UPSC CDS II Exam 2026: Apply Online for 451 Officers Vacancies
Apply Online
UPSC has released the CDS II 2026 notification for 451 Officer vacancies. Eligible graduates can apply online from May 20 to June 25, 2026. Check eligibility, exam dates, and salary details here.
Apply OnlineRecruitment Summary
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS II) - Officers |
| Total Posts | 451 |
| Qualification | Degree / Graduation in any discipline for IMA/OTA; Degree in Engineering for Navy/Air Force. |
| Age Limit | 19-24 Years as of 01-07-2027 (Post-specific limits apply) |
| Salary | Pay level 10 (Stipend Rs. 56,100/- to Rs. 1,77,500/-) |
| Job Location | All India |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Issued Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Apply | 25 Jun 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | 06 Sep 2026 |
Post Wise Vacancy Details
| S.No. | Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| 2 | Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 32 |
| 3 | Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| 4 | Officers Training Academy (OTA - Men) | 250 |
| 5 | Officers Training Academy (OTA - Women) | 37 |
| Total | 451 | |
Important Links
Complete Recruitment Details
Detailed Overview of UPSC CDS II 2026 Recruitment
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2026. This prestigious recruitment drive aims to fill 451 vacancies for various officer-level positions across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Serving in the Indian Armed Forces is a dream for many, and the CDS exam serves as the primary gateway for graduates to join as commissioned officers.
Category-wise Vacancies & Salary Scale
The UPSC CDS II 2026 notification highlights a total of 451 vacancies distributed across different academies. Selected candidates will be placed in Pay Level 10, with a stipend ranging from Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500 per month.
| Academy | Vacancies | Salary Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Pay Level 10 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 32 | Pay Level 10 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | Pay Level 10 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA - Men) | 250 | Pay Level 10 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA - Women) | 37 | Pay Level 10 |
Important Dates
Candidates must adhere to the following schedule to ensure their application is processed successfully.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 2026-05-20 |
| Online Application Start Date | 2026-05-20 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 2026-06-25 |
| Written Examination Date | 2026-09-06 |
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
The age limit is calculated as of 01-07-2027. Generally, candidates must be between 19 and 24 years of age. Specific age relaxations apply based on the academy and government norms.
Educational Qualifications
- IMA & OTA: Candidates must hold a Degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Navy: Degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
- Air Force: Degree in Engineering or a Bachelor's degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CDS II 2026 consists of two main stages: the Written Examination and the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview. The written exam tests candidates on English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, and AFA). Candidates qualifying for the written exam are then called for the SSB Interview, which evaluates intelligence, personality, and physical fitness.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Apply Online
- Visit the official UPSC website at https://upsc.gov.in or the direct application portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Click on the link for 'Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC'.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if you are a new user.
- Log in using your credentials and select the CDS II 2026 examination.
- Fill in all required personal, educational, and contact details accurately.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified dimensions.
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 200 (if applicable) via online payment modes.
- Submit the application and download the final confirmation page for future reference.
Important Links
- Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in
- Apply Online: https://upsconline.nic.in
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of vacancies for UPSC CDS II 2026?
There are a total of 451 vacancies for the UPSC CDS II 2026 examination.
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 2026-06-25.
What is the application fee for General/OBC candidates?
The application fee for General and OBC candidates is Rs. 200/-.
Is there an application fee for female candidates?
No, female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
What is the educational qualification required for IMA?
Candidates must hold a degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
When will the UPSC CDS II 2026 written exam be conducted?
The written examination is scheduled to be held on 2026-09-06.
Is there negative marking in the UPSC CDS exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question for every wrong answer.
What is the age limit for CDS II 2026?
The age limit is 19-24 years as of 01-07-2027, though specific limits may vary by academy.
Can engineering graduates apply for the Navy and Air Force?
Yes, a degree in Engineering is required for the Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy.
Where can I apply for the UPSC CDS II 2026 exam?
You can apply online through the official website at https://upsconline.nic.in.