UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification Out – Combined Defence Services Examination II Complete Guide, 451 Posts for Graduates, Apply before 9th June
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS II 2026 Notification (Examination Notice No. 11/2026-CDS-II) on 20th May 2026. This is a golden opportunity for aspiring defence officers to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. The written examination is scheduled for 13th September 2026. If you dream of wearing the uniform and serving the nation, this is your moment — read every detail carefully below.
📋 CDS II 2026 – Quick Overview Summary Table
Here is a quick reference table with all the key details of the UPSC CDS Examination II 2026 at a glance:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination II, 2026 (CDS II 2026) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notice Number | No. 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Date of Notification | 20th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9th June 2026 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Date of Examination | 13th September 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 (Tentative) |
| Application Mode | Online only at https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Application Fee | ₹200/- (Female/SC/ST candidates: Nil) |
| Exam Type | Objective Type (MCQ) + SSB Interview |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in | https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Helpline Number | 011-24041001 / 011-40303444 |
| Helpdesk Email | upscsoap@nic.in |
🎖️ CDS II 2026 – Course-wise Vacancy Details
UPSC has announced a total of 451 tentative vacancies across five different courses for the CDS II 2026 Examination. The breakdown is given below. Please note that the number of vacancies is tentative and may be revised by the respective Services HQ at any stage of the selection process.
| S.No. | Course / Academy | Vacancies | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – 163rd (DE) Course (July 2027) | 100 | Includes 13 vacancies for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing) holders |
| 2 | Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – Executive Branch (General Service/Hydro) (July 2027) | 26 | Includes 06 for NCC ‘C’ (Naval Wing) + 01 for Hydro |
| 3 | Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – 222 F(P) Pre-Flying Training Course (July 2027) | 32 | Includes 03 for NCC ‘C’ (Air Wing) via NCC Special Entry |
| 4 | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 126th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course (October 2027) | 275 | Male candidates only |
| 5 | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 126th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course (October 2027) | 18 | Female candidates only |
| Total | 451 | Tentative | |
Important Note: Women candidates are eligible only for OTA (SSC Women Non-Technical). For AFA (Air Force Academy), candidates must indicate AFA as their First Choice; otherwise, the choice will be treated as invalid.
![UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification [Out] 451 Posts for Graduates, Apply before 9th June](https://apdsc.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/UPSC-CDS-II-2026-Notification-Out-451-Posts-for-Graduates-Apply-before-9th-June-1024x683.jpg)
🌐 CDS II 2026 – Nationality Eligibility Criteria
A candidate applying for the UPSC CDS II 2026 Examination must satisfy one of the following nationality conditions:
- A Citizen of India, OR
- A subject of Nepal, OR
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia), or Vietnam, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Candidates under categories (ii) and (iii) must produce a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. However, Gorkha subjects of Nepal are exempt from this requirement.
🎂 CDS II 2026 – Age Limit, Sex and Marital Status (Course-wise)
The age limits differ based on the course applied for. Candidates must ensure they fall within the prescribed age range as on the reference dates specified below. Age proof will be accepted only through the Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate.
| Course | Age Range | Date of Birth Range | Sex / Marital Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19 – 24 yrs | 01 Jul 2003 to 01 Jul 2008 | Unmarried Male |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19 – 24 yrs | 01 Jul 2003 to 01 Jul 2008 | Unmarried Male |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 – 24 yrs | 01 Jul 2003 to 01 Jul 2007 (General); Up to 26 yrs for valid DGCA CPL holders: 01 Jul 2001 to 01 Jul 2007 | Below 25 – Unmarried; 25 & above – Married allowed (no married accommodation during training) |
| OTA Chennai – SSC (Men) | 19 – 25 yrs | 01 Jul 2002 to 01 Jul 2008 | Unmarried Male |
| OTA Chennai – SSC Women (NT) | 19 – 25 yrs | 01 Jul 2002 to 01 Jul 2008 | Unmarried Women / Issueless Widows / Issueless Divorcees (not remarried) |
⚠️ Note: Male divorcees/widowers are NOT eligible for IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA courses. Marriage is not permitted during training. Candidates who marry after the date of application will not be selected for training.
🎓 CDS II 2026 – Educational Qualification Requirements (Course-wise)
Educational qualifications vary depending on the course. Candidates appearing in the final year of their degree are also eligible to apply but must submit proof of passing by the prescribed deadline.
| Course / Academy | Required Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Degree from a recognised University or equivalent |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Men & Women | Degree from a recognised University or equivalent |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Engineering Degree OR B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective subject from a recognised University (with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level) |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Degree from a recognised University (with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering |
Deadline to submit degree proof:
– For IMA and INA: on or before 1st July 2027
– For AFA: on or before 13th May 2027
– For OTA: on or before 1st October 2027
Failure to submit proof within the deadline will result in cancellation of candidature.
💰 CDS II 2026 – Application Fee Details
The application fee for the UPSC CDS II 2026 Examination is minimal, and certain categories are fully exempted from payment. The fee is non-refundable and cannot be carried forward to any other examination.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹200/- |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | NIL (Exempted) |
| SC / ST Candidates (Male) | NIL (Exempted) |
Payment Modes Accepted: Net Banking / Visa / Master / RuPay Credit or Debit Card / UPI.
⚠️ Fee paid through any other mode is invalid. Applications without prescribed fee will be summarily rejected.
📝 CDS II 2026 – Exam Pattern and Syllabus (Written Examination)
The CDS II 2026 written examination consists of objective-type (MCQ) questions only. There are different paper patterns for IMA/INA/AFA candidates and OTA candidates. The question papers for General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics are set bilingually in Hindi and English.
(A) For IMA, INA, and Air Force Academy:
| Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 11 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 12 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 13 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total Written Marks | 300 | ||
(B) For OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) – Men and Women:
| Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 11 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 12 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total Written Marks | 200 | ||
Negative Marking: There is a penalty of 1/3 marks for every wrong answer. No penalty for unattempted questions. Calculators are not permitted. Candidates must use a Black Ball Pen only for answering the OMR sheet.
Syllabus Highlights:
– English: Tests language comprehension and workmanlike use of words.
– General Knowledge: Current events, History, Geography, everyday science (graduate-level awareness).
– Elementary Mathematics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics (Matriculation level).
⚔️ CDS II 2026 – Complete Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CDS II 2026 is a two-stage process: Written Examination followed by an SSB Interview / Intelligence & Personality Test. The final merit list is based on the combined score of both stages.
Stage 1: Written Examination
Conducted by UPSC on 13th September 2026. Candidates who secure minimum qualifying marks (as fixed by UPSC) are shortlisted for SSB interviews. The written result is expected to be declared in October 2026.
Stage 2: SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test)
The SSB (Services Selection Board) uses a two-stage procedure:
- Stage I (Day 1): Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test + Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT). Candidates failing Stage I are sent back immediately.
- Stage II (Days 2–5): Interview, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Psychological Tests, and Conference. Evaluated by IO (Interviewing Officer), GTO, and Psychologist — all having equal weightage.
| Course | Written Marks | SSB/Interview Marks | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA | 300 | 300 | 600 |
| INA | 300 | 300 | 600 |
| AFA | 300 | 300 | 600 |
| OTA (Men & Women) | 200 | 200 | 400 |
SSB interviews for IMA/INA/AFA candidates are detailed for February–March 2027. SSC (OTA) candidates are detailed for April–June 2027. Final selection is based on total merit and medical fitness.
🖥️ CDS II 2026 – How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
All applications must be submitted online only at https://upsconline.nic.in. No other mode of application is accepted. Follow these steps carefully:
Download UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification PDF
- Step 1 – Account Creation: Visit the UPSC Online portal and create an account. This is a one-time process. Use Aadhaar Card for easy verification.
- Step 2 – Universal Registration Number (URN): Register once to get your URN, which is valid for all UPSC exams. URN remains the same throughout your lifetime.
- Step 3 – Common Application Form (CAF): Fill in your personal, educational, and other details. Upload your photograph and a live photo. Sign three times on plain white paper with black ink and upload.
- Step 4 – Examination Specific Module: Fill in your preferred course(s) in order of preference, select examination centre, and pay the fee.
- Step 5 – Submit Application: Review all details before submission. No changes are allowed after submission. Note your Application Number along with your URN.
⚠️ Important: Applications without prescribed fee (unless exempted) or incomplete applications will be summarily rejected. Withdrawal of application after submission is NOT allowed.
Key Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20th May 2026 |
| Application Window Opens | 20th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9th June 2026 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Date of Examination | 13th September 2026 |
| Written Result Declaration (Expected) | October 2026 |
| SSB Interviews – IMA/INA/AFA | February – March 2027 |
| SSB Interviews – OTA (SSC Course) | April – June 2027 |
🗺️ CDS II 2026 – Examination Centres Across India (84 Cities)
The examination will be held across 84 centres in India. Allotment of centres is on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis (except Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, and Nagpur which have no ceiling). Once a centre reaches its capacity, it will be frozen. Candidates are advised to apply early to get their preferred centre. Some notable centres include:
Agartala, Agra, Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Ajmer, Aligarh, Almora, Ananthapuramu, Bareilly, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Delhi, Dharwad, Dispur, Faridabad, Gangtok, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Gaya, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Gurugram, Gwalior, Hyderabad, Imphal, Indore, Itanagar, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jammu, Jodhpur, Jorhat, Kanpur, Kargil, Kochi, Kohima, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Leh, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Madurai, Mumbai, Mysuru, Nagpur, Nasik, Navi Mumbai, Panaji, Patna, Prayagraj, Puducherry, Pune, Raipur, Rajkot, Ranchi, Sambalpur, Shillong, Shimla, Siliguri, Srinagar, Surat, Thane, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirapalli, Tirupati, Udaipur, Varanasi, Vellore, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Warangal (Hanumakonda), and more.
💵 CDS II 2026 – Salary and Pay Scale of Defence Officers
A career through the CDS examination is one of the most prestigious and financially rewarding career paths in India. Below is the pay scale for Army officers (equivalent ranks apply in Navy and Air Force). During the training period, all cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100/- per month.
| Rank | Pay Level | Pay Scale (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General (HAG) | Level 15 | ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100 |
| VCOAS / Army Commander | Level 17 | ₹2,25,000/- (Fixed) |
| Chief of Army Staff (COAS) | Level 18 | ₹2,50,000/- (Fixed) |
Additional Allowances & Benefits:
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500/- per month (fixed) for Lieutenant to Brigadier ranks
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As applicable to civilian personnel from time to time
- Dress Allowance: ₹20,000/- per year
- Free Ration: In peace and field areas
- Transport Allowance (TPTA): ₹7,200 + DA (Higher cities) or ₹3,600 + DA (Other places) for Pay Level 10 and above
- Children Education Allowance: ₹2,250/- per month per child
- Army Group Insurance Fund: Insurance cover of ₹1.25 Crore for Officer Cadets
- Free medical aid, accommodation on concessional rent, canteen facilities, and more
🏃 CDS II 2026 – Physical Standards and Medical Requirements
Candidates must be physically fit as per the guidelines given in the Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces. The standards are governed by the “Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces (1st Edition)”, available at www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. Candidates reporting to IMA and OTA must meet the following minimum physical standards upon arrival:
| Activity | Men (Minimum) | Women (Minimum) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 km Run | 10 Min 30 Sec | 13 Min |
| Push-Up | 40 | 15 |
| Pull-Up | 06 | 02 |
| Sit-Up | 30 | 25 |
| Squats | Two sets of 30 repetitions | |
| Lunges | Two sets of 10 repetitions | |
| Swimming | Knowledge of fundamentals of swimming required | |
Tattoo Policy: Permanent body tattoos are only permitted on the inner face of the forearm (inside elbow to wrist) and on the back/dorsal side of the hand. Tattoos on any other part of the body will result in disqualification. Tribal tattoos may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
🏫 CDS II 2026 – Training Duration and Academy Details
| Academy | Training Duration | Commission Granted |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | ~18 Months | Permanent Commission as Lieutenant |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | ~18 Months + Sea Training | Commissioned as Sub-Lieutenant |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 74 Weeks (Flying) | Commissioned as Flying Officer |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | ~49 Weeks | Short Service Commission (SSC) as Lieutenant; University of Madras awards PG Diploma in Defence Management |
⚠️ Important Instructions for CDS II 2026 Candidates
- Aadhaar Card: Strongly advised as the primary ID document for verification.
- e-Admit Card: Issued on the last working day of the week preceding the exam. Available only for download at upsconline.nic.in — not sent by post or email.
- Face Authentication: Mandatory at the examination venue for all candidates. Arrive early.
- Mobile Phones Banned: Mobiles, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, pen drives, cameras, or any electronic device (even in switched-off mode) are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
- Entry Closure: Entry to examination venue closes 30 minutes before commencement. Late entry is not permitted under any circumstances.
- OMR Sheet: Use Black Ball Pen only. Errors in Roll Number or Test Booklet Series Code will result in rejection of the answer sheet.
- No Withdrawal: Once submitted, applications cannot be withdrawn or modified.
- Pratibha Setu Portal: Candidates who appear for SSB but are not recommended may consent to have their profile shared with registered private/public organisations for employment purposes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – UPSC CDS II 2026
Q1. What is the last date to apply for CDS II 2026?
The last date to fill and submit the online application is 9th June 2026 till 6:00 PM.
Q2. How many total vacancies are available in CDS II 2026?
A total of 451 tentative vacancies are available across IMA (100), INA (26), AFA (32), OTA Men (275), and OTA Women (18).
Q3. Are women eligible for all CDS II 2026 courses?
No. Women candidates are eligible only for the OTA (SSC Women Non-Technical) course. They must indicate OTA as their only choice.
Q4. What is the educational qualification required for CDS II 2026?
>>>>For IMA and OTA — any graduate degree. INA — Engineering or B.Sc. with Physics. For AFA — Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or B.E. Final year students are also eligible to apply.
Q5. Is there a negative marking in CDS II 2026?
Yes. 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer. Unattempted questions carry no penalty.
Q6. What is the fee for CDS II 2026?
The fee is ₹200/-. Female candidates and SC/ST candidates are fully exempted. OBC and EWS candidates must pay the full fee.
Q7. Can a married male candidate apply for CDS II 2026?
IMA and INA: No — only unmarried male candidates are eligible. OTA (SSC Men): Only unmarried males are eligible. AFA: Candidates below 25 must be unmarried; those aged 25 and above who are married may apply but will not be provided married accommodation during training.
Q8. What is the stipend during training?
All Officer Cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100/- per month during training at IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Q9. How can I contact UPSC for helpdesk support?
You can call 011-24041001 / 011-40303444 or email upscsoap@nic.in from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all working days during the application window (20th May 2026 to 9th June 2026).
Q10. What documents should I carry for the SSB interview?
Candidates must carry their original Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate and Degree/Provisional Degree Certificate along with mark sheets. Candidates not yet graduated must carry a bonafide certificate from their Principal.
✅ Conclusion – Apply Now for UPSC CDS II 2026
The UPSC CDS II 2026 Examination is a prestigious pathway to a rewarding career in the Indian Armed Forces. With 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy, this examination opens the doors to a life of honour, discipline, and service to the nation. Candidates are urged to read the official notification thoroughly, apply before the deadline of 9th June 2026, and start their preparation immediately. The examination date is 13th September 2026 — there is enough time to prepare smart and prepare right.
Apply online at https://upsconline.nic.in and visit the official UPSC website at https://upsc.gov.in for the complete official notification and updates.
