UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
Author: Rajnish Goyal | Last Updated: 20-May-2026
Important Information
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026 Notification for admission into 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 through UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website before the last date. The examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026 across various examination centers in India. Candidates preparing for defence services can check eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualification, selection process, exam pattern, salary details, and important instructions from the detailed notification below.
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS II) 2026 |
| No. Of Posts | 451 Posts |
| Qualification | Graduate / Engineering Degree |
| Advt. No. | 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Age Limit | As Per CDS Rules |
| Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 09 June 2026 |
| Apply Mode | Online |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 |
| CDS II Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
Application Fee Details
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 200/- |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | No Fee |
| Payment Mode | Online |
CDS 2 Vacancy Details 2026
| Academy Name | Total 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 Vacancies | 451 Posts |
Eligibility Details
Candidates applying for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or institution. For Indian Naval Academy candidates should have an Engineering Degree. For Air Force Academy candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering degree. Final year students are also eligible to apply provided they submit proof of passing the qualifying examination within the prescribed timeline. Candidates must fulfill physical and medical standards as prescribed by UPSC and respective defence academies.
Educational Qualification Details
| Academy | Qualification | Course Type |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Graduation Degree | Permanent Commission |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Engineering Degree | Executive Branch |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 Level or Engineering Degree | Flying Branch |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Graduation Degree | Short Service Commission |
Selection Process
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Written Examination
- Candidates have to appear in the CDS written examination conducted by UPSC.
- The exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics subjects.
-
SSB Interview
- Qualified candidates will be called for SSB Interview and Personality Test.
- SSB includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview rounds.
-
Medical Examination
- Candidates clearing SSB Interview must undergo medical examination.
- Final merit list will be prepared on the basis of written exam and SSB performance.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
|---|---|
| Notification | Download |
Important Note: Candidates are advised to carefully read the official UPSC CDS II 2026 notification before applying online. Applicants should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility conditions related to age, educational qualification, nationality, and physical standards. Keep all required documents ready before filling out the online application form. UPSC will not accept incomplete applications or incorrect information submitted by candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is 09 June 2026 till 6:00 PM.
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How many vacancies are available in UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA academies.
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What is the exam date for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The UPSC CDS II Examination 2026 will be conducted on 13 September 2026.
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What is the application fee for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment?
General, OBC, and EWS candidates have to pay Rs.200 while SC, ST, and Female candidates are exempted from payment of fee.
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What qualification is required for Indian Military Academy (IMA)?
Candidates must possess a Graduation Degree from a recognized university for IMA admission.
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Can final year students apply for UPSC CDS II 2026?
Yes, final year students can apply provided they produce proof of passing the qualifying examination within the prescribed period.
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What is the selection process for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026?
The selection process includes Written Examination, SSB Interview, Personality Test, and Medical Examination.
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Is Mathematics compulsory for Air Force Academy?
Yes, candidates applying for Air Force Academy must have studied Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or possess an Engineering Degree.
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Where can candidates apply for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website https://upsconline.nic.in.
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Is there negative marking in UPSC CDS Examination?
Yes, there is negative marking for wrong answers in the objective type question papers.
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Can women candidates apply for CDS II 2026?
Yes, women candidates can apply for Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai Women course.
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What documents are required during SSB and document verification?
Candidates need educational certificates, ID proof, photographs, category certificates, and other supporting documents during verification.