UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification Out: The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2026 notification for candidates aspiring to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Through this recruitment drive, eligible graduates can join prestigious defence academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced under CDS II 2026. Interested candidates can apply online through the official UPSC portal before the last date.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC CDS II Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | UPSC |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| CDS II Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Official Website | UPSC Official Website |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Important Dates
Candidates planning to appear for the examination should keep these important dates in mind.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Vacancy Details
UPSC has distributed 451 vacancies among 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), Chennai (Men) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 Posts |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS II 2026
Candidates must satisfy all educational and age-related conditions before applying.
Nationality
Applicants must be:
- Citizens of India, or
- Subjects of Nepal, or
- Persons of Indian origin from specified countries.
Educational Qualification
| Academy / Wing | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Engineering Degree OR B.Sc. with Physics & Mathematics |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Bachelor’s Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Age Limit
| Academy | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| IMA | 19 to 24 Years |
| AFA | 20 to 24 Years |
| OTA | 19 to 25 Years |
Date of Birth Criteria
- IMA: Born between 01 July 2003 and 01 July 2008
- AFA: Born between 01 July 2003 and 01 July 2007
- OTA: Born between 01 July 2002 and 01 July 2008
UPSC CDS II 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹200/- |
| Female / SC / ST | Exempted |
Payment can be made through online modes such as Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, and UPI.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS II 2026
Candidates can complete the online application process by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC online portal.
- Complete the Universal Registration Number (URN) profile.
- Fill out the CDS II 2026 application form carefully.
- Upload scanned signature and photograph.
- Complete the mandatory live photo capture process.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of the following stages:
Written Examination
The written test includes objective-type questions from:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics (depending on the academy)
SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify the written exam will appear for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview, which assesses intelligence, personality, leadership, and communication skills.
Important Exam Instructions
UPSC has issued several important guidelines for candidates appearing in CDS II 2026:
- Face authentication will be mandatory at the examination center.
- Negative marking of 0.33 marks will apply for every incorrect answer.
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Notification PDF | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
| New Job Alert | Click Here |
Final Words
The UPSC CDS II 2026 Examination is a golden opportunity for graduates who want to become commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Candidates are advised to complete the online application before the deadline and begin their preparation early to maximize their chances of selection.