UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 451 Vacancies | Check Eligibility, Exam Date & Full Details
The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination-II 2026 Notification for recruitment into prestigious defence academies including IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Candidates who dream of serving in the Indian Armed Forces can now apply online through the official UPSC portal.
As per the official notification, a total of 451 vacancies have been announced under various defence academies. The online application process started on 20 May 2026 and the last date to apply online is 09 June 2026 (6:00 PM). The written examination is scheduled to be held on 13 September 2026.
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Notification PDF
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released Examination Notice No. 11/2026-CDS-II dated 20/05/2026 for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 to be held on 13.09.2026. The notification includes complete details on course-wise vacancies, eligibility conditions, scheme of examination, syllabus, selection process, exam centres, application procedure, and service conditions for each academy. Candidates are strongly advised to read the full notification before applying. The notification is available on the official UPSC website.
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 – Overview
Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination-II 2026 |
Notification Number | 11/2026-CDS-II |
Total Vacancies | 451 |
Application Mode | Online |
Job Location | Across India |
Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
Official Website |
UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy 2026 – Post Wise Details
The CDS 2 2026 recruitment includes vacancies for Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
Academy Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai – Men | 275 |
Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai – Women | 18 |
Total | 451 |
Important Dates for UPSC CDS 2 2026
Event | Date |
|---|---|
Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
Starting Date to Apply Online | 20 May 2026 |
Last Date to Submit Application | 09 June 2026 |
Admit Card Release | One week before exam |
CDS 2 Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
UPSC CDS 2 Eligibility Criteria 2026
UPSC CDS II 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
Nationality | Candidate must be: • A citizen of India, OR • A subject of Nepal, OR • A person of Indian origin migrated from select countries with intention of permanently settling in India |
Educational Qualification – IMA & OTA | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University |
Educational Qualification – INA | Engineering Degree OR B.Sc with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level |
Educational Qualification – Air Force Academy | Bachelor’s Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering |
Final Year Students | Eligible to apply, provided proof of passing is submitted before the specified date |
Age Limit – IMA | 19 to 24 Years |
Age Limit – INA | 19 to 24 Years |
Age Limit – Air Force Academy | 20 to 24 Years |
Age Limit – OTA (Men & Women) | 19 to 25 Years |
Marital Status | Unmarried candidates are generally eligible for IMA, INA & AFA. OTA rules apply as per official notification |
Physical Standards | Candidates must be physically fit according to UPSC and Defence Services medical standards |
Gender Eligibility | Both Male & Female candidates can apply (Women eligible for OTA only) |
Number of Attempts | No fixed limit, candidates can apply till maximum eligible age |
UPSC CDS 2 Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of:
Written Examination
SSB Interview
Medical Examination
Final Merit List
Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Pattern 2026
For IMA, INA & AFA
Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
English | 100 | 2 Hours |
General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
For OTA
Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
English | 100 | 2 Hours |
General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
There will be negative marking for wrong answers.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
Candidates can follow these steps to apply online:
Visit the official UPSC website
Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
Fill the CDS 2 2026 application form
Upload photo, signature, and documents
Pay the application fee
Submit the application form
Download and print the final application form
Documents Required for UPSC CDS 2 Application
Aadhaar Card / Valid ID Proof
Passport Size Photograph
Signature
Educational Certificates
Category Certificate (if applicable)
NCC Certificate (if applicable)
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Salary & Benefits
Candidates selected through CDS Examination will receive:
Attractive Pay Scale
Military Service Pay
Free Medical Facilities
Pension Benefits
Accommodation & Allowances
Career Growth Opportunities
Why Join Defence Services Through CDS?
Joining the Indian Armed Forces through CDS offers:
Prestigious Government Career
National Service Opportunity
Excellent Salary & Perks
Leadership Training
Adventure & Respect in Society
Long-term Career Stability
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Important Links
Description | Link |
|---|---|
Official Notification PDF | |
Apply Online | |
UPSC Official Website |
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FAQs – UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply online is 09 June 2026.
2. How many vacancies are announced in CDS 2 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced.
3. What is the CDS 2 2026 exam date?
The examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026.
4. What is the application fee for CDS 2 2026?
General/OBC/EWS candidates need to pay ₹200 while SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted.
5. Can final year students apply for CDS 2 2026?
Yes, final year degree students are eligible to apply.
6. Is there negative marking in CDS Exam 2026?
Yes, one-third marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.
7. What is the official website of UPSC?
The official website is UPSC
8. What is the selection process for CDS 2 2026?
Selection includes Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test, and Final Merit List.
About UPSC
The Union Public Service Commission is India’s premier central recruiting agency responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to various civil services and defence services. UPSC conducts CDS examinations twice every year to recruit eligible candidates into the Indian Armed Forces.
Disclaimer
Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying online. Sarkari Job Updates provides information for educational and informational purposes only. Please verify all details from the official UPSC notification before submitting the application form.