UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Notification Out for 451 Posts, Apply Online Till 09 June
UPSC CDS (II) Examination 2026 notification has been released for 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The application process is online from 20 May to 09 June 2026. Graduates meeting age and eligibility criteria can apply. Selection includes written exam and SSB interview.
Deadline: Jun 9, 2026 · Last date approaching
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Vacancy count, salary, fee, age limit, selection process, and qualification details are included below.
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- UPSC CDS (II) Examination 2026 Overview
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Highlights
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Important Dates
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Vacancy Details
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Age Eligibility Checker
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Application Fee
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Salary and Pay Scale
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Selection Process
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Subject-Wise Weightage and Preparation Focus
- UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Important Links
UPSC CDS (II) Examination 2026 Overview
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 is one of the most prestigious defence entry exams conducted for recruitment into Indian Armed Forces academies. With 451 vacancies, it offers opportunities for both permanent and short service commission. The competition is intense due to limited seats and multi-stage selection.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (II) 2026 |
| Advt No. | 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Total Posts | 451 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Job Location | All India |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB, Medical |
| Salary | ₹56,100 (Level 10 during training) |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card | Before Exam |
| Result (Tentative) | October 2026 |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Vacancy Details
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| OTA (Men) | 275 |
| OTA (Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- IMA / OTA: Bachelor’s Degree
- INA: Engineering Degree or B.Sc. with Physics
- AFA: Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 OR B.Tech
- Final year candidates can apply
Age Limit
| Academy | DOB Range |
|---|---|
| IMA | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2008 |
| INA | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2008 |
| AFA | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 |
| OTA (Men/Women) | 02 July 2002 to 01 July 2008 |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Age Eligibility Checker
| Category | Eligible DOB Range |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age Candidates | Born on or before 01 July 2008 |
| Maximum Age Candidates | Born on or after 02 July 2002 |
Explanation:
Candidates must strictly fall within the specified DOB range for their chosen academy. Even a one-day deviation leads to disqualification, as UPSC does not provide age relaxation in CDS.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹200 |
| SC / ST | ₹0 |
| Female (All Categories) | ₹0 |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Salary and Pay Scale
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend During Training | ₹56,100 per month |
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Additional Benefits | Allowances as per Defence norms |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Selection Process
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (2 Stages)
- Medical Examination
- Document Verification
Exam Pattern Summary
IMA / INA / AFA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 300 | 6 Hours |
OTA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 200 | 4 Hours |
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Subject-Wise Weightage and Preparation Focus
The CDS written exam demands a balanced preparation strategy:
- English (High Scoring): Focus on grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary. Accuracy is key.
- General Knowledge (Dynamic): Current affairs + static subjects like History, Polity, Geography.
- Mathematics (Filtering Stage): Class 10 level but tricky; speed and practice matter.
Expert Insight:
While written exam difficulty is moderate, the real competition lies in the SSB stage where personality, leadership, and decision-making skills are evaluated. OTA has the highest vacancies, making it relatively less competitive compared to AFA and INA.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Deadline: Jun 9, 2026 · Last date approaching
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
2. How many vacancies are announced in UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
3. What is the age limit for UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
4. What is the application fee for UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
5. What is the selection process of UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
6. What is the salary in UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
7. Can final year students apply for UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
8. Is there negative marking in UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
9. Which academy has the highest vacancies in CDS (II) 2026?
10. Is CDS (II) 2026 highly competitive?
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