UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination II Recruitment 2026
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026 notification for admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy courses commencing in 2027. A total of 451 vacancies have been announced. Eligible candidates can apply online through UPSC official website till 09 June 2026.
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination II 2026 |
| Advertisement Number | 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Total Vacancy | 451 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview and Medical Examination |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen, Subject of Nepal or Person of Indian Origin migrated from specified countries. |
| Educational Qualification for IMA | Degree from a recognized University or equivalent. |
| Educational Qualification for OTA | Degree from a recognized University or equivalent. |
| Educational Qualification for INA | Engineering Degree or B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective subject and Mathematics at 10+2 level. |
| Educational Qualification for AFA | Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering. |
| Final Year Candidates | Candidates appearing in final year/semester can also apply. |
| Written Examination | Objective-type written test. |
| Subject-wise Distribution | English Language: 25 questions (25 marks) | Reasoning: 25 questions (25 marks) | Quantitative Aptitude: 25 questions (25 marks) | Professional Knowledge relevant to the post: 75 questions (75 marks) |
| Total Questions & Marks | 150 questions for a total of 150 marks. |
| Duration | Composite time of 120 minutes. |
| Selection Process | Selection will be through online test and/or personal interview, depending on the number of applicants/eligible candidates. |
| Academy/Course | Vacancy |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai SSC Men | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai SSC Women | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
| Written Examination | Objective type written examination conducted by UPSC. |
| SSB Interview | Intelligence and Personality Test conducted by Service Selection Board. |
| Medical Examination | Medical fitness verification as per defence standards. |
| Final Merit List | Based on written exam marks and SSB interview performance. |
| Training Academy | Stipend/Pay During Training |
| IMA/INA/AFA/OTA Cadets | As per Defence Training Rules and Government Norms |
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹200 |
| SC/ST | No Fee |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Step 1 | Visit UPSC online portal https://upsconline.nic.in. |
| Step 2 | Complete Universal Registration Number (URN) registration. |
| Step 3 | Fill Common Application Form (CAF). |
| Step 4 | Upload photograph, live photo and signature. |
| Step 5 | Fill CDS II Examination Specific Form. |
| Step 6 | Pay application fee through online mode. |
| Step 7 | Submit application form and take printout. |
| What is the total vacancy in UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026? | A total of 451 vacancies have been announced. |
| What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II 2026? | The last date to submit online application is 09 June 2026. |
| What is the CDS II 2026 examination date? | The CDS II 2026 examination will be held on 13 September 2026. |
| Is there negative marking in CDS II Exam 2026? | Yes, there is negative marking for incorrect answers. |
| What is the application fee for CDS II 2026? | General/OBC/EWS candidates need to pay ₹200 while SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted from fee. |
