UPSC CDS II Examination 2026 Apply Online
The UPSC CDS II Examination 2026 notification has been released by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment to 451 vacancies in different defence academies. Candidates who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force can apply online through the official UPSC portal. The Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 is scheduled to be held on 13 September 2026, while the last date to submit the online application form is 09 June 2026.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The recruitment offers opportunities in prestigious institutes like the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Interested candidates must check eligibility details, age criteria, educational qualification, and application process before applying.
UPSC CDS II Examination 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Official Website | UPSC Official Website |
UPSC CDS II Vacancy Details
The 451 vacancies are distributed among various defence training academies under the CDS II Examination 2026. Selected candidates will receive training in different branches of the armed forces.
Training Academies Included
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) for Men
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) for Women
The final vacancy distribution for each academy is available in the official notification released by UPSC.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS II Examination 2026
Candidates must satisfy nationality, age limit, marital status, and educational qualification requirements to apply for the examination.
Nationality
Applicants must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Candidates from categories 2 and 3 require a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. However, Gorkha candidates from Nepal do not require this certificate.
Age Limit and Marital Status
| Academy | Age Criteria |
|---|---|
| IMA | Unmarried male candidates born between 1 July 2003 and 1 July 2008 |
| INA | Unmarried male candidates born between 1 July 2003 and 1 July 2008 |
| Air Force Academy | 20 to 24 years as on 1 July 2027 |
| OTA (Men) | Unmarried male candidates born between 1 July 2002 and 1 July 2008 |
| OTA (Women) | Unmarried women, issueless widows, and divorcees born between 1 July 2002 and 1 July 2008 |
Candidates applying for the Air Force Academy with a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA can get age relaxation up to 26 years.
Educational Qualification
Different academies have different educational requirements under UPSC CDS II Examination 2026.
| Academy | Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Graduation Degree from a recognized university |
| Indian Naval Academy | Engineering Degree or B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics |
| Air Force Academy | Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering |
Candidates appearing in the final year of their qualifying examination can also apply provisionally.
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | Rs. 200/- |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
| SC/ST Candidates | No Fee |
Payment Mode
The application fee can be paid online through:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- UPI
- Internet Banking
Selection Process of UPSC CDS II Examination 2026
The selection process includes multiple stages. Candidates need to qualify at every stage to get final selection.
Written Examination
The written examination contains subjects such as:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
The exam pattern differs slightly for OTA candidates because Mathematics is not included for OTA entries.
SSB Interview
Candidates qualifying the written test will be called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview. This stage checks personality, leadership, intelligence, and communication skills.
Medical Examination
After clearing the SSB Interview, candidates must pass the medical fitness test according to defence standards.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS II Examination 2026
Candidates can submit their online applications by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC recruitment portal.
- Open the CDS II Examination 2026 application link.
- Complete the registration process with basic details.
- Fill in personal, educational, and communication details carefully.
- Upload required documents including photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the application form and download the final printout for future use.
Applicants should carefully verify all details before final submission.
Important Web-Links of UPSC CDS Examination
| Online Application Form | Click Here |
| Advertisement Details | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Written Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
FAQs of UPSC CDS II Examination 2026
What is the total number of vacancies in UPSC CDS II Examination 2026?
There are 451 vacancies announced under UPSC CDS II Examination 2026.
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form is 09 June 2026.
When will the UPSC CDS II Examination 2026 be conducted?
The written examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026.
What is the application fee for CDS II Examination 2026?
General category candidates need to pay Rs. 200, while female, SC, and ST candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Can final-year students apply for UPSC CDS II Examination 2026?
Yes, final-year students can apply provisionally if they meet other eligibility conditions.
Is there any negative marking in the CDS exam?
Yes, negative marking is applicable for wrong answers in the written examination.
