UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026 | 451 Apply Online
Published/Updated: 05 August 2026 10:08:42
The online registration window for the 451 UPSC CDS-II vacancies closed on June 9, 2026. The Union Public Service Commission is scheduled to conduct the nationwide Written Examination on September 13, 2026. Registered candidates should actively monitor local portals for the official Admit Card release links dropping shortly and pivot to rigorous mock practice.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026. This examination is conducted for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official website of UPSC.
Sarkari Database Expert Guide: Academy Dynamics & Written Prep Strategy
The UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-II 2026) stands as one of the most prestigious pathways for entering the officer cadres of the Indian Armed Forces. With 451 vacancies distributed across different service training centers, understanding the strategic differences between a Short Service Commission (SSC) via OTA and a Permanent Commission (PC) via IMA, INA, or AFA is vital to setting your career expectations right.
Training Environments & Career Trajectories:
Candidates clearing the high cut-offs for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun or Air Force Academy (AFA) Hyderabad enter intense, multi-year combat leadership tracks that offer a long-term Permanent Commission. Conversely, opting for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA) Chennai offers a dynamic Short Service Commission for both men and women. OTA features a slightly shorter 49-week training framework focused heavily on contemporary operational management and tactical field maneuvers.
Overcoming the GK Sectional Filter:
A common pitfall for competitive graduate aspirants is over-focusing on Elementary Mathematics while underestimating the General Knowledge paper. Because UPSC mandates a strict sectional cutoff threshold across all papers independently, a near-perfect score in Mathematics or English will be completely invalidated if your score drops below the minimum limit in GK. Candidates must prioritize deep conceptual revision of current defense agreements, operational exercises, and foundational sciences to secure their merit slot.
Organization: Union Public Service Commission | Last Date: 09 June 2026 | Total Vacancies: 451
Important Dates
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 09 June 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 09 June 2026 |
| Exam Date |
13 September 2026 |
Application Fee
General/OBC/EWS Candidates: Rs. 200/-
Female/SC/ST Candidates: Rs. 0/-
Mode: Online Payment.
Note: Fee once paid will not be refunded.
Age Limit
For IMA & Indian Naval Academy:
- Minimum Age: 19 Years
- Maximum Age: 24 Years
Born between 01.07.2003 and 01.07.2008
For Air Force Academy:
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 24 Years
Born between 01.07.2003 and 01.07.2007.
Age Relaxation:
- Relaxable up to 26 years for CPL holders.
For Officers' Training Academy (Men):
- Minimum Age: 19 Years
- Maximum Age: 25 Years
Born between 01.07.2002 and 01.07.2008
For Officers' Training Academy (Women):
- Minimum Age: 19 Years
- Maximum Age: 25 Years
Born between 01.07.2002 and 01.07.2008
Eligibilty Criteria
| Nationality | A Citizen of India, or A subject of Nepal, or A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African Countries (Kenya, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia) or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. |
| Age Limits, Sex and Marital Status |
|
| Educational Qualifications |
Note: Candidates in the final year of degree course are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing by the prescribed dates. |
Vacancy Details 451 Posts
Total Vacancies: 451
| Academy | Location | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA) – SSC Men | Chennai | 275 |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA) – SSC Women | Chennai | 18 |
| Total | — | 451 |
Note: The number of vacancies is tentative and may be changed.
Selection Process Permanent
The selection process involves:
- Written Examination
- Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB Interview)
- Medical Examination
Candidates are selected based on their performance in the written examination and the SSB interview, followed by a medical examination. Final selection is made in order of merit.
Syllabus
The UPSC CDS written screening employs a high-precision testing model. The core subject parameters encompass:
- English Proficiency Module (100 Marks): Evaluates foundational linguistic capabilities including reading comprehension speeds, precise error spotting, sentence re-arrangements, vocabulary syntax, idioms, and synonyms.
- General Knowledge Module (100 Marks): Focuses comprehensively on contemporary current affairs, defense tech innovations, major military exercises, Indian History, physical Geography, and basic NCERT-level General Sciences.
- Elementary Mathematics Module (100 Marks - For IMA/INA/AFA Only): Tests high-speed numerical problem-solving across secondary-school Arithmetic, corporate Algebra, Trigonometric ratios, Mensuration surface areas, and basic statistical data processing.
Required Document
Candidates are advised to keep ready the following documents in original along with their self-attested copies:
- Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate or equivalent showing date of birth.
- Degree/Provisional Degree Certificate/Marks sheet showing clearly having passed the degree examination.
- Photographs and Signature (as per specifications for online upload).
- Photo ID Card details (Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, etc.).
- NCC 'C' Certificate (if claiming reservation).
- Community Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories, if applicable).
- Disability Certificate (for PwBD candidates, if applicable).
Salary Criteria
The pay scale for officers starts at Level 10 (Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500) with Military Service Pay (MSP) and other allowances as per rules.
Stipend during Training: Rs. 56,100/- p.m.
Important Links
Download NotificationFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the last date to apply for the CDS Examination-II, 2026?
A: The last date for filling up the online application form is June 09, 2026.
Q: What is the age limit for the CDS Examination-II, 2026?
A: The age limits vary for different courses. For IMA & Indian Naval Academy, it is 19-24 years. For Air Force Academy, it is 20-24 years (or up to 26 for CPL holders). For Officers\' Training Academy (Men), it is 19-25 years. For Officers\' Training Academy (Women), it is also 19-25 years.
Q: What is the application fee for the CDS Examination-II, 2026?
A: The application fee is Rs. 200/-. Female candidates and candidates belonging to SC/ST categories are exempted from paying the fee.
Q: When will the CDS Examination-II, 2026 be conducted?
A: The examination is scheduled to be conducted on September 13, 2026.
Q: What are the educational qualifications required for the CDS Examination-II, 2026?
A: For IMA & OTA, a degree from a recognized university or equivalent is required. For Indian Naval Academy, a degree in Engineering or B.Sc. with Physics is needed. For Air Force Academy, a degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering is required.