UPSC CDS II 2026: Apply Online for 451 Posts in Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy & Officers Training Academy. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC CDS II 2026 notification (Examination Notice No. 11/2026-CDS-II) for the Combined Defence Services Examination II, 2026. This is a golden opportunity for unmarried male and female candidates to join the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force as Commissioned Officers.
The online application started on 20 May 2026 and the last date to apply online is 09 June 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website https://upsconline.nic.in.
UPSC CDS II 2026 – Job Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | Combined Defence Services Examination II, 2026 (CDS II 2026) |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Course Names | IMA (100), INA (26), AFA (32), OTA Men (275), OTA Women (18) |
| Age Limit | 19-24 / 19-25 years (varies as per academy, as on 01.07.2027 / 01.10.2027) |
| Salary | Pay Level-10 (₹56,100) + Military Service Pay + Allowances (as per rules) |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree / Engineering Degree (as per academy) |
| Application Fee | ₹200 (Exempted for Female/SC/ST) |
| Selection Process | Written Examination + SSB Interview + Document Verification + Medical Examination |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit & Marital Status (as on respective course commencement date):- IMA & INA: 19-24 years (born not earlier than 02 Jul 2003 and not later than 01 Jul 2008). Unmarried male candidates only.
- Air Force Academy: 20-24 years (born not earlier than 02 Jul 2003 and not later than 01 Jul 2007). Upper age limit relaxable to 26 years for CPL holders. Unmarried male candidates.
- OTA (Men): 19-25 years (born not earlier than 02 Jul 2002 and not later than 01 Jul 2008). Unmarried male candidates.
- OTA (Women): 19-25 years (born not earlier than 02 Jul 2002 and not later than 01 Jul 2008). Unmarried women, issueless widows & issueless divorcees who have not remarried.
- IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised University.
- Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering or B.Sc. with Physics & Mathematics in 10+2.
- Air Force Academy: Degree with Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 or Bachelor of Engineering.
Salary & Benefits
- Selected candidates will be appointed as Commissioned Officers in the rank of Lieutenant (Army/Navy) or Flying Officer (Air Force) in Pay Level-10 (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500) + Military Service Pay + Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, Field Area Allowance, Ration, Medical facilities, Canteen facilities, Pension, and other defence perks as per rules.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Selection Process
- Written Examination (Objective Type)
- SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Important Dates for UPSC CDS II 2026
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Start Date for Online Application | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 |
| Date of Written Examination | 13 September 2026 |
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS : ₹200
- Female / SC / ST candidates : Exempted (No fee)
- Fee can be paid online through Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS II 2026
- Visit the official UPSC website https://upsconline.nic.in
- Register and create your One-Time Registration (OTR) profile
- Login and fill the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Upload live photograph, signature (three times on plain paper) and required documents
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference
Important Links
| UPSC CDS II 2026 Official Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| Apply Online for UPSC CDS II 2026 | Apply Online |
| UPSC Official Website | Visit UPSC Website |
UPSC CDS II 2026 – FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are announced in UPSC CDS II 2026?
A1. Total 451 vacancies (IMA-100, INA-26, AFA-32, OTA Men-275, OTA Women-18).
Q2. What is the last date to apply for CDS II 2026?
A2. The last date to apply online is 09 June 2026.
Q3. What is the age limit for CDS II 2026?
A3. Age limit is 19-24 years for IMA/INA, 20-24 years for AFA, and 19-25 years for OTA (varies as per academy).
Q4. What is the educational qualification required for CDS 2026?
A4. Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised University (specific requirements for Naval & Air Force Academy).
Q5. What is the selection process for UPSC CDS II 2026?
A5. Written Examination → SSB Interview → Document Verification → Medical Examination.
Q6. Is there any application fee relaxation for female candidates?
A6. Yes, female candidates are exempted from payment of application fee.