The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026. Through this recruitment examination, eligible candidates can join prestigious defence academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026 |
| Notification Number | 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 9 June 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| CDS 2 2026 Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
CDS 2 2026 Vacancy Details
UPSC has announced a total of 451 vacancies for various defence academies.
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Men | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Women | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria for CDS 2 2026
Candidates must carefully check the eligibility conditions before applying.
Nationality
Applicants must be:
Citizens of India, or
Subjects of Nepal, or
Persons of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age Limit
| Academy | Age Criteria |
|---|---|
| IMA | 19 to 24 years |
| INA | 19 to 24 years |
| AFA | 20 to 24 years |
| OTA (Men) | 19 to 25 years |
| OTA (Women) | 19 to 25 years |
Educational Qualification
| Academy | Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university |
| INA | Engineering Degree or B.Sc. with Physics & Mathematics |
| AFA | Graduate Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering Degree |
Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation are also eligible to apply.
CDS 2 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹200 |
| SC/ST/Female Candidates | Exempted |
The fee can be paid through:
Debit Card
Credit Card
Net Banking
UPI
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 2026
Candidates can follow these steps to apply online:
Visit the official UPSC online portal.
Complete One Time Registration (OTR).
Fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
Upload photograph, live photo, and signature.
Fill the Examination Specific Module.
Pay the application fee.
Submit the application form and take a printout for future use.
CDS 2 2026 Selection Process
The selection process includes:
Written Examination
SSB Interview
Medical Examination
Final Merit List
CDS 2 2026 Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA & AFA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
The exam will consist of objective-type questions. Negative marking will be applicable for wrong answers.
| UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026: Application Portal | Apply Now |
| UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026: Notification | Read Now |
| (UPSC) Union Public Service Commission: Examination Notices | Visit Now |
| (UPSC) Union Public Service Commission: Official Website | Visit Now |
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Salary and Career Opportunities
Selected candidates will receive training at their respective academies and later join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. Defence officers receive attractive salaries, allowances, medical benefits, accommodation, and career growth opportunities along with the honor of serving the nation.
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 offers a golden opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as commissioned officers. Interested applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and complete the application process before the deadline.
Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official UPSC website for updates regarding admit cards, examination instructions, and results.