The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Notification for recruitment to prestigious defence academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Through the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-II), 2026, UPSC aims to fill 451 officer vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The online application process began on 20 May 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications till 9 June 2026 (6:00 PM). The CDS (II) 2026 written examination is scheduled to be conducted on 13 September 2026.
For lakhs of graduates across India, CDS is one of the most prestigious gateways to becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces. Along with an attractive salary package, selected candidates receive military benefits, allowances, training facilities, and an opportunity to serve the nation with pride and honor.
In this detailed article, we cover everything you need to know about UPSC CDS (II) 2026 including vacancy details, eligibility criteria, age limit, salary, exam pattern, selection process, syllabus, application fee, and step-by-step online application process.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC CDS (II) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | UPSC |
| Notification Number | 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | 10–16 June 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | UPSC Official Website |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Vacancy Details
The 451 vacancies announced under CDS (II) 2026 are distributed among different defence academies. These vacancies include both Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission entries.
| Academy | Vacancies | Commission Type |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 | Permanent Commission |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 | Permanent Commission |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 | Permanent Commission |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 275 | SSC Non-Technical |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 18 | SSC Non-Technical |
| Total | 451 | — |
The notification also includes reserved vacancies for NCC certificate holders under Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for CDS (II) 2026 must carefully check educational qualification, age limit, marital status, and nationality conditions before submitting the online form.
Educational Qualification
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Engineering degree from a recognized university/institution.
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Candidates must have:
- Graduation degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
OR - Bachelor of Engineering / Technology.
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Final-Year Students
Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation are also eligible to apply. However, they must produce proof of passing before the SSB interview.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Age Limit
The age criteria vary according to the academy selected by the candidate.
| Academy | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| IMA | 19 to 24 Years |
| INA | 19 to 24 Years |
| AFA | 20 to 24 Years |
| OTA (Men) | 19 to 25 Years |
| OTA (Women) | 19 to 25 Years |
Date of Birth Criteria
| Academy | DOB Between |
|---|---|
| IMA / INA | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2008 |
| AFA | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 |
| OTA | 02 July 2002 to 01 July 2008 |
UPSC does not provide age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates in CDS examinations.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Salary Structure
One of the biggest attractions of CDS recruitment is the excellent salary package and lifestyle offered to defence officers.
Training Stipend
During training at IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA, cadets receive:
- ₹56,100 per month stipend
Salary After Commission
After successful training, candidates are commissioned as officers under Pay Level 10.
56{,}100 \leq \text{Pay} \leq 177{,}500
Additional Benefits
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500/month
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Field Area Allowance
- Ration Allowance
Approximate In-Hand Salary
Freshly commissioned officers generally receive an in-hand salary ranging between:
- ₹80,000 to ₹1,10,000 per month
depending upon location, posting, and allowances.
Perks & Facilities for CDS Officers
Apart from salary, officers enjoy several benefits including:
- Free medical facilities for self and family
- Official accommodation
- Subsidized ration
- CSD canteen benefits
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Pension and gratuity benefits
- Adventure activities and foreign training opportunities
- Group Insurance Cover of ₹1.25 crore
These benefits make CDS one of the most sought-after government career options in India.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Selection Process
The CDS selection process includes two major stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
Stage 1 — Written Examination
For IMA, INA & AFA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
For OTA (Men & Women)
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
Important Exam Features
- Objective-type questions
- Negative marking applicable
- One-third marks deducted for wrong answers
- Mathematics paper of Class 10 level
- English & GK of graduation standard
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Syllabus
English
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Sentence Improvement
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms & Antonyms
General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
- History
- Geography
- Indian Polity
- Economy
- Defence Updates
- Science
Mathematics
- Algebra
- Arithmetic
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
SSB Interview Process
Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
The SSB process is conducted over 5 days and evaluates personality, leadership qualities, communication skills, and officer-like qualities.
Stage I
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
- Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT)
Stage II
- Psychology Tests
- Group Discussion
- Outdoor Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Conference Round
The SSB interview carries 300 marks.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC Male | ₹200 |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
Payment Methods
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- SBI Challan
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS (II) 2026
Candidates can apply online through the UPSC online portal by following these steps:
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the UPSC online portal.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR).
- Open CDS (II) 2026 application form.
- Enter personal and educational details.
- Select academy preferences carefully.
- Upload photograph, signature, and ID proof.
- Pay application fee online.
- Submit the form.
- Download and print the confirmation page.
Documents Required for CDS Application
Candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Aadhaar Card / Valid ID Proof
- Class 10 Certificate
- Graduation Mark Sheets
- NCC Certificate (if applicable)
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | 10–16 June 2026 |
| Written Examination | 13 September 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Why CDS is One of the Best Defence Career Opportunities in India
The Combined Defence Services Examination is not just another government exam. It offers young graduates a chance to become leaders in the Indian Armed Forces.
Through CDS, candidates get:
- Respect and prestige
- High salary and allowances
- Adventure-filled career
- Leadership opportunities
- National service
- Excellent retirement benefits
The career growth in Army, Navy, and Air Force is exceptional, and officers receive continuous training, promotions, and foreign exposure throughout their careers.
Final Words
The UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Notification presents an outstanding opportunity for graduates who dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces as officers. With 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA, this recruitment drive is expected to witness intense competition.
Candidates are advised to complete the online application well before the last date and begin preparation seriously for both the written exam and SSB interview.
If you aspire to wear the uniform and serve the nation with honor, CDS (II) 2026 can be your gateway to a prestigious and rewarding defence career.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for UPSC CDS (II) 2026 | Apply Here |
| Download Official Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| UPSC Official Website | Visit Website |
| UPSC One Time Registration (OTR) | OTR Registration |
| UPSC Exam Calendar | Check Calendar |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — UPSC CDS (II) 2026
1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form for UPSC CDS (II) 2026 is 9 June 2026 till 6:00 PM.
2. How many vacancies are announced in CDS (II) 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced for:
- IMA
- INA
- AFA
- OTA (Men)
- OTA (Women)
3. What is the exam date for UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
The CDS (II) 2026 written examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026 (Sunday).
4. Who can apply for CDS (II) 2026?
Graduates from recognized universities can apply for CDS (II) 2026. Engineering degree is required for INA, while AFA requires Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or an Engineering degree.
5. Can final-year students apply for CDS 2026?
Yes, final-year graduation students are eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing before the SSB interview.
6. What is the age limit for UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
The age limit varies by academy:
- IMA/INA: 19–24 years
- AFA: 20–24 years
- OTA: 19–25 years
7. Is there any age relaxation in CDS examination?
No, UPSC does not provide age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates in CDS examinations.
8. What is the application fee for CDS (II) 2026?
- General/OBC Male Candidates: ₹200
- SC/ST Candidates: No Fee
- Female Candidates: No Fee
9. What is the salary after selection through CDS?
Selected candidates receive:
- ₹56,100 stipend during training
- ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 pay scale after commission
- MSP, DA, HRA, and other military allowances
10. Is there negative marking in CDS exam?
Yes, one-third (0.33) marks are deducted for every incorrect answer in the written examination.
11. How many papers are there in CDS written exam?
For IMA/INA/AFA:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
For OTA:
- English
- General Knowledge
12. What is the selection process for CDS (II) 2026?
The selection process includes:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
13. Can women apply for CDS (II) 2026?
Yes, women candidates can apply for OTA Chennai (SSC Women Non-Technical) vacancies.
14. What is the mode of application for CDS 2026?
The application process is completely online through the UPSC online portal.
15. What are the training academies under CDS?
Selected candidates undergo training at:
- Indian Military Academy
- Indian Naval Academy
- Air Force Academy
- Officers Training Academy
16. What is the duration of CDS training?
Training duration differs by academy and generally ranges between 49 weeks to 18 months depending on the course and service branch.
17. Is Mathematics compulsory for OTA?
No. OTA candidates do not have the Elementary Mathematics paper in the written examination.
18. What is the official website for CDS application?
Candidates can apply online through the UPSC official portal:
UPSC Online Portal
19. What is SSB Interview in CDS?
SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview is a 5-day personality and intelligence assessment process conducted for candidates who qualify the written exam.
20. Why is CDS considered one of the best defence exams in India?
CDS offers:
- Officer-level entry into Armed Forces
- Excellent salary and perks
- Respect and prestige
- Leadership opportunities
- Pension and lifelong benefits
- Opportunity to serve the nation with pride
