The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination II 2026, announcing 451 vacancies for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. Graduates from recognised universities can apply online through the official UPSC portal from 20 May 2026 to 09 June 2026. The written examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular |
Details |
| Recruitment Organisation |
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name |
Combined Defence Services Examination |
| Total Vacancies |
451 |
| Apply Start Date |
20 May 2026 |
| Apply Last Date |
09 June 2026 |
| Application Fee |
₹200/- |
| Mode |
Online |
| Job Location |
All India |
| Official Website |
upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event |
Date |
| Notification Date |
20 May 2026 |
| Apply Start Date |
20 May 2026 |
| Apply Last Date |
09 June 2026 |
| Exam Date |
13 September 2026 |
Application Fee
| Category |
Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS |
₹200/- |
| SC / ST / PwD |
₹0/- |
Fee must be paid via online mode only. Female candidates are also exempted from the application fee as per UPSC norms — refer to the official notification for full exemption details.
Vacancy Details & Qualification
| Post Name |
Vacancies |
Qualification |
| Combined Defence Services Examination |
451 |
Graduation from a recognised university (branch-wise eligibility — check official notification) |
Total Vacancies: 451 across IMA, INA, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. Candidates must check the official notification for academy-wise vacancy distribution and branch-specific qualification requirements.
Selection Process
- Written Examination — Objective-type paper covering English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Mathematics not applicable for OTA)
- SSB Interview — Services Selection Board interview including Officer Intelligence Rating, psychological tests, group tasks, and conference
- Document Verification — Verification of all original educational and eligibility certificates
- Medical Examination — Candidates must meet the prescribed Armed Forces medical fitness standards
Documents Required
Candidates must keep the following documents ready while applying online and for document verification:
- Recent Passport Size Photograph (scanned copy)
- Signature (scanned copy)
- Aadhaar Card / Any Valid ID Proof
- 10th Marksheet (Date of Birth proof)
- 12th Marksheet
- Graduation Certificate (if required)
- Caste Certificate — SC/ST/OBC (if applicable)
- EWS Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate
- Experience Certificate (if required)
- Disability Certificate — PwD (if applicable)
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in
- Click on the Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC (OTR/One Time Registration) or the CDS II 2026 recruitment link
- Fill out the online application form with accurate personal and educational details
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents, photograph, and signature
- Pay the application fee online — ₹200/- for General/OBC/EWS; free for SC/ST/PwD
- Submit the form before 09 June 2026 and take a printout for future reference
Important Links
Solved/Previous Paper
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Purchase Book
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Download E-book
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Buy Book through Instamojo
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Online Test
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