UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026 Out, 243 Candidates Recommended RESULT OUT

UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026 Out – 243 Candidates Recommended for IMA, INA & AFA | Download Merit List PDF

UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026 – Latest Update in Simple Words

Important: This result is not for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The OTA final result has not been announced yet and will come separately.

Quick points for candidates:

• Result is in PDF merit lists. Search your roll number or name in the list of your academy
• Lohitaksh Mahajan got Rank 1 in all three lists (IMA, INA and AFA)
• Courses are expected to start in January 2027
• The marks sheet and cut-off marks will come after the OTA final result
• Candidature is provisional. Documents are checked by the service headquarters
• If your name is not in the list, it means you were not recommended in this result

Direct Links – Download Final Result PDF

How to Check UPSC CDS-I Final Result 2026 – Step by Step

• Open the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in
• Go to the “What’s New” section on the home page
• Find the notice “Final Result – Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026”
• Click the link to open the PDF
• Go to the list of the academy you applied for: IMA, INA or AFA
• Press Ctrl + F (or use the search option on your phone) and type your roll number or name
• If you find your roll number, you are recommended in that academy list
• Download the PDF and keep a copy safe

Academy-Wise Result – How Many Were Recommended?

Why Are 243 Recommended When Seats Are Fewer? Simple Explanation

• The government has told UPSC about the vacancies for each academy. As reported, these are about 100 for IMA, 26 for INA and 32 for AFA (158 in total, not counting OTA)
• The full CDS-I 2026 notice shows 451 vacancies in total, and this figure includes OTA seats. The OTA result will come later
• UPSC recommends more names than the number of seats. This is a normal practice, because some candidates may not join or may not clear the later checks
• So, being on the list is a good step, but joining depends on your merit rank, vacancies and the later checks

Note: The vacancy numbers for each academy are from news reports. Please check the official PDF for the exact figures.

CDS-I 2026 Topper and Top Ranks

Lohitaksh Mahajan has secured Rank 1 in the merit lists of all three academies – IMA, INA and AFA.

CDS-I 2026 Selection Journey – From Written Exam to Final Result

Important Dates 2026-27

• CDS-I 2026 Written Exam: 12 April 2026
• Written Result (8,826 qualified for SSB): 8 May 2026
• Final Result for IMA, INA and AFA: 2 November 2026
• Marks Sheets and Cut-Off Marks: After the OTA final result
• OTA Final Result: To be announced
• IMA, INA and AFA Courses Commence: January 2027

What To Do After You Find Your Name in the Final Result?

• Download and save the result PDF and take a screenshot of your entry
• Keep your original certificates ready: date of birth proof (10th certificate), educational qualification certificates and mark sheets, ID proof and any category or NCC certificate you have used in your application
• Follow instructions from the concerned service headquarters or academy. Your candidature is provisional until documents and other conditions are verified
• Check your email and phone regularly. Communication about joining and reporting will come from the service authorities
• Read the notice in the PDF for any condition attached to the recommendation
• Stay fit and healthy. Medical fitness is checked by the services for joining (as per the services’ rules)
• Do not trust agents who promise a seat or a joining letter for money

Note: The current notice does not give a joining date, reporting instructions or document verification schedule in the information available for this post. Wait for the official letters.

What If My Name Is Not in the Result?

• Check all three lists (IMA, INA and AFA) with both your roll number and your name
• Check that you are looking at the final result PDF and not an older notice
• If you are not there, it means you were not recommended in this result. You can try again in the next CDS exam and other defence entries. Watch the UPSC website for the next notice
• Candidates for OTA should wait for the separate OTA final result
• Marks sheets and cut-off marks will come after the OTA final result, so you can then see how you did

Common Problems and Easy Solutions

Tips for CDS Aspirants Who Want to Try Again

• Know the pattern: The written exam has English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers. Mathematics is not asked for OTA, as per the usual CDS pattern
• Prepare for the SSB: The SSB interview is a big part of the final result. Work on communication, leadership, confidence and fitness
• Keep your documents clear: Your date of birth and education proofs must match your application
• Follow only official sources: UPSC website for notices, and not social media rumours
• Look at other entries too: NDA, AFCAT and other defence entries can be options based on your age and qualification

Note: These are general tips. Please check each notice for exact eligibility.

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