, conducted by the Army Headquarters.

Candidates can view the recommended candidates’ list, which is available in PDF format on the UPSC website. This document allows candidates to check their status either by name or roll number. The transparency of the selection process has been maintained, ensuring that all candidates are informed of their results promptly.

The merit list reflects the performance of candidates throughout the selection process, highlighting the competitive nature of the examination. The rigorous evaluation aims to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are selected for the esteemed positions within the Indian Armed Forces.

Vacancies and Examination Information

The CDS I 2026 recruitment drive is intended to fill a total of 451 vacancies across the three defence academies. The application process for this examination commenced on December 11, 2025, and concluded on December 30, 2025. The recruitment aims to attract candidates who meet the high standards required for service in the Indian Armed Forces.

In the written examination, the UPSC recommended 2,601 candidates for the Indian Military Academy, 770 for the Indian Naval Academy, and 610 for the Air Force Academy. This selection process is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of the defence forces, ensuring that they are staffed by capable individuals.

For any queries related to the examination, candidates are encouraged to visit the UPSC Facilitation Counter located at the Commission’s office during working days between 10 am and 5:30 pm. Additionally, the Candidate Helpdesk can be reached at 011-24041001 or 011-40303444 from 9 am to 8 pm daily. This support system is in place to assist candidates with any concerns they may have regarding the examination or the selection process.

Further Information and Updates

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official UPSC website for ongoing updates and additional information regarding the selection process. The UPSC remains committed to providing timely and accurate information to all candidates involved in the recruitment process. This ensures that all participants are well-informed and can prepare accordingly for their future roles in the Indian Armed Forces.

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