UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. Serving as a premier gateway for defense aspirants in India, the CDS exam offers a prestigious opportunity for graduates to join the Armed Forces as commissioned officers. It is highly important for candidates to note that UPSC conducts the CDS examination twice every year—traditionally designated as CDS-I and CDS-II—allowing aspirants two distinct chances annually to prove their mettle.
Through the CDS-II 2026 notification, eligible unmarried men and women can apply for 451 vacancies across elite training academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The online application window is open until June 9, 2026, with the written examination scheduled for September 13, 2026.
| Commission | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post | Combined Defence Services Examination (II) |
| Total Vacancy | 451 |
| Important Date |
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| Application Fee |
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| Age |
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| Selection Process |
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UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification : Vacancy Details
| S. No. | Name of the Course | Approximate No. of Vacancies |
| 1. | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
163rd (DE) Course commencing in July 2027. | 100
(including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate Army Wing holders) |
| 2. | Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
Course commencing in July 2027 Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro. | 26
(including 06 vacancies for NCC ‘C’ Certificate Naval Wing holders and 01 for Hydro) |
| 3. | Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
(Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in July 2027 i.e., 222 F(P) Course. | 32
(including 03 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate Air Wing holders through NCC Special Entry) |
| 4. | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Madras)
126th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in October 2027. | 275 |
| 5. | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Madras)
126th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in October 2027. | 18 |
| TOTAL | 451 |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification : Eligibility
| Academy / Course | Age Limit (As of July 1, 2027) | Educational Qualification |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 19 to 24 years
(Born between July 2, 2003, and July 1, 2008) | Degree of a recognized University or equivalent. (Final year students can also apply) |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 19 to 24 years
(Born between July 2, 2003, and July 1, 2008) | Degree in Engineering OR B.Sc. with Physics & Mathematics as core/elective subjects. (Requires Physics & Math at 10+2 level) |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 20 to 24 years
(Born between July 2, 2003, and July 1, 2007) Note: Relaxable up to 26 years for valid DGCA Commercial Pilot License holders. | Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering. |
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
(SSC Men – Non-Technical) | 19 to 25 years
(Born between July 2, 2002, and July 1, 2008) | Degree of a recognized University or equivalent. |
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
(SSC Women – Non-Technical) | 19 to 25 years
(Born between July 2, 2002, and July 1, 2008) | Degree of a recognized University or equivalent. |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification : Selection Process
| Stage | Process Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Written Exam | Candidates must appear for an objective-type examination consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). |
| Stage 2 | SSB Interview | Candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for a rigorous 5-day intelligence and personality assessment conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). |
| Stage 3 | Medical Test | Qualified candidates undergo a detailed physical and medical examination by defense medical authorities to ensure they meet Armed Forces medical standards. |
| Stage 4 | Final Merit List | The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks obtained in the Written Exam and SSB Interview, subject to medical fitness and available vacancies. |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification : Exam Pattern
| Academy | Exam Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks | Question Type & Language |
IMA, INA, & AFA (Indian Military, Naval, and Air Force Academies) | 1. English 2. General Knowledge 3. Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 100 100 Total: 300 |
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OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) | 1. English 2. General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 100 Total: 200 |
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UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification : Application Process
- Visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
- On the homepage, click on the “UPSC CDS II 2026 Online Application” link.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process, if not already registered.
- Login using your registered Email ID/Mobile Number and Password.
- Fill in all the required details such as personal information, educational qualifications, and communication details.
- Upload the required documents including photograph, signature, and identity proof in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee through online payment modes such as Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Review all the entered details carefully before final submission.
- Click on the “Submit” button to complete the application process.
- Download and print the final application form for future reference.
Some Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
Check Official Notification | Click Here |
UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| RWA Batch | Click Here |