UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for 451 Vacancies, Check Eligibility & Apply Online
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official examination notice (No. 11/2026-CDS-II) for the Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for graduates who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces as Commissioned Officers.
Through the UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026, a total of 451 vacancies will be filled 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 apply online using the official UPSC portal. The detailed eligibility criteria, academy-wise vacancies, age limit, syllabus, and direct application link are provided below.
UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2026 Overview
Candidates must carefully register using the OTR (One Time Registration) platform on the UPSC website to apply.
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Examination Notice No. | 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Pay Scale / Stipend | Rs. 56,100/- p.m. during training (Level 10 Pay Matrix: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 upon commissioning) |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Notification PDF | Download PDF |
Important Dates for UPSC CDS II 2026
Candidates are strongly advised to apply early to get their preferred examination centre, as centres are allotted on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis.
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Date of Notification | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date for Submission of Application | 09 June 2026 (upto 06:00 P.M.) |
| Modification Window (Correction Facility) | 20 June 2026 to 29 June 2026 |
| Date of Written Examination | 13 September 2026 |
| Issuance of e-Admit Card | Last working day of the preceding week of the exam date |
UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy Details 2026
A total of 451 vacancies are distributed across various defense training academies. Below is the detailed breakdown:
| Name of the Course / Academy | Approximate Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 (includes 13 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Cert. Army Wing) |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 (includes 06 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Cert. Naval Wing & 1 Hydro) |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 (includes 03 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Cert. Air Wing) |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – SSC (Men) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – SSC Women (NT) | 18 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria & Age Limit
1. Nationality
A candidate must either be a Citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India (subject to GOI certificate).
2. Age Limit & Marital Status
The candidate must be unmarried. The specific age limits are below:
- IMA & INA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 1st July 2003 and not later than 1st July 2008 (19 to 24 years).
- Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years as on 1st July 2027 (born not earlier than 1st July 2003 and not later than 1st July 2007). Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years for valid Commercial Pilot License holders.
- OTA (Men & Women): Unmarried male and female candidates born not earlier than 1st July 2002 and not later than 1st July 2008 (19 to 25 years).
3. Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess the required degree from a recognized University/Institution:
- For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
- For Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution.
- For Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering.
Application Fees
Candidates are required to pay a fee of Rs. 200/- (Rupees Two Hundred Only). Payment can be made using net banking, Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.
Exemptions: Female candidates, SC, and ST candidates are fully exempted from payment of the application fee.
Selection Process
The selection for the UPSC CDS II 2026 will be based on a multi-stage process:
- Written Examination: Objective type papers conducted by UPSC. There will be a negative marking (1/3rd penalty) for wrong answers.
- SSB Interview: Candidates clearing the written exam will be called for an Intelligence and Personality Test at the Services Selection Board (SSB). It consists of two stages (OIR & PP&DT in Stage-I; Interview, Group Tasks, Psychology Tests in Stage-II).
- Document Verification: Verification of age, educational, and NCC certificates (if applicable).
- Medical Examination: Final medical fitness test conducted by Armed Forces Medical Boards.
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern & Syllabus
For Admission to IMA, INA, and AFA
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS II 2026?
Candidates must apply exclusively online via the official UPSC portal. Follow the steps below:
- Visit the official UPSC online application website: upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete your One Time Registration (OTR) profile to generate a Universal Registration Number (URN) if you haven’t already.
- Log in and proceed to the Common Application Form (CAF) and the Examination Specific Module for CDS-II.
- Fill in all necessary details, including your preference for the academies (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA).
- Live Photo & Signature: Capture a clear live photograph through your webcam and upload scanned signatures on plain white paper using black ink as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) and choose your preferred examination center.
- Submit the final application before 09 June 2026, 06:00 PM and download the confirmation page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for UPSC CDS II 2026 is 09 June 2026 (upto 06:00 P.M.).
How many total vacancies are announced in CDS II 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced across Indian Military Academy (100), Indian Naval Academy (26), Air Force Academy (32), and Officers’ Training Academy (293).
What is the application fee for UPSC CDS II?
The application fee is Rs. 200/- for General and OBC male candidates. Female, SC, and ST candidates are fully exempted from paying the fee.
Can women apply for the UPSC CDS II Examination?
Yes, unmarried women candidates can apply exclusively for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – SSC Women (NT) Course, for which 18 vacancies are reserved.
Is there any negative marking in the UPSC CDS 2 Exam?
Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as negative marking.
Final Words on UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is an elite gateway for graduates to serve the nation as Commissioned Officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Starting with a handsome stipend of Rs. 56,100/- during the training period, the career offers unmatched pride, respect, and growth. With 451 vacancies up for grabs, the competition will be high. Candidates must ensure they meet the strict physical and educational standards before applying. Remember to submit your application on upsconline.nic.in before 09 June 2026 and prepare thoroughly for the written exam on 13 September 2026!