UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 451 Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026 for admission into prestigious defence academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). This recruitment offers an excellent opportunity for candidates who dream of serving the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

The online application process has started from 20 May 2026 and the last date to apply online is 09 June 2026. The written examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026 across multiple examination centres in India.

Candidates who have completed graduation or are in the final year of their degree course can apply for this examination depending on the academy eligibility criteria. Selection will be based on a written examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview and medical examination.

The CDS examination is one of the most prestigious defence entrance examinations in India and is conducted twice every year by UPSC. Thousands of aspirants apply for this examination to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. Candidates selected through CDS receive world-class military training and later serve the country in various defence operations and leadership roles.

UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Overview

UPSC CDS II 2026 Vacancy Details

The recruitment notification has announced a total of 451 vacancies for various defence academies. Candidates can check the academy-wise vacancy distribution below.

UPSC CDS II 2026 Important Dates

UPSC CDS II 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must carefully read the eligibility conditions before applying for the examination. Admission to all stages of the recruitment process will remain provisional until verification of eligibility documents.

Nationality

Candidates must be:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal, or
• A person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Age Limit Details

Date of Birth Criteria

• IMA/INA: 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

Educational Qualification

Final year students are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing before the prescribed deadline.

UPSC CDS II 2026 Application Fee

Candidates can pay the fee through:

• Net Banking
• Debit Card
• Credit Card
• UPI Payment

UPSC CDS II 2026 Selection Process

The selection process consists of the following stages:

1. Written Examination
2. Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
3. Document Verification
4. Medical Examination
5. Final Merit List

Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be called for the SSB interview conducted by respective service headquarters.

CDS II 2026 Exam Pattern

For IMA, INA & AFA

For OTA

CDS II 2026 Syllabus

The written examination consists of objective-type questions.

English

The paper tests:

• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Sentence Improvement
• Comprehension
• Error Detection
• Synonyms & Antonyms

General Knowledge

Includes:

• Current Affairs
• History
• Geography
• Economics
• Indian Polity
• Science
• Defence-related awareness

Elementary Mathematics

Topics include:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Statistics
• Mensuration

Negative Marking

Candidates should note that there is a penalty for wrong answers in the objective-type papers. Wrong answers will attract negative marking.

Physical Standards

Candidates must be physically fit according to the standards prescribed by the Ministry of Defence. Medical standards include:

• Height and weight standards
• Vision requirements
• Hearing standards
• Overall physical fitness

Detailed medical guidelines are available in Appendix III of the official notification.

Examination Centres

The CDS II 2026 examination will be conducted at various centres across India including:

• Delhi
• Hyderabad
• Bengaluru
• Chennai
• Kolkata
• Mumbai
• Pune
• Lucknow
• Patna
• Vijayawada
• Visakhapatnam
• Jaipur
• Chandigarh
• Bhopal
• Ranchi
• Guwahati
• Srinagar

and many more cities.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Candidates are advised to follow all instructions mentioned in the official notification carefully.

Key Instructions

• Apply only through online mode.
• Use Aadhaar Card for easier verification.
• Upload clear photograph and signature.
• Carry valid Photo ID proof to examination centre.
• Mobile phones and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited.
• Reach examination venue before reporting time.
• Face authentication may be conducted at exam centres.

Documents Required for CDS II 2026 Application

Candidates should keep the following documents ready while applying online:

• Aadhaar Card or valid Photo ID
• Passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Graduation certificate/marksheets
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• NCC Certificate (if applicable)

How to Apply for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026

Candidates can follow the steps below to apply online:

1. Visit the official UPSC website.
2. Open the Online Application Portal.
3. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR).
4. Fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
5. Upload photograph and signature.
6. Select examination centre and academy preference.
7. Pay application fee online.
8. Submit the application form.
9. Download and print the final application form.

Salary and Benefits

After successful training, candidates are appointed as commissioned officers and receive excellent salary packages along with additional allowances.

Benefits include:

• Military Service Pay
• Field Area Allowance
• Flying Allowance
• Free medical facilities
• Accommodation facilities
• Canteen facilities
• Pension benefits
• Insurance cover

CDS II 2026 Admit Card

The e-Admit Card will be available online on the UPSC portal before the examination. No admit card will be sent through post or email. Candidates must download it using their login credentials.

CDS II 2026 Result

The written examination result is expected to be declared in October 2026. Candidates qualifying in the written examination will be called for the SSB Interview process.

Important Links

Official UPSC Website : Click Here

Apply Online : Click Here

Official Notification PDF : Click Here

The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for graduates who aspire to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces. With 451 vacancies announced across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA, eligible candidates should not miss this prestigious recruitment opportunity.

Candidates are advised to complete the online application process well before the last date to avoid server issues and carefully read the official notification before applying. Proper preparation, discipline, and dedication can help aspirants secure success in one of India’s most respected defence examinations.

Serving the nation through the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force is not just a job but a matter of pride and honour. Candidates dreaming of wearing the uniform should begin their preparation immediately and take the first step towards a glorious defence career through CDS II 2026.

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