UPSC Combined Defence Services CDS II Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 451 Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination II 2026. Candidates interested in joining the Indian Armed Forces through prestigious defence academies can now apply online for the UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026.
The recruitment drive offers opportunities for admission into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy (OTA). A total of 451 vacancies have been announced under this recruitment.
The online application process has started from May 20, 2026, and interested candidates can submit their applications until June 9, 2026. The examination is scheduled to be conducted on September 13, 2026.
What is UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is a national-level defence recruitment examination conducted by UPSC for candidates who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers.
Through this examination, selected candidates receive training at various defence academies and later join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers.
The CDS examination is one of the most prestigious defence examinations in India and is conducted twice every year by the Union Public Service Commission.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Quick Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Defence Services Examination II 2026 |
| Post Type | Defence Recruitment |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Begin | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 09 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | As per Schedule |
| Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | ₹0 |
Candidates can pay the examination fee using:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- E-Challan
Vacancy Details
A total of 451 vacancies are available under different defence academies:
| Academy | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy | 26 |
| Air Force Academy | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 293 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the following educational qualifications:
For Indian Military Academy (IMA) & OTA
- Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university
For Indian Naval Academy
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
For Air Force Academy
- Bachelor’s Degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
Age Limit
Age Limit as on 01 July 2027
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 24 Years
Age relaxation will be applicable as per UPSC recruitment rules.
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CDS II Recruitment generally includes:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates who qualify for all stages will receive admission into respective defence academies.
Why You Should Apply?
Here are some major benefits of joining through CDS:
- Opportunity to become an officer in the Indian Armed Forces
- Prestigious government career
- Leadership and defence training
- Attractive salary and benefits
- Job security and career growth
- Opportunity to serve the nation
Required Documents
Candidates may need the following documents during application:
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- ID Proof
- Educational Certificates
- Address Details
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps to apply online:
Step 1
Visit the official UPSC application portal.
Step 2
Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
Step 3
Fill in the CDS II online application form carefully.
Step 4
Upload required documents including photograph and signature.
Step 5
Pay the application fee if applicable.
Step 6
Review the application form carefully before final submission.
Step 7
Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in/
Important Points
- Total vacancies available are 451
- Application mode is online only
- Last date to apply is June 9, 2026
- Exam date is September 13, 2026
- Female, SC, and ST candidates are exempted from fee payment
- Candidates should carefully read the official notification before applying
Common Questions
Q. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The last date to apply online is June 9, 2026.
Q. How many vacancies are available?
A total of 451 posts are available.
Q. What is the application fee?
General/OBC/EWS candidates need to pay ₹200 while SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted.
Q. What is the exam date?
The CDS II Examination 2026 will be conducted on September 13, 2026.
Final Words
The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is a great opportunity for candidates who dream of serving in the Indian Armed Forces as officers. With vacancies available across IMA, OTA, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy, candidates from different educational backgrounds can apply for suitable posts. Interested applicants should complete their applications before the deadline and start preparing seriously for the examination and SSB process.
