UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for 451 Defence Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the recruitment notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS II) 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for graduates looking to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. With a total of 451 vacancies across various academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA), this recruitment drive is a gateway to a rewarding career in uniform.
Eligible and interested candidates can submit their applications through the official UPSC portal starting from May 20, 2026. Below is a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about the UPSC CDS II 2026 notification, from eligibility criteria to the selection process.
Important Dates for UPSC CDS II 2026
Staying updated with the recruitment timeline is crucial to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines. Here are the key dates for the CDS II 2026 examination:
- Notification Release & Application Start: 20 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 09 June 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 09 June 2026
- UPSC CDS II Exam Date: 13 September 2026
- Admit Card Release: Generally 2-3 weeks before the exam
- Result Declaration: To be announced after the examination
Application Fee Details
Candidates must pay the required examination fee to complete their registration. The fee structure is as follows:
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹200/-
- SC / ST: ₹0/- (Exempted)
- Female Candidates (All Categories): ₹0/- (Exempted)
- Payment Mode: Fees can be paid online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Vacancy Breakdown
The recruitment drive aims to fill 451 positions across different wings of the Indian Armed Forces. The distribution of posts is as follows:
| Academy Name | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 293 |
| Total Posts | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification & Age Limit
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the specific eligibility requirements for their preferred academy.
Educational Qualifications
- For IMA & OTA: A Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university.
- For Indian Naval Academy (INA): A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
- For Air Force Academy (AFA): A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR a Bachelor of Engineering.
Age Limit (As per UPSC Rules)
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 24 Years
- Note: Age relaxation is applicable as per the official UPSC CDS II recruitment rules. Candidates should refer to the official notification for specific date of birth cut-offs.
Selection Process
The UPSC CDS selection process is rigorous and designed to test both the intellectual and physical capabilities of the candidates. It consists of three main stages:
- Written Examination: An objective-type test conducted by UPSC.
- SSB Interview: Candidates who clear the written exam are called for Intelligence and Personality tests conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB).
- Medical Examination: Final selection is subject to clearing the medical fitness standards set by the Indian Armed Forces.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS II 2026
Follow these steps to successfully submit your application form:
- Visit the official UPSC recruitment portal.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if you haven’t done so already.
- Fill in the CDS II application form with accurate personal and educational details.
- Upload the required documents, including your photograph and signature, as per the specified format.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Review your application carefully and submit it before the deadline of 09 June 2026.
- Download and print a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Links
| Link Name | Access |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for UPSC CDS II 2026 | Open Registration Portal |
| Download Official CDS II Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Visit Official UPSC Website | Open Official Website |
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS II 2026 recruitment is a golden opportunity for young graduates to embark on a career filled with adventure, discipline, and honor. With 451 seats available, the competition will be high, so early preparation is key. Ensure you read the official notification thoroughly to understand the syllabus and exam pattern before starting your journey toward becoming a defence officer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for UPSC CDS II 2026 is 09 June 2026.
2. What is the exam date for CDS II 2026?
The written examination for UPSC CDS II is scheduled to be held on 13 September 2026.
3. Can final-year students apply for CDS 2026?
Yes, candidates in their final year of graduation can typically apply, provided they can produce proof of passing the degree examination by the date specified in the official notification.
4. Is there any negative marking in the CDS exam?
Yes, there is a penalty (negative marking) for every wrong answer marked by a candidate in the objective-type question papers.
5. How many vacancies are there in OTA for CDS II 2026?
There are a total of 293 vacancies announced for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in this recruitment cycle.