UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 453 Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination II 2026. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force can now apply online through the official UPSC website.
The UPSC CDS 2 2026 recruitment offers a golden opportunity for graduates who dream of serving the nation through prestigious defence academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications online before the last date.
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS II) 2026 |
| Job Type | Central Government Job |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Total Vacancies | 453 Posts |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Notification Release Date | May 2026 |
| Other Jobs Last Date to Apply | Click Here June 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy Details 2026
The vacancies are distributed among different defence academies as follows:
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 32 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA Men) | 276 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA Women) | 13 |
Total Vacancies: 453 Posts
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the following qualifications depending on the academy they apply for:
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Engineering Degree from a recognized university or institution
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering Degree
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
Candidates who are appearing in the final year of their degree course are also eligible to apply.
Age Limit
Indian Military Academy
Unmarried male candidates born between specified dates mentioned in the official notification
Indian Naval Academy
Unmarried male candidates within the prescribed age limit
Air Force Academy
Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years
Officers Training Academy
Male and female unmarried candidates within the notified age criteria
Applicants are advised to check the detailed official notification for exact age eligibility.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC Candidates | ₹200 |
| SC/ST/Female Candidates | No Fee |
Payment can be made through online banking, UPI, debit card, or credit card.
Selection Process
The UPSC CDS 2 2026 selection process includes:
Written Examination
SSB Interview
Medical Examination
Final Merit List
Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview round.
Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA & AFA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
The examination will be conducted in offline mode.
Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates in CDS will receive attractive salary packages along with various defence allowances and benefits including:
Free medical facilities
Pension benefits
Travel allowances
Housing facilities
Career growth opportunities
Respectable officer rank in Indian Armed Forces
Important Dates
Notification Release Date: May 2026
Starting Date for Online Application: May 2026
Last Date to Apply Online: June 2026
CDS 2 Exam Date: September 2026
Candidates should regularly visit the official UPSC website for updates.
Required Documents
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before applying online:
Passport size photograph
Signature
Aadhaar Card
Graduation certificates
Category certificate (if applicable)
Valid email ID and mobile number
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026
Follow these steps to apply online:
Visit the official UPSC website
Open the CDS II 2026 notification
Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
Fill the online application form carefully
Upload required documents
Pay the application fee
Submit the form and take a printout for future reference
Why Choose a Career Through CDS?
Joining the Indian Armed Forces through CDS offers:
Prestigious officer-level career
Job security
Leadership opportunities
Excellent salary and benefits
Adventure and discipline
National service and pride
The CDS examination is one of the most respected defence entrance exams in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total number of vacancies in UPSC CDS 2 2026?
A total of 453 vacancies have been announced.
What is the qualification required for CDS?
Candidates must possess a graduation degree from a recognized university.
Can final year students apply?
Yes, final year students are eligible to apply.
What is the application fee?
General and OBC candidates must pay ₹200, while SC/ST and female candidates are exempted.
What is the selection process for CDS?
The selection process includes a written exam, SSB interview, medical test, and final merit list.