UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2026 Notification: Apply Online for 451 Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published the recruitment notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination II 2026. This recruitment drive offers a total of 451 vacancies in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). Eligible male and female candidates aiming for a career in the Indian Armed Forces can submit their applications online through the official UPSC portal at upsconline.nic.in.
Candidates are advised to review the official notification thoroughly before filling out the online registration form.
- Notification Release Date: 20-05-2026
- Application Start Date: 20-05-2026
- Application Last Date: 09-06-2026 (till 6:00 PM)
- UPSC CDS II Exam Date: 13-09-2026
- General / OBC / EWS Candidates: Rs. 200/-
- SC / ST / Female Candidates: Rs. 0/- (Exempted)
- Payment Mode: Online (Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI) or offline via SBI Bank Challan.
- Required Age Group: 19 to 25 Years (varies by academy)
- Course-wise specified dates are detailed in the eligibility section below.
- For relaxation parameters, consult the official UPSC notification.
| Course Name | Age Guidelines & Birth Window |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19 to 24 years. Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July 2003 and not later than 1st July 2008. |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19 to 24 years. Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July 2003 and not later than 1st July 2008. |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 to 24 years as on 1st July 2027. Born not earlier than 2nd July 2003 and not later than 1st July 2007. (Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years for Commercial Pilot License holders). |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA - SSC Men) | 19 to 25 years. Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July 2002 and not later than 1st July 2008. |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA - SSC Women Non-Technical) | 19 to 25 years. Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees born not earlier than 2nd July 2002 and not later than 1st July 2008. |
- IMA and Officers' Training Academy (OTA): Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Degree in Engineering OR Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) with Physics and Mathematics as subjects from a recognized University. (Candidates must have studied Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level).
- Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering (B.E./B.Tech).
- Final Year Candidates: Students currently studying in their final year/semester of graduation are eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing on commencement of the SSB Interview.
| S.No. | Course Name & Training Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Military Academy, Dehradun — 163rd (DE) Course commencing in July 2027 | 100 |
| 2 | Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala — Course commencing in July 2027 (Executive/Hydro) | 26 |
| 3 | Air Force Academy, Hyderabad — (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in July 2027 | 32 |
| 4 | Officers' Training Academy, Chennai (Men) — 126th SSC Course (Non-Technical) commencing in October 2027 | 275 |
| 5 | Officers' Training Academy, Chennai (Women) — 126th SSC Course (Non-Technical) commencing in October 2027 | 18 |
| Total Count | 451 | |
The recruitment process for Combined Defence Services consists of the following sequential stages:
- Stage I - Written Examination: Offline test consisting of multiple-choice questions (OMR-based) in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (not applicable for OTA).
- Stage II - SSB Interview / Personality Test: Intelligence and personality test evaluating psychological aptitude, group activities, and personal interview performance.
- Stage III - Document Verification: Verification of educational credentials and eligibility proof.
- Stage IV - Medical Examination: Strict physical and medical assessment conducted by military medical boards.
- Go to the official registration site: upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process if you are registering with UPSC for the first time.
- Log in using your registered credentials (Email ID, Mobile Number, or OTR ID) along with the verification code.
- Access the dashboard, choose the Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 link, and complete Part-I registration by filling in personal, contact, and educational details.
- Verify all fields, proceed to Part-II registration to make the application fee payment (if applicable), upload scanned photographs, signatures, and photo identity proofs.
- Select your preferred exam center, review your entire application using the preview option, and click Submit to download the confirmation slip.
UPSC CDS 2 Online Application Links
1. What are the key application dates for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The online registration starts on 20th May 2026, and the last date to apply is 9th June 2026 (6:00 PM).
2. What is the application fee for female and SC/ST candidates?
SC, ST, and Female candidates are entirely exempted from paying any application fee. Other category candidates must pay Rs. 200/-.
3. Can a final year college student apply for CDS 2 2026?
Yes, candidates in their final year or semester of a graduation course are eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing at the time of the SSB Interview.
4. What is the age limit for the IMA and INA courses under CDS 2?
Candidates must be between 19 and 24 years old. For the 2026 exam, candidates must have been born not earlier than 2nd July 2003 and not later than 1st July 2008.
5. How many vacancies have been declared for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA)?
A total of 293 vacancies are allocated to OTA Chennai, with 275 posts reserved for SSC Men and 18 posts for SSC Women.
