UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026 Released - Download IMA, INA & AFA Merit List PDF

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has declared the UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026 for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 (Advt. No. 04/2026) on 2 November 2026. The result covers admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA), and recommends 243 candidates on the basis of the written examination held on 12 April 2026 and the SSB interviews. The final result for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA) has not been announced yet. Candidates can check their roll number or name in the merit list PDF on upsc.gov.in.

UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026 - Download Link

UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026 - Overview

UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026 Declared: What the Notice Says

UPSC has released the final merit lists for the three academies that are filled through the CDS examination and the SSB conducted for them. The lists are prepared on the basis of marks in the written examination and the Services Selection Board interview.

This result is not the final result for the whole CDS-I 2026 recruitment. The 451 vacancies mentioned in the notification include seats for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA), whose final result will be declared separately. The 243 recommended candidates therefore cannot be compared directly with the total vacancy count.

The earlier written result, declared on 8 May 2026, had shortlisted 8,826 candidates for the SSB interview across all academies. The final result is the next and last merit stage for the IMA, INA and AFA lists.

CDS-I 2026 Final Result - Academy-Wise Recommended Candidates

The table below shows how many candidates qualified in the written examination for each academy and how many have been recommended in the final result.

UPSC CDS-I 2026 Final Merit List Topper

Lohitaksh Mahajan secured the first rank in the merit lists of all three academies, IMA, INA and AFA. The complete rank-wise list is available only in the official PDF.

How to Check UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026?

1. Visit the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in.
2. Open the "What's New" section on the homepage.
3. Find the notice for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026 Final Result.
4. Click the result link to open the PDF.
5. Choose the academy list you applied for: IMA, INA or AFA.
6. Press Ctrl + F and search your roll number or name.
7. Download the PDF and save a copy for future reference.

What Happens After the CDS-I 2026 Final Result?

The recommended candidates will be considered for admission to the IMA 162nd (DE) Course, the INA Executive Branch General Service / Hydro Course and the AFA 221 F(P) Pre-Flying Training Course. The earlier written-result notice listed these courses as commencing in January 2027.

The current notice does not announce a joining date, reporting instructions or document-verification schedule in the information available for this article. Candidates should follow instructions sent by the concerned service headquarters or academy and check the official PDF for any condition attached to the recommendation.

UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026 - Important Dates

UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026 - Important Links