UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 451 IMA, INA, AFA & OTA Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026 Notification for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Candidates who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces through the CDS 2 2026 Exam can submit their online application through the official UPSC portal.
The UPSC CDS II 2026 examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026 across multiple examination centers in India. Eligible graduates and final-year students can apply online before the last date.
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Courses Offered | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| CDS II Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Official Portal | UPSC Online Application Portal |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | Last working day of previous week before exam |
| CDS II 2026 Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Expected October 2026 |
UPSC CDS II Application Fee 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 200/- |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
Payment Mode
Candidates can pay the examination fee through:
- Net Banking
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- UPI Payment
UPSC CDS II Vacancy Details 2026
The UPSC has announced a total of 451 vacancies under various defence academies and officer training courses.
| Academy / Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Men | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Women | 18 |
| Total Posts | 451 |
UPSC CDS II Educational Qualification 2026
Candidates must possess the following educational qualifications for different defence academies:
| Academy | Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Graduation Degree from a recognized University |
| INA | Engineering Degree OR B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics |
| AFA | Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Engineering Degree |
Final Year Students Eligible
Candidates appearing in the final year or final semester of graduation are also eligible to apply for the CDS II 2026 Examination.
UPSC CDS II Age Limit 2026
| Academy | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy | 19 to 24 Years |
| Indian Naval Academy | 19 to 24 Years |
| Air Force Academy | 20 to 24 Years |
| OTA (Men) | 19 to 25 Years |
| OTA (Women) | 19 to 25 Years |
Important Birth Date Criteria
- IMA & INA: Born between 01 July 2003 to 01 July 2008
- AFA: Born between 01 July 2003 to 01 July 2007
- OTA: Born between 01 July 2002 to 01 July 2008
UPSC CDS II Salary 2026
Candidates selected through the CDS II 2026 recruitment will receive salary and allowances as per Defence Services pay rules.
| Rank | Approx Salary |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 |
| Military Service Pay | Rs. 15,500 |
| Additional Benefits | DA, TA, Uniform Allowance, Medical Benefits |
Selected candidates will also receive training benefits, accommodation, ration facilities, and pension-related benefits according to defence service norms.
UPSC CDS II Selection Process 2026
The selection process for CDS II Recruitment 2026 includes the following stages:
1. Written Examination
For IMA, INA & AFA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 |
| Total | 300 |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
2. SSB Interview
Candidates qualifying in the written examination will be called for:
- Intelligence Test
- Psychological Test
- Group Task
- Personal Interview
3. Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by SSB will undergo a detailed medical examination.
4. Final Merit List
Final selection will be based on:
- Written Exam Marks
- SSB Interview Performance
- Medical Fitness
- Vacancy Availability
UPSC CDS II Exam Pattern 2026
| Academy | Subjects | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| IMA / INA / AFA | English, GK, Mathematics | 2 Hours Each |
| OTA | English & GK | 2 Hours Each |
Negative Marking
- One-third marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
- No penalty for unanswered questions.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
Candidates can follow the steps below to apply online for CDS II 2026:
- Visit the official UPSC online portal.
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR/URN).
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Upload photograph, live photo, and signature.
- Fill examination preferences and exam center.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the online application form.
- Download and print the final application form.
Apply Online Here:
UPSC Online Application Portal
UPSC CDS II 2026 Exam Centers
The CDS II 2026 Examination will be conducted at various centers including:
- Jaipur
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Lucknow
- Kolkata
- Bengaluru
- Pune
- Ahmedabad
and many more cities across India.
Important Instructions for CDS II 2026 Candidates
- Mobile phones and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited in the exam hall.
- Candidates must carry a valid Photo ID proof.
- Face authentication will be conducted at exam centers.
- No correction facility will be provided after application submission.
- Candidates should apply early to get preferred exam centers.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official UPSC Website | UPSC Official Website |
| Apply Online | UPSC Online Portal |
| Download Official Notification | UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification PDF |
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
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See Also:-
- CSIR-CIMFR Technician Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for Technician-1 Group II Posts
- CSIR-CEERI Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for Technical Officer & Technician Posts
- SSC CGL 2026 Notification PDF Released – Apply Online for 12,256 Group B & C Government Vacancies
- UPSC NDA (II) Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 394 NDA & Naval Academy Vacancies
- UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 451 IMA, INA, AFA & OTA Vacancies
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