UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026– Eligibility, Salary, Exam Date & Selection Process
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially posted the notification for UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 on its official website, with Advertisement No. 11/2026-CDS-II. This recruitment drive is being held for admission to famous defense academies such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-II) 2026 has published 451 positions in total.
UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026
The online application process for UPSC CDS-II 2026 began on May 20, 2026, and interested candidates may submit their applications till June 9, 2026. Candidates interested in becoming officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force should not pass up this fantastic opportunity. According to the official announcement, candidates born between July 1, 2003, and July 1, 2008, are eligible to apply under UPSC guidelines.
The UPSC CDS examination is one of India’s most regarded defense admission exams since it provides a distinguished career, high pay, leadership chances, job stability, and the honor of serving the country. Before filling out the online form, candidates should carefully review all data about eligibility, age limit, selection process, exam pattern, and application method.
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UPSC CDS-II Notification 2026: Overview.
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination, CDS-II 2026 |
| Advertisement Number | 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Type | Defence Jobs |
| Online Form Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
Candidates should keep track of all essential recruitment-related dates.
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 09 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
| CDS-II Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Result Date | To Be Announced |
Candidates should finish the application process before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technological challenges.
UPSC CDS-II Vacancy 2026 Details
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced at various defense academies.
Academy Wise Vacancy Details
| Academy Name | Vacancies |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 Posts |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 Posts |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 Posts |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 293 Posts |
| Total | 451 Posts |
These openings offer graduates an excellent opportunity to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers.
Educational qualifications for UPSC CDS-II 2026
Candidates must meet the educational requirements before applying online.
| Academy | Qualification |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. |
Candidates are recommended to carefully read the official notification for specific eligibility requirements.
UPSC CDS-II Age Limit 2026.
The age limit is regulated by UPSC guidelines.
Age Limit
You can apply if your date of birth is not earlier than 01.07.2003 and not later than 01.07.2008.
UPSC also gives age relaxation to the qualifying categories as per government laws wherever applicable.
UPSC CDS-II Application Fee 2026.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / OBC | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | ₹0/- |
Methods of Payment
Candidates may pay the fee using:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Internet Banking
- IMPS
- Mobile Wallet
Applications without a valid fee payment will not be considered.
UPSC CDS-II Selection Process 2026
The UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 screening procedure is divided into two primary parts.
Selection Stages
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
Candidates who pass the written examination will be invited to the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
The final decision will be based on the overall performance in both stages.
Exam Pattern for UPSC CDS-II in 2026
The pattern of written tests varies from academy to academy.
For AFA, INA, and IMA
| Subject | Marks |
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 |
| Total | 300 Marks |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks |
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Total | 200 Marks |
Exam Highlights
- Mode of Examination: Offline
- Question Type: Objective-Type MCQ.
- Negative marking: applicable.
- Duration: 2 hours for each paper.
To improve their marks, candidates should focus on mathematics, English, current affairs, and general knowledge.
UPSC CDS II Salary 2026
Candidates who pass the CDS exams receive competitive salaries and defense allowances.
Salary Structure
| Rank | Salary |
| Lieutenant | ₹56,100 – ₹177,500 |
| Captain | ₹61,300 – ₹193,900 |
| Major | ₹69,400 – ₹207,200 |
Additional benefits include the following:
- Pay for Military Service
- Allowance for Dearness
- Free Healthcare Facilities
- Accommodations
- Benefits of a Pension
- Allowances for Travel
In India, positions in the defense sector are among the safest and most respected.
How to Apply Online for the UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026
Candidates can apply online using the processes outlined below.
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to the UPSC’s official website.
Step 2: Registration
If you have not already registered, do the One-Time Registration (OTR).
Step 3: Fill out the application form.
Enter your personal, educational, and communication information carefully.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload:
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- Required Documents
Step 5: Pay Application Fee
Complete the online fee payment.
Step 6: Final Submission
Submit the application form and print it for future reference.
Before submitting their final application, candidates should double-check all of the facts.
Documents Required for UPSC CDS-II Online Form 2026
Applicants should have the following documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Graduation Marksheet
- Passport-size photo
- Signature
- Category Certificate
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
During document verification, inaccurate information could result in rejection.
Important Instructions
- Before applying, please carefully read the official notification.
- Fill out all personal and educational information correctly.
- Upload your photos and signature in the right format.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Keep a printout of the completed form safe.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Check Official Notification | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Join Now |
| 10वीं और 12वीं के लिए बंपर भर्ती | जल्दी अप्लाई करें |
UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026: FAQs
Q1. How many opportunities are available for UPSC CDS-II recruitment 2026?
A total of 451 openings have been advertised.
Q2. When is the last date to apply online?
The deadline for online applications is 09 June 2026.
Q3. What are the educational requirements for CDS-II 2026?
Candidates must have graduated from a recognized university. The Naval Academy requires an engineering degree.
Q4. What is the age restriction for UPSC CDS-II in 2026?
Candidates should be born between 01.07.2003 and 01.07.2008.
Q5. What is the official website of the UPSC?
The official website is upsc.gov.in.
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for those who aspire to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. With 451 vacancies declared for famous defense institutions, prospective students should submit their online applications by June 9, 2026, and begin rigorous study for the written exam and SSB interview.
Candidates are recommended to check the official UPSC website on a daily basis for updates on admission cards, exam schedules, answer keys, and final results.
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