UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026– Good news for all defence aspirants waiting for the next CDS notification.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS II Recruitment 2026 notification for 451 vacancies. Candidates who want to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, or OTA can now apply online.
Through this recruitment, candidates will get admission into:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA)
The online application process started on 20 May 2026 and the last date to submit the form is 09 June 2026.
This year, UPSC has also introduced stricter digital verification methods. Candidates will need to complete live photo capture and face authentication during different stages of the recruitment process, so applicants should fill the form carefully.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026 |
| Total Posts | 451 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | All India |
| Notification Status | Released |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Form Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 09 June 2026 |
| CDS II Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
Vacancy Details
| Academy | Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| OTA Men | 275 |
| OTA Women | 18 |
Total Vacancies – 451 Posts
The highest number of vacancies has been released for OTA Men entry, which is a great opportunity for candidates preparing for Short Service Commission.
Educational Qualification
For IMA & OTA
- Bachelor Degree in any stream from a recognized university.
For INA
- Engineering Degree OR B.Sc with Physics.
For Air Force Academy
- Bachelor Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Engineering Degree.
Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation can also apply, provided they complete their degree within the prescribed timeline.
Age Limit
IMA & INA
19 to 24 Years
Air Force Academy
20 to 24 Years
OTA
19 to 25 Years
Candidates are advised to check the official notification for detailed age criteria and date of birth conditions.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS Male | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | ₹0 |
Female candidates and SC/ST applicants do not need to pay any application fee.
Selection Process
The recruitment process will be completed in the following stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates qualifying in the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview based on their preferred academy and eligibility.
CDS II 2026 Exam Pattern
IMA / INA / AFA
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
OTA
- English
- General Knowledge
Candidates applying for OTA should remember that there is no Mathematics paper in OTA entry.
Important Points From Official Notification
- Negative marking will be applicable in the written examination
- Live photo capture system added during application process
- Face authentication will be done at examination centres
- Mobile phones, smartwatches and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited
- No correction window after final submission of form
- Air Force candidates should keep AFA as first preference
- Examination will be conducted in 84 cities across India
- Army candidates qualifying written exam must also register on JoinIndianArmy website for SSB process
Why CDS Is A Dream Opportunity?
Every year, lakhs of students prepare for CDS because it offers direct officer-level entry into the Indian Armed Forces. Along with a respected career, candidates also get leadership opportunities, adventure, discipline, and the pride of serving the nation.
For graduates preparing for defence jobs, CDS remains one of the biggest and most prestigious opportunities in 2026.
How To Apply Online For UPSC CDS II 2026
- Visit the UPSC official website
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill the online application form carefully
- Upload required documents
- Pay the application fee
- Submit the final form and take a printout for future use
Candidates should apply as early as possible because exam centres are allotted on a first come first serve basis.