The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the much-awaited CDS (II) 2026 Notification for recruitment into the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers Training Academy. A total of 451 vacancies have been announced under the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026.
For lakhs of aspirants dreaming of serving the nation as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces, this is one of the biggest defence recruitment opportunities of the year. Candidates selected through CDS will undergo training at prestigious academies like IMA Dehradun, INA Ezhimala, AFA Hyderabad, and OTA Chennai.
The online application process has already started from 20 May 2026, and interested candidates can apply till 9 June 2026 through the official UPSC portal.
At – Find all jobs at one place, we have provided complete details including eligibility, salary, selection process, exam pattern, important dates, application fees, FAQs, and direct links.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | CDS (II) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Post Name | Officer Cadet |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | All India |
| Salary | ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Official Website | UPSC |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Vacancy Details
UPSC has distributed the 451 vacancies among various defence academies.
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA Men) | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
This recruitment offers both Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission opportunities.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must carefully check the eligibility conditions before applying online.
Educational Qualification
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Engineering Degree from a recognized university.
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Engineering Degree.
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline.
Final-year students are also eligible to apply.
Age Limit for UPSC CDS (II) 2026
| 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 |
There is no age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates in CDS examination.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Salary
One of the biggest attractions of CDS recruitment is the excellent salary package and military benefits.
Training Stipend
Candidates receive ₹56,100 per month during training.
Salary After Commission
| Rank | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
Additional Benefits
- Military Service Pay (MSP)
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- HRA
- Transport Allowance
- Free Medical Facilities
- CSD Canteen Benefits
- Insurance Cover
- Pension Benefits
The approximate in-hand salary of a newly commissioned officer ranges between ₹80,000 to ₹1,10,000 per month.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Selection Process
The selection process consists of multiple stages:
1. Written Examination
Candidates must first clear the written exam conducted by UPSC.
For IMA, INA & AFA
- English – 100 Marks
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks
- Elementary Mathematics – 100 Marks
For OTA
- English – 100 Marks
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks
Negative marking of one-third marks applies for wrong answers.
2. SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview.
The SSB process includes:
- OIR Test
- PPDT Test
- Psychology Test
- GTO Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Conference Round
3. Medical Examination
Candidates clearing the SSB Interview undergo detailed medical examination.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
OTA candidates do not have Mathematics paper.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
Candidates can follow these steps to apply online:
Step 1:
Visit the official UPSC website.
Step 2:
Complete One Time Registration (OTR).
Step 3:
Open CDS (II) 2026 application form.
Step 4:
Fill personal and educational details.
Step 5:
Upload photograph, signature, and documents.
Step 6:
Pay the application fee online.
Step 7:
Submit the application form and take printout.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC Male | ₹200 |
| SC/ST | No Fee |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
Payment can be made through:
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 June 2026 |
| Edit Window | 10–16 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
Why CDS is One of the Best Career Options?
Joining the Armed Forces through CDS is not just a job — it is a matter of pride, discipline, leadership, and service to the nation.
Benefits of CDS Career:
- Respect in society
- High salary package
- Adventure & leadership
- Job security
- Medical & pension benefits
- Opportunity to serve the nation
Every year lakhs of students apply for CDS because it offers one of the most prestigious officer-level careers in India.
Preparation Tips for UPSC CDS 2026
1. Focus on English & GK
Daily newspaper reading and vocabulary improvement are important.
2. Practice Mathematics
Revise NCERT Mathematics basics regularly.
3. Solve Previous Year Papers
Previous papers help understand the exam pattern.
4. Improve Personality for SSB
Communication skills and confidence are very important.
5. Follow Current Affairs Daily
Current affairs play a major role in CDS exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies are available in UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
Answer: A total of 451 vacancies have been announced.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for CDS (II) 2026?
Answer: The last date is 9 June 2026.
Q3. What is the salary of CDS officers?
Answer: Officers receive ₹56,100 basic pay along with allowances.
Q4. Can final-year students apply for CDS?
Answer: Yes, final-year students are eligible.
Q5. Is there negative marking in CDS exam?
Answer: Yes, one-third marks are deducted for wrong answers.
Q6. What is the exam date of CDS (II) 2026?
Answer: The written exam will be held on 13 September 2026.
Important Links
- Apply Online for CDS (II) 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- UPSC Official Website
- CDS Exam Syllabus
- Previous Year Papers
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