UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026
Apply Online for 451 Posts, Check Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Important Dates & Full Details
The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the notification for Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026 under Advertisement No. 11/2026-CDS-II. This is one of the most prestigious defence examinations in India for candidates who dream of joining the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force as commissioned officers.
The online application process for UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 started on 20 May 2026 and will continue until 09 June 2026. Through this recruitment drive, UPSC will fill 451 vacancies in various defence academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The written examination is scheduled to be conducted on 13 September 2026.
Candidates who are interested in serving the nation through the armed forces should carefully check the eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualifications, vacancy details, exam pattern, application fee, and selection process before applying online.
UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | UPSC |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination II 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | UPSC |
Important Dates
Candidates should remember the following important dates related to UPSC CDS-II 2026:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 09 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
| Written Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Expected October 2026 |
UPSC CDS-II 2026 Vacancy Details
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced through CDS-II 2026. These vacancies are distributed among various defence academies.
Academy-wise Vacancy Details
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA Men) | 276 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA Women) | 17 |
| Total | 451 Posts |
Age Limit
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed age criteria for CDS-II 2026.
General Age Requirement
Candidates must be born:
- Not earlier than 01 July 2003
- Not later than 01 July 2008
The age criteria may vary slightly according to the academy selected. Candidates are advised to verify the official notification before applying.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the following educational qualifications:
For Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
For Officers Training Academy (OTA)
- Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
For Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
For Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR
- Bachelor of Engineering degree.
Final-year students who can produce proof of passing before commencement of the course may also apply.
Application Fee
The application fee for UPSC CDS-II 2026 is as follows:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹200 |
| OBC | ₹200 |
| EWS | ₹200 |
| SC | Nil |
| ST | Nil |
| Female Candidates | Nil |
Payment Mode
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 consists of the following stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates qualifying in the written examination will be called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview.
UPSC CDS-II 2026 Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA & AFA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 300 | 6 Hours |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 200 | 4 Hours |
The question papers will be objective type and available in both Hindi and English except for the English paper.
UPSC CDS-II 2026 Syllabus
English
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence Improvement
- Comprehension
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Error Detection
General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Geography
- Economics
- Polity
- Defence Awareness
- Science
Elementary Mathematics
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS-II 2026
Apply Online Link |
Click Here |
Check Official Notification |
Click Here |
UPSC Official Website |
Click Here |
Candidates can apply online by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR).
- Click on CDS-II 2026 Apply Online Link.
- Fill personal and educational details.
- Upload photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the application form.
- Download and print the final application form for future reference.
Documents Required
Before filling the application form, candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- Aadhaar Card
- Graduation Marksheet
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
Why CDS is a Great Career Opportunity?
The CDS Examination is one of the most respected defence recruitment examinations in India. Selected candidates receive:
- Officer Rank in Armed Forces
- Attractive Salary Package
- Military Training
- Free Medical Facilities
- Government Accommodation
- Pension and Retirement Benefits
- Adventure and Leadership Opportunities
- Prestige of Serving the Nation
Thousands of aspirants apply every year for CDS due to the excellent career growth and opportunities offered by the defence services.
Important Links
Official Notification
Apply Online
UPSC Online Application Portal
Official Website
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for graduates and final-year students aspiring to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces. With 451 vacancies, attractive career prospects, and the honor of serving the nation, CDS remains one of the most sought-after defence examinations in India. Interested candidates should complete their applications before 09 June 2026 and begin preparation for the written examination scheduled on 13 September 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification and ensure they meet all eligibility conditions before submitting the application form.
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