The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS)-II 2026. This examination is one of the most prestigious national-level defence recruitment exams in India and serves as a gateway for candidates who dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers.
Through the CDS examination, eligible candidates can secure admission into premier defence training academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Every year, thousands of aspirants apply for CDS to build a respected and disciplined career in national defence.
The CDS-II 2026 notification has created strong excitement among defence aspirants because it provides an opportunity to serve the country while enjoying professional growth, leadership training, and attractive salary benefits.
According to the notification, the online application process began on 20 May 2026, while the last date for submitting the application form is 09 June 2026. The written examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
In this detailed blog, we will discuss everything candidates need to know, including vacancy details, important dates, eligibility, age limit, educational qualifications, salary, fees, selection process, and application procedure.
UPSC CDS-II 2026 : Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts (IMA: 100, INA: 26, AFA: 32, OTA Men: 275, OTA Women: 18) |
| Mode of Application | Online via UPSC OTR Portal |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper / OMR Sheet) |
| Selection Stages | Written Examination  SSB Interview Medical Test Merit List |
UPSC CDS-II 2026 Vacancy Breakdown
The UPSC CDS-II 2026 Recruitment features a total of 451 vacancies distributed across five training courses in the Indian Armed Forces.
The category-wise and academy-wise distribution is detailed in the table below:
| Target Academy | Training Course Name & Commencement | Commission Type | Gender | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 163rd Course (July 2027) | Permanent | Male | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Executive Branch (July 2027) | Permanent | Male | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Pre-Flying Course (July 2027) | Permanent | Male | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men) | 126th SSC Course (October 2027) | Short Service | Male | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Women) | 40th SSC Course (October 2027) | Short Service | Female | 18 |
| Total Vacancies | — | — | — | 451 |
Important Dates
| Event | Official Timeline |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Application Window | May 20, 2026, to June 9, 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | June 10, 2026, to June 16, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | September 2026 (Expected 1-2 weeks before the exam) |
| Written Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS-II 2026
Before filling out the application form, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.
UPSC allows only eligible candidates to appear for the examination. Even if a candidate receives an admit card, final selection depends on complete eligibility verification.
The eligibility conditions mainly include:
- Nationality
- Age limit
- Marital status
- Educational qualification
- Physical and medical fitness
Candidates failing to satisfy any condition may face rejection during document verification or medical examination.
Nationality Criteria
A candidate must be:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A person of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanent settlement in India.
Candidates belonging to categories other than Indian citizens may be required to produce eligibility certificates issued by the Government of India.
UPSC CDS-II 2026 Age Matrix
The official academy-wise age limits, birth windows, and marital criteria are detailed below:
| Target Academy | Allowed Age Range | Exact Birth Window (Both Dates Inclusive) | Gender & Marital Status Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19 – 24 Years | July 2, 2003 to July 1, 2008 | Unmarried Males Only |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19 – 24 Years | July 2, 2003 to July 1, 2008 | Unmarried Males Only |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 – 24 Years | July 2, 2003 to July 1, 2007 | Unmarried Males Only |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men) | 19 – 25 Years | July 2, 2002 to July 1, 2008 | Unmarried Males Only |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Women) | 19 – 25 Years | July 2, 2002 to July 1, 2008 | Unmarried Females / Issueless Widows / Divorcees |
Crucial Age Conditions
- Commercial Pilot Relaxation: Candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by the DGCA (India) receive an upper age relaxation up to 26 years for the Air Force Academy. Their birth window shifts to July 2, 2001 to July 1, 2007.
- No Category Relaxation: Unlike civil services exams, there is no age relaxation provided for SC, ST, or OBC candidates under military recruitment protocols.
- Documentary Proof: Only the date of birth recorded in your Matriculation or Secondary School Examination Certificate will be accepted by UPSC.
Educational Qualification for UPSC CDS-II 2026
Educational qualifications vary depending upon academy preference.
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Applicants should hold a graduate degree from a recognized institution.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Candidates require an Engineering degree from a recognized university or institution.
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
Final-year students may also apply subject to fulfillment of eligibility conditions before training commencement.
Educational documents must be genuine and verifiable.
Stipend and Salary in UPSC CDS-II 2026
One of the biggest attractions of joining defence services through the CDS examination is the respectable salary package and long-term career benefits. Apart from serving the nation, officers receive financial security, allowances, and opportunities for promotion.
During the training period at defence academies, selected candidates generally receive a fixed training stipend as per government norms. After successful completion of training and commissioning, officers are placed under the Defence Pay Matrix.
The starting salary of commissioned officers generally includes:
- Basic Pay
- Military Service Pay (MSP)
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Transport Allowance
- High Altitude or Field Area Allowances (where applicable)
- Flying Allowance for Air Force officers
- Other government-approved benefits
The approximate starting salary for newly commissioned officers may range around ₹56,000 to ₹1,77,000 per month depending on rank, service branch, and allowances.
Apart from monthly salary, defence officers also enjoy several facilities, including:
- Accommodation Benefits
Government accommodation or housing facilities are often available according to service rules. - Medical Facilities
Officers and eligible family members receive healthcare support under defence medical systems. - Leave and Travel Benefits
Officers receive leave benefits and concession facilities during service. - Pension and Retirement Benefits
Depending upon service conditions and applicable rules, officers become eligible for retirement and pension-related benefits.
The salary structure grows significantly with promotions and years of service.
UPSC CDS-II 2026 Application Fee
The category-wise fee details and official payment timelines are outlined below:
| Category Classification | Application Fee | Payment Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male Candidates) | ₹200 | Required to complete registration. |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST) | NIL | Exempted from payment. |
| All Female Candidates (All Categories) | NIL | Exempted from payment. |
Accepted Payment Gateways
Candidates can process their processing fees using both digital or physical transaction networks managed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC):
- Online Methods: Payment can be completed directly through the UPSC OTR Portal via Net Banking, UPI, or major Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Master, Rupay).
- Offline Method (“Pay by Cash”): Candidates can generate a payment challan online and deposit the cash at any official branch of the State Bank of India (SBI).
UPSC CDS-II 2026 Recruitment : Selection Process
The selection process for the UPSC CDS-II 2026 Recruitment is an extensive, multi-stage filtration mechanism designed to assess both your academic intelligence and psychological compatibility for leadership roles in the Armed Forces .
Stage 1: Written Examination (By UPSC)
The first stage is a national-level, offline pen-and-paper test using OMR sheets. The paper pattern depends directly on your chosen academy preferences.
- Marking Protocol: Every question features multiple-choice options with a negative marking penalty of of the marks assigned to that question.
- IMA, INA, AFA Track: Candidates must attempt three papers: English (100 Marks), General Knowledge (100 Marks), and Elementary Mathematics (100 Marks). Total = 300 Marks
- OTA Track: Candidates only attempt two papers: English (100 Marks) and General Knowledge (100 Marks). Total = 200 Marks
- Sectional Cut-Off: Candidates must score a minimum qualifying threshold (typically 20%) in each individual paper alongside the aggregate cut-off to clear this stage.
Stage 2: 5-Day Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview
Candidates who clear the written exam cut-offs are issued call letters to report to a military selection centre. The 5-day evaluation is broken into two distinct phases:
Phase I: Day 1 (Screening Test)
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR): Verbal and non-verbal reasoning test sets.
- Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT): Candidates view a hazy picture for 30 seconds, write a story about it, narrate it individually, and then participate in a group discussion to reach a consensus story.
Note: Candidates who fail Phase I are screened out and sent home on Day 1 itself.
Phase II: Days 2 to 5 (Detailed Evaluation)
- Psychological Testing (Day 2): Involves the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self-Description (SD).
- Group Testing Officer Tasks (Days 3 & 4): Outdoor group exercises including Group Discussions, Military Planning Exercises, Progressive Group Tasks (PGT), Command Tasks, and Individual Obstacles.
- Personal Interview (Any day between Days 2-4): A deep-dive interview by a senior officer focusing on personal background, current affairs, and core values.
- The Board Conference (Day 5): All board assessors meet to evaluate your performance jointly. The final recommended candidates are announced here.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Recommended candidates move directly to a designated Military Hospital to check their physical and medical standards.
- Timeline: The process generally spans 4 to 6 working days under the evaluation of a Special Medical Board.
- Key Scans: Extensive testing including blood panels, X-rays, ultrasound examinations, hearing tests, and detailed ophthalmic checks (eye tests).
- Outcome Status: Candidates are declared either Fit, Temporarily Unfit (given 42 days to resolve issues like weight deviations or ear wax), or Permanently Unfit (e.g., flat feet or spine issues).
Stage 4: Document Verification & Merit List
The final selection step involves matching medical fitness data against academic documentation back at the headquarters.
- Document Screening: Candidates must present original matriculation certificates to confirm their age, along with definitive graduation degree passing proofs.
- Merit Formulation: UPSC blends your Written Exam scores with your aggregate SSB Interview marks out of a total possible pool of either 600 marks (for IMA/INA/AFA) or 400 marks (for OTA).
- Joining Instruction (JI): Final training orders are dispatched strictly in order of merit, corresponding directly to the available 451 vacancies for the batch.
How to Apply ?
To apply for the UPSC CDS-II 2026 Examination, candidates must complete their registration online through the official Union Public Service Commission portal. The application window is open until June 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
Follow this definitive, step-by-step guide to submit your application accurately:
Phase 1: Complete Your One-Time Registration (OTR)
If you have already registered on the UPSC portal for a previous exam (like NDA or Civil Services), you can skip to Phase 2. If you are a new user, follow these steps:
- Visit the Portal: Go directly to the official website: upsconline.nic.in.
- Access OTR: Click on the “New Registration” tab on the homepage.
- Enter Personal Details: Provide your name, gender, date of birth, father’s name, mother’s name, minority status, mobile number, and email ID.
- Set Security Questions: Choose and answer two security questions to protect your account.
- Verify Details: Double-check all entries against your Matriculation (Class 10) certificate. Click Submit.
- OTP Verification: Enter the distinct One-Time Passwords (OTPs) sent to your registered mobile number and email.
Note : Once verified, your unique OTR ID will be generated and sent to you via SMS and email.
Phase 2: Filling Out the Main Application Form
Log in to the portal using your OTR ID, Email, or Mobile Number along with your password/OTP. Go to the “Latest Advertisements” tab and locate the link for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
Part-I Registration
- Academic details: Select your educational qualification status (Passed or appearing in final year) and graduation stream.
- Address: Enter your complete permanent and communication addresses.
- Photo ID Card: Select a valid photo ID card (Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License) and enter its unique number. Note: You must carry this exact physical card to the exam hall.
- Academy Preferences: Rank your choice of academies (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) using numbers (1, 2, 3, 4). Mark ‘0’ for any academy you do not wish to join or are ineligible for due to age/gender constraints.
- Review & Save: Verify all details and click on “Submit Part-I”. A registration slip containing your Application Number will be generated.
Phase 3: Application Fee Payment
If you are an Exempted Category candidate (All Female applicants, SC, and ST candidates), skip it.
- Select Payment Mode: Choose between “Pay by Cash” or “Pay Online”.
- Pay Online: Use Net Banking, UPI, or Debit/Credit cards to pay the ₹200 fee.
- Pay by Cash: Download the printed SBI Challan slip, deposit the cash at any physical State Bank of India branch, and wait up to 24 hours for the transaction status to update on the portal.
Phase 4: Uploading Documents & Live Photograph
UPSC utilizes specific, strict dimension rules for scanned uploads. Make sure your files are pre-formatted to prevent rejection.
- Upload Scanned Photo ID: Convert your selected photo ID card into a single PDF format (Size limit: 20 KB to 300 KB).
- Upload Scanned Signature: Upload your digital signature in JPG/JPEG format (Size limit: 20 KB to 300 KB).
- Capture Live Photograph:
- Ensure your device has an active webcam or use a smartphone.
- Sit in a well-lit area with a plain, light-coloured background.
- Look directly at the camera lens to capture your face clearly.
Phase 5: Center Selection & Final Agreement
- Choose Examination Center: Select your preferred exam city from the available drop-down list. Centers are allotted on a “First-Apply-First-Allot” basis, so register early to secure your closest city.
- Final Declaration: Scroll to the bottom, read the terms carefully, and click on “I Agree”.
- Print Confirmation: Your application is now successfully submitted. Download and print the final application form for your personal records.
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE | CLICK HERE |
| OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION PDF | CLICK HERE |
| APPLY ONLINE | CLICK HERE |
| WHATSAPP LINK | CLICK HERE |
| TELEGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| FACEBOOK LINK | CLICK HERE |
| INSTAGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| MORE UPDATES | CLICK HERE |
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Priyadarshani Palei is a Content Executive at OnlyAspirants.in, responsible for researching and publishing the latest government and private job updates. With over 2 years of experience in job research and recruitment news writing, he/she ensures that all information shared on the platform is accurate, verified, and easy to understand.
He/She completed Graduation and has a strong interest in competitive exams, career opportunities, and employment trends in India. His/Her focus is to help students and job seekers stay updated with timely notifications, eligibility details, important dates, and application procedures.
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