UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Notification Out for 451 Posts, Apply Online Till 09 June
UPSC CDS (II) Examination 2026 notification has been released for 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The application process is online from 20 May to 09 June 2026. Graduates meeting age and eligibility criteria can apply. Selection includes written exam and SSB interview.
Applications for this role have closed.
Last date to apply was Jun 9, 2026
Deadline: Jun 9, 2026 · Last date approaching
Post details
Vacancy count, salary, fee, age limit, selection process, and qualification details are included below.
Jump to section
- UPSC CDS (II) Examination 2026 Overview
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Highlights
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Important Dates
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Vacancy Details
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Age Eligibility Checker
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Application Fee
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Salary and Pay Scale
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Selection Process
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Subject-Wise Weightage and Preparation Focus
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Important Links
UPSC CDS (II) Examination 2026 Overview
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 is one of the most prestigious defence entry exams conducted for recruitment into Indian Armed Forces academies. With 451 vacancies, it offers opportunities for both permanent and short service commission. The competition is intense due to limited seats and multi-stage selection.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (II) 2026 |
| Advt No. | 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Total Posts | 451 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Job Location | All India |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB, Medical |
| Salary | ₹56,100 (Level 10 during training) |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card | Before Exam |
| Result (Tentative) | October 2026 |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Vacancy Details
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| OTA (Men) | 275 |
| OTA (Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- IMA / OTA: Bachelor’s Degree
- INA: Engineering Degree or B.Sc. with Physics
- AFA: Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 OR B.Tech
- Final year candidates can apply
Age Limit
| Academy | DOB Range |
|---|---|
| IMA | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2008 |
| INA | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2008 |
| AFA | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 |
| OTA (Men/Women) | 02 July 2002 to 01 July 2008 |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Age Eligibility Checker
| Category | Eligible DOB Range |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age Candidates | Born on or before 01 July 2008 |
| Maximum Age Candidates | Born on or after 02 July 2002 |
Explanation:
Candidates must strictly fall within the specified DOB range for their chosen academy. Even a one-day deviation leads to disqualification, as UPSC does not provide age relaxation in CDS.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹200 |
| SC / ST | ₹0 |
| Female (All Categories) | ₹0 |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Salary and Pay Scale
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend During Training | ₹56,100 per month |
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Additional Benefits | Allowances as per Defence norms |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Selection Process
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (2 Stages)
- Medical Examination
- Document Verification
Exam Pattern Summary
IMA / INA / AFA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 300 | 6 Hours |
OTA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 200 | 4 Hours |
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Subject-Wise Weightage and Preparation Focus
The CDS written exam demands a balanced preparation strategy:
- English (High Scoring): Focus on grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary. Accuracy is key.
- General Knowledge (Dynamic): Current affairs + static subjects like History, Polity, Geography.
- Mathematics (Filtering Stage): Class 10 level but tricky; speed and practice matter.
Expert Insight:
While written exam difficulty is moderate, the real competition lies in the SSB stage where personality, leadership, and decision-making skills are evaluated. OTA has the highest vacancies, making it relatively less competitive compared to AFA and INA.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Applications for this role have closed.
Last date to apply was Jun 9, 2026
Deadline: Jun 9, 2026 · Last date approaching
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
2. How many vacancies are announced in UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
3. What is the age limit for UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
4. What is the application fee for UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
5. What is the selection process of UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
6. What is the salary in UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
7. Can final year students apply for UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
8. Is there negative marking in UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
9. Which academy has the highest vacancies in CDS (II) 2026?
10. Is CDS (II) 2026 highly competitive?
Similar opportunities
AIIMS NORCET 11 Recruitment 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for 2,218 Nursing Officer Posts
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has released the AIIMS NORCET 11 Recruitment 2026 Notification for 2,218 tentative Nursing Officer vacancies across AIIMS and participating Central Government hospitals. The online application process is open from 24 July 2026 to 13 August 2026 (5:00 PM). Eligible candidates with B.Sc Nursing or GNM qualifications can apply online through the official AIIMS examination portal. Selection will be based on NORCET Stage-I (Preliminary CBT) and Stage
View detailsSPMCIL Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 24 Assistant Manager & Deputy Manager Posts – Apply Online
Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) has released the SPMCIL Recruitment 2026 Notification (Advertisement No. 02/2026) for the recruitment of 24 Assistant Manager and Deputy Manager posts in various disciplines. The online application process has started from 25 July 2026 and will remain open until 24 August 2026. This recruitment offers opportunities in HR, Finance & Accounts, Materials Management, Information Technology, Official Language, Safety, and Deputy Manager (IT – A
View detailsUPSC Principal and Vice Principal Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for 828 Posts, Apply Online
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC Principal and Vice Principal Recruitment 2026 Notification under Advertisement No. 51/2026 for 828 vacancies in the Education Department, Government of NCT of Delhi. The recruitment includes 124 Principal and 704 Vice Principal posts. Eligible candidates can apply online from 25 July 2026 to 14 August 2026 through the UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal. Candidates with a Master's Degree, B.Ed., and the required teaching experienc
View detailsAAI Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for 389 Junior Executive & Manager Posts, Apply Online from 8 August
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has officially released the AAI Recruitment 2026 Notification (Advt. No. 12/2026/CHQ/DR-CBT) for 389 Junior Executive and Manager vacancies across multiple disciplines. The online application process will begin on 08 August 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until 07 September 2026 through the official website. This recruitment offers excellent career opportunities for Engineering, Finance, Law, Operations, IT, Architecture, Fire Services, Surv
View detailsISRO Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for 242 Assistant, UDC, JPA & Stenographer Posts Apply Online
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released the ISRO Recruitment 2026 notification under Advertisement No. ISRO: ICRB:01(A-JPA):2026 for 242 vacancies. The recruitment is being conducted for the posts of Assistant, Upper Division Clerk (UDC), Junior Personal Assistant (JPA), and Stenographer across various ISRO Centres and Autonomous Bodies in India.
View details
Job created by
