The Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 examination is one of the most prestigious defence entrance exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Through this examination, eligible graduates can secure admission to renowned academies such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
Click Here To Download UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification
CDS II 2026 offers a golden opportunity for candidates who aspire to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the armed forces. The selection process includes a written examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical examination. The written exam tests candidates in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. According to recent updates, the CDS II 2026 notification has been released with hundreds of vacancies across different academies. Candidates preparing for the exam should focus on discipline, physical fitness, and regular study to achieve success.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification: Overview Table
| Specification |
Details |
| Organization Name |
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post |
Admission to IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA (Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026) |
| Total Vacancies |
451 |
| Age Limit |
Varies by academy (generally born between 2002/2003 and 2007/2008) |
| Application Fee |
Rs. 200/- (Exempted for Female/SC/ST candidates) |
| CDS Exam Duration |
2 hours (each paper) |
| Marking Scheme |
1/3 for each incorrect answer |
| Job Location |
All Over India |
| Selection Process Phases |
- Written Examination
- Intelligence Test
- Personality Test (SSB Interview)
|
| Official Website |
www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification: Important Dates
| Event |
Date |
| Date of Notification |
20.05.2026 |
| Last Date for Application |
09.06.2026 (Upto 06:00 P.M.) |
| Date of Examination |
13.09.2026 |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification: Vacancy in detail
| Name of the Course/Academy |
Approximate Vacancies |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun |
100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala |
26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad |
32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) |
275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) |
18 |
| Total |
451 |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification: Eligibility
| Academy |
Qualification |
Age Limit (Approx.) |
Gender / Marital Status |
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) |
Graduate in any discipline |
19–24 Years |
Unmarried Males |
| INA (Indian Naval Academy) |
Engineering Degree |
19–22 Years |
Unmarried Males |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) |
Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2 Level or Engineering Degree |
19–23 Years |
Unmarried Males |
| OTA (Men) |
Graduate in any discipline |
19–25 Years |
Male Candidates |
| OTA (Women) |
Graduate in any discipline |
19–25 Years |
Female Candidates |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification: Age Limit and Relaxation
| Category/Academy |
Age Limit & Relaxation Details |
| IMA & INA |
Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 1st July 2003 and not later than 1st July 2008. |
| OTA (Men & Women) |
Unmarried candidates born not earlier than 1st July 2002 and not later than 1st July 2008. |
| AFA (Standard) |
Born not earlier than 1st July 2003 and not later than 1st July 2007 (20 to 24 years of age as on 1st July 2027). |
| AFA (Age Relaxation) |
The upper age limit is relaxable up to 26 years (born not earlier than 1st July 2001) for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India). |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification: PET and PST details
| Activity |
Minimum Standard For Men |
Minimum Standard For Women |
| 2.4 Km Run |
10 Minutes 30 Seconds |
13 Minutes |
| Push Ups |
40 Repetitions |
15 Repetitions (Knee Push-ups) |
| Pull Ups |
06 Repetitions |
02 Repetitions (Flexed Arm Hang) |
| Sit Ups |
30 Repetitions |
25 Repetitions |
| Squats |
Two Sets of 30 Repetitions |
Two Sets of 30 Repetitions |
| Lunges |
Two Sets of 10 Repetitions |
Two Sets of 10 Repetitions |
| Swimming |
Should know fundamentals |
Should know fundamentals |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification: Exam Pattern
| Academy |
Papers |
Subjects |
Duration |
Marks |
Maths Included? |
SSB Marks |
Total Marks |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) |
3 |
English + GK + Maths |
2 hrs each |
300 |
Yes |
300 |
600 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) |
3 |
English + GK + Maths |
2 hrs each |
300 |
Yes |
300 |
600 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) |
3 |
English + GK + Maths |
2 hrs each |
300 |
Yes |
300 |
600 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) |
2 |
English + GK |
2 hrs each |
200 |
No |
200 |
400 |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification: Application Process
- Step 1: Visit the official online portal of the UPSC at https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Step 2: Register your profile on the portal to generate your Universal Registration Number (URN), which is a unique ID that will remain constant for all future UPSC exams.
- Step 3: Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) along with the Examination Specific Module for CDS II.
- Step 4: Provide the details of one valid Photo ID Card (such as your Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License). The UPSC strongly advises using an Aadhaar Card for a seamless verification process.
- Step 5: You must upload a pre-captured photograph and your signature (signed three times on plain white paper). Additionally, you are required to capture a live photograph while filling up the form.
- Step 6: Pay the mandatory application fee of Rs. 200/- via Net Banking, Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, or UPI. (Note: Female, SC, and ST candidates are fully exempted from this fee) .
- Step 7: Submit your application before the final deadline of 9th June 2026, 06:00 P.M.. Double-check your entries, as no correction, alteration, or withdrawal is permitted once the form is submitted.
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