The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the detailed notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. This is a golden opportunity for passionate young men and women aspiring to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Through the UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026, a total of 451 vacancies will be filled across prestigious academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Eligible graduates can submit their applications online starting from May 20, 2026, until June 9, 2026. Read below for detailed insights on eligibility, selection process, exam pattern, and application procedures.
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Service Academy Choices | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA (Chennai) |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Application Mode | Online via UPSC Portal |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
Vacancy Details for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
The following table shows the detailed distribution of 451 vacancies across different academies and training courses commencing in 2027.
| S.No. | Name of the Course / Academy | Total Vacancies |
| 1 | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – 163rd (DE) Course commencing in July 2027 | 100 |
| 2 | Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – Executive Branch Course commencing in July 2027 | 26 |
| 3 | Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – Pre-Flying Training Course commencing in July 2027 | 32 |
| 4 | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 126th SSC (Men) (NT) Course commencing in Oct 2027 | 275 |
| 5 | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 126th SSC Women (NT) Course commencing in Oct 2027 | 18 |
| Total | – | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
Candidates applying for CDS-II 2026 must satisfy nationality and other eligibility requirements.
- Candidate must be a citizen of India, subject of Nepal, or eligible person of Indian origin as specified in the official notification.
- Only unmarried candidates are eligible for IMA, INA, and AFA.
- OTA courses also allow eligible unmarried female candidates and certain widows/divorcees under specified conditions.
Educational Qualification for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
| Academy / Wing | Educational Qualification |
| IMA & OTA | Graduation Degree from recognized University |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Engineering Degree OR B.Sc with Physics (with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level) |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR B.E./B.Tech |
| Final Year Students | Eligible to apply provisionally |
Age Limit, Gender, and Marital Status
| Academy | Age Criteria |
| IMA | Unmarried male candidates born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2008 |
| INA | Unmarried male candidates born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2008 |
| AFA | 20 to 24 Years as on 01 July 2027 |
| AFA with CPL License | Upper age relaxable up to 26 years |
| OTA (Men) | Unmarried male candidates born between 02 July 2002 and 01 July 2008 |
| OTA (Women) | Eligible unmarried women / eligible widows / divorcees born between 02 July 2002 and 01 July 2008 |
Application Fees for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS Candidates | Rs. 200/- |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | NIL |
Payment Mode :
- Net Banking
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- UPI
Salary / Pay Scale
| Rank / Training | Salary |
| Stipend During Training | Rs. 56,100/- per month |
| Lieutenant Pay Scale | Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 (Level-10) |
Additional allowances and military benefits are applicable as per Government rules.
Selection Process for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
| Selection Stage | Details |
| Written Examination | Offline Objective Type Exam |
| SSB Interview / Personality Test | 4-Day Intelligence & Personality Assessment |
| Medical Examination | Service Medical Board Evaluation |
| Document Verification | Verification of Original Certificates |
Written Examination Pattern
| Academy | Subjects Included |
| IMA / INA / AFA | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
| OTA | English & General Knowledge Only |
Important Dates for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
| Official Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Start Date for Online Applications | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Applications | 09 June 2026 (06:00 PM) |
| CDS-II Written Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Tentative Result Declaration | October 2026 |
Important Links for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
| Download Official Notification | Download Notification |
| Apply Online Link | Click Here to Apply |
| Official UPSC Website | Visit Website |
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official UPSC online portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR/URN) if registering for the first time.
- Login and fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Enter personal, educational, and communication details carefully.
- Complete live photo capture and upload scanned signature.
- Select preferred examination centre.
- Pay application fee online (if applicable).
- Submit the application form and print/download confirmation page for future reference.
Key Takeaways for Candidates
| Feature | Details |
| OTR/URN Profile | Mandatory |
| Aadhaar Usage | Recommended |
| Application Correction | Not Allowed after submission |
| Exam Mode | Offline OMR Based |
| Allowed Pen | Black Ballpoint Pen Only |
| Electronic Gadgets | Strictly Prohibited |
Final Thoughts on UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
The UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 is one of the most prestigious opportunities for graduates aiming to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. With excellent career growth, honor, leadership opportunities, and adventurous life, CDS remains a top career choice among defense aspirants.
Candidates should begin preparation early for English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics while also focusing on physical fitness and personality development for the SSB interview process. Complete your application before 09 June 2026 to avoid last-minute technical issues and server congestion.
FAQs :
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which organization conducts UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026?
The examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Q2. What is the full form of CDS?
CDS stands for Combined Defence Services Examination.
Q3. How many vacancies are available under CDS-II 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced.
Q4. What are the academies covered under CDS-II 2026?
IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA are covered under CDS-II 2026.
Q5. What is the application mode for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026?
The application process is completely online.
Q6. What is the official website for UPSC CDS applications?
The official websites are upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in.
Q7. What is the last date to apply online?
The last date to apply online is 09 June 2026.
Q8. What is the CDS-II 2026 examination date?
The written examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026.
Q9. What is the educational qualification for IMA & OTA?
Candidates must possess a Graduation Degree from a recognized University.
Q10. What qualification is required for INA?
Candidates must possess an Engineering Degree or B.Sc with Physics.
Q11. What qualification is required for AFA?
Candidates must possess Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or B.E./B.Tech.
Q12. What is the application fee for General/OBC/EWS candidates?
The application fee is Rs. 200/-.
Q13. Are SC/ST/Female candidates exempted from fees?
Yes, they are exempted from payment of application fee.
Q14. What is the selection process for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026?
The selection process includes Written Examination, SSB Interview, Medical Examination, and Document Verification.
Q15. Is there any interview stage after the written examination?
Yes, qualified candidates must appear for the SSB Interview/Personality Test.
Q16. What is the stipend during training?
Candidates receive Rs. 56,100/- per month during training.
Q17. How can candidates apply for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the UPSC online application portal.