The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 notification has officially been released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 20 May 2026. This is one of the most coveted defence examinations in India, offering eligible graduates a chance to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy (OTA). With 451 total vacancies up for grabs and the online application window closing on 09 June 2026, candidates need to act fast. Here's everything you need to know — from eligibility to exam date to how to apply.
What is UPSC CDS II 2026?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted twice every year by the Union Public Service Commission. CDS II 2026 is the second edition for this year, advertised under Advt. No. 11/2026-CDS-II. It is a national-level written test followed by an SSB Interview, through which commissioned officers are selected for the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces.
This exam is open to unmarried male and female graduates (with specific conditions for each academy). Clearing UPSC CDS is considered one of the most prestigious pathways to serving as an officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. The exam is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
Additionally, for those already tracking similar central government opportunities, check out our post on latest UPSC recruitment notifications 2026 for a broader view of upcoming exams.
Important Dates – UPSC CDS II 2026
Mark these dates on your calendar right now. Missing the application window means waiting another year.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 09 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 09 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam (Check official site) |
| Written Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Result Date | To be announced |
Application Fee – UPSC CDS II 2026
₹200/-
Non-refundable application fee
₹0/- (Free)
No fee applicable — complete exemption
Payment Modes Accepted: Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Card / Mobile Wallet.
Eligibility Criteria – UPSC CDS II 2026
Age Limit
Candidates must be born not earlier than 01 July 2003 and not later than 01 July 2008. Age relaxation is applicable as per official UPSC rules for reserved categories. Verify the exact cut-off from the official notification before applying.
Educational Qualification (Academy-wise)
| Academy | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university |
| Indian Naval Academy | Bachelor's degree in Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) |
| Air Force Academy | Bachelor's degree in any stream + Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level |
Vacancy Details – UPSC CDS II 2026
A total of 451 posts are available across four prestigious defence academies. Here's the breakdown:
| Academy / Post | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Air Force Academy | 32 |
| Indian Naval Academy | 26 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 293 |
| Total Posts | 451 |
OTA accounts for the largest share — 293 posts — making it the most accessible entry point for general graduates without a specific technical background.
Selection Process – UPSC CDS II 2026
The selection is a two-stage process. Here's the thing — both stages are equally critical. Clearing the written test gets you to the SSB, but the interview is where most candidates fall short.
- Stage 1: Written Examination (Objective type, conducted on 13 September 2026)
- Stage 2: SSB Interview (Services Selection Board) — conducted at designated centres across India
The written exam for IMA, Naval Academy, and Air Force includes three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. For OTA, only English and General Knowledge papers are held. Each paper carries 100 marks. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd for wrong answers, so attempt carefully.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS II 2026
The application process is fully online through the UPSC OTR (One Time Registration) portal. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if you haven't done so already — keep your OTR ID and password handy
- Log in using your OTR credentials and navigate to the CDS II 2026 application form (Advt. No. 11/2026-CDS-II)
- Fill in all required personal, educational, and contact details accurately
- Upload your scanned photograph and signature in the specified format (JPEG, within size limits)
- Select your preferred exam centre from the available options
- Pay the application fee of ₹200/- (General/OBC) via net banking, debit/credit card, or mobile wallet
- Review all details and click Submit. Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference
Required Documents for UPSC CDS II 2026
Keep the following documents ready — both for the online application and for the SSB Interview stage later:
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 1 | Class 10 Certificate (Date of Birth proof) |
| 2 | Class 12 / 10+2 Marksheet (Physics & Math required for Air Force) |
| 3 | Bachelor's Degree Certificate or Final Year Admit Card |
| 4 | Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC, if applicable) |
| 5 | Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport) |
| 6 | Passport-size Photograph (recent, colour) |
| 7 | Signature scan (black ink on white paper) |
Important Links – UPSC CDS II 2026
| Link Description | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (OTR Portal) | Apply Now |
| Official Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| UPSC Official Website | Visit upsc.gov.in |
| Defence Jobs 2026 | Rojgarvala.in – Defence Jobs |
Conclusion
Bottom line: UPSC CDS II 2026 is a golden opportunity for defence-aspirant graduates across India. With 451 vacancies spread across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and an application window open only until 09 June 2026, there is no time to waste. Read the official notification, verify your eligibility, and submit your application today.
For more updates on defence jobs and government exams, bookmark our Defence Jobs 2026 page and stay tuned to UPSC Recruitment Notifications 2026 on rojgarvala.in. Best of luck!