Short Information : UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the recruitment notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS-II) 2026 examination. The online application process for UPSC CDS-II 2026 has commenced on its official website, https://upsc.gov.in/. Candidates can apply online starting from May 20, 2026, until June 09, 2026. Candidates must have been born not earlier than July 01, 2003, and not later than July 01, 2008. Candidates can view complete details regarding the UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 on IndianSarkari2026. (Advertisement No. 11/2026-CDS-II) The direct link to apply online is provided below. Follow indiansarkari.com for the latest job updates.
Union Public Service CommissionUPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026www.indiansarkari.com |
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Recruitment Agency | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination II 2026 |
| Total Posts | 451 Posts |
| Job Location | India |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in/ |
| Apply Online Last Date | 09 June 2026 |
| Online Apply Last Date | 09 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
UPSC CDS II 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 (06:00 PM) |
| CDS II 2026 Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last working day of previous week before exam |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST | No Fee |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
| Payment Mode : Net Banking ,Visa / Master / RuPay Debit-Credit Card ,UPI Payment | |
Age Limit 2026
| Academy | Age Limit | Birth Date Range |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19-24 Years | 01 July 2003 to 01 July 2008 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19-24 Years | 01 July 2003 to 01 July 2008 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20-24 Years | 01 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 |
| AFA (With Commercial Pilot License) | Up to 26 Years | 01 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 |
| OTA (Men) | 19-25 Years | 01 July 2002 to 01 July 2008 |
| OTA (Women) | 19-25 Years | 01 July 2002 to 01 July 2008 |
Vacancy Details for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
| Course / Academy | Vacancies |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Men | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Women | 18 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS II Recruitment
| Academy | Educational Qualification |
| IMA | Bachelor Degree in any stream from recognized University |
| OTA | Bachelor Degree in any stream from recognized University |
| INA | Engineering Degree OR B.Sc with Physics as core/elective subject and Mathematics at 10+2 level |
| AFA | Bachelor Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering |
Nationality
Candidate must be:
- Citizen of India, OR
- Subject of Nepal, OR
- Person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries with intention of permanent settlement in India.
Marital Status
- IMA / INA / OTA Men: Unmarried Male Candidates
- OTA Women: Unmarried Women / Issueless Widows / Issueless Divorcees
- AFA: Below 25 years must be unmarried
How to Apply Process UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
- Go to the UPSC official website : https://upsc.gov.in/
- If you are not already registered, please complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process.
- Log in with your registered details.

- Click on “Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026”.
- Fill in the personal, educational and communication details carefully.
- Upload your scanned photo, signature and other documents required.Payment of
- Application Fee by Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking and UPI.
- Please check the application form before final submission.
- Fill the application form and take a print out for future reference.
Important Apply Online Link UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
| Apply Online Link | Click Here |
| Download Now Official Notification | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
Selection Process for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
| Stage | Details |
| Written Examination | Objective Type Test |
| SSB Interview | Intelligence & Personality Test |
| Medical Examination | Physical & Medical Fitness |
| Final Merit List | Based on Written + SSB Marks |
FAQs for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
Question 1: When can I apply online for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
Answer: From 20 May 2026 to 09 June 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) on upsc.gov.in.
Question 2: What is the exam date for UPSC CDS-II 2026?
Answer: 13 September 2026 – Combined Defence Services Examination II.
Question 3: What is the age limit for IMA and INA candidates in CDS II 2026?
Answer: 19 to 24 years – born between 01 July 2003 and 01 July 2008.
Question 4: How many total vacancies are announced for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
Answer: 451 vacancies – IMA (100), INA (26), AFA (32), OTA Men (275), OTA Women (18).
Question 5: What is the application fee for General/OBC/EWS candidates?
Answer: ₹200. SC/ST and Female candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Question 6: What educational qualification is required for Air Force Academy (AFA)?
Answer: Bachelor’s degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering.
Question 7: Can married male candidates apply for IMA or OTA Men in CDS II 2026?
Answer: No – only unmarried male candidates for IMA, INA, and OTA Men.
Question 8: What is the selection process for UPSC CDS II 2026?
Answer: Written Objective Exam → SSB Interview & Personality Test → Medical Exam → Final Merit List.

