UPSC CDS II 2026
COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES EXAM
The official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 has been released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for a total of 451 Vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Eligible unmarried male and female candidates can register and fill up their application form online from 20 May 2026 to 09 June 2026 (until 06:00 PM). The written examination is scheduled to be conducted on 13 September 2026. Check out complete eligibility, age limits, vacancy breakdown, selection process, fees, and the direct link to apply online below.
VACANCY OVERVIEW
| Recruitment Name | UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification Notice No. | Exam Notice No. 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts (Male & Female) |
| Course Commencing | July 2027 & October 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Job Location | All India / Postings anywhere in India or abroad |
| Official Portal | upsconline.nic.in |
IMPORTANT DATES
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 (Till 06:00 PM) |
| UPSC CDS II Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| e-Admit Card Release | Last working day of preceding week of exam |
| Written Result Declaration | Expected in October 2026 |
APPLICATION FEE
| General / OBC / EWS Candidates | โน 200/- |
|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST Candidates | Exempted (No Fee) |
| Payment Mode | Net Banking facility of any bank OR Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment |
AGE LIMIT CRITERIA
| IMA (Dehradun) | 19 to 24 Years (Unmarried males born not earlier than 01 July 2003 and not later than 01 July 2008) |
|---|---|
| Indian Naval Academy | 19 to 24 Years (Unmarried males born not earlier than 01 July 2003 and not later than 01 July 2008) |
| Air Force Academy | 20 to 24 Years as on 01 July 2027 (Born not earlier than 01 July 2003 and not later than 01 July 2007. Relaxable up to 26 years for valid DGCA CPL holders) |
| OTA Chennai (Men) | 19 to 25 Years (Unmarried males born not earlier than 01 July 2002 and not later than 01 July 2008) |
| OTA Chennai (Women) | 19 to 25 Years (Unmarried women, issueless widows/divorcees born not earlier than 01 July 2002 and not later than 01 July 2008) |
POST-WISE VACANCY BREAKDOWN
๐๏ธ Indian Military Academy (IMA)
โ Indian Naval Academy (INA)
โ๏ธ Air Force Academy (AFA)
โ๏ธ OTA Chennai โ SSC Men
๐ OTA Chennai โ SSC Women
๐ฏ GRAND TOTAL โ 451 DEFENCE VACANCIES
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
| IMA & Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | Degree of a recognized University or equivalent qualification. Final year/semester students are eligible to apply. |
|---|---|
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Degree in Engineering OR B.Sc. with Physics as a core or elective subject from a recognized University/Institution (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level). |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering (B.E./B.Tech). |
| Final Year Students | Allowed to apply as a special concession provided they have no present backlog and can submit proof of passing graduation by the specified dates (May/July/October 2027 depending on the academy). |
SELECTION PROCESS
Stage 1 โ Written Examination
Objective Type OMR-based test held on 13 September 2026. For IMA, INA, and AFA, it comprises English (100 Marks), General Knowledge (100 Marks), and Elementary Mathematics (100 Marks). For OTA, it features only English (100 Marks) and GK (100 Marks). Negative marking of one-third (0.33) marks applies for every wrong answer.
Stage 2 โ SSB Interview (Stage I & II)
Candidates clearing the written cut-off undergo an intelligence and personality test at selection boards. Stage-I comprises OIR and PP&DT on Day 1. Qualified candidates advance to Stage-II over 4 days featuring Interviews, Group Tasks (GTO), Psychology Tests, and the final Board Conference.
Stage 3 โ Medical Examination
Recommended candidates must pass extensive medical examinations governed by the Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards. Permanent body tattoos are strictly limited to the inner forearm or back of palm.
Stage 4 โ Final Merit List
Prepared in order of cumulative total marks secured in the written examination and SSB tests, subject to final medical fitness and vacancy availability.
CDS SELECTION TRACKER
ABOUT UPSC CDS II 2026
The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is the premier gateway for graduate defense aspirants seeking to build a stellar career as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. Successful male and female cadets undergo rigorous academic and tactical leadership training programs at highly esteemed institutions, including IMA Dehradun, INA Ezhimala, AFA Hyderabad, or OTA Chennai.
Cadets receive a fixed monthly stipend of โน56,100/- (Starting pay in Level 10) during their training period. Upon successful commissioning, officers enjoy a lucrative Level 10 pay matrix ranging from โน56,100 to โน1,77,500, along with a fixed Military Service Pay (MSP) of โน15,500 per month, Dearness Allowance, annual dress allowance of โน20,000, free rations, subsidized housing, children education allowance, comprehensive medical insurance, and unmatched legal status.
TEST YOUR CDS KNOWLEDGE
As per official guidelines, candidates must use a black ball pen only for both writing and marking responses on the scannable OMR sheets. Using pens of any other color, pencils, or ink pens is strictly prohibited and can cause rejection of your answer script.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IMPORTANT LINKS
| Apply Online Link | ๐ Click Here To Apply Online |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification PDF | ๐ Download Notification PDF |
| UPSC Official Portal Home | ๐ Visit upsc.gov.in |
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