The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published the UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 notification. This recruitment drive offers 451 vacancies for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Eligible candidates can apply online from 20 May 2026 to 09 June 2026. For detailed information regarding eligibility, application procedures, and the notification PDF, please visit https://upsconline.nic.in.
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi |
| Examination Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Examination Notice No. | 11/2026-CDS-II dated 20/05/2026 |
| Post / Course Name | IMA (163rd DE Course), INA (Executive Branch/Hydro), Air Force Academy (222 F(P) Course), OTA Chennai (126th SSC Men & Women) |
| Total Vacancies | 451 (subject to change by Services HQ) |
| Stipend During Training | Rs. 56,100/- per month (starting pay in Level 10) for all academies |
| Application Mode | Online only via https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Selection Mode | Written Examination (Objective Type) + SSB Intelligence & Personality Test + Medical Examination |
| Date of Examination | 13.09.2026 |
| Result of Written Exam (Tentative) | October 2026 |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in / https://upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Notification | 20/05/2026 |
| Opening of Online Application | 20-05-2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 09-06-2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Helpline Active Period | 20-05-2026 to 09-06-2026 (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, working days) |
| e-Admit Card Download | Last working day of the preceding week of the examination date |
| Date of Written Examination | 13-09-2026 |
| Representation Window for Answer Keys | 3rd day to 7th day (up to 6:00 PM) after examination |
| Written Result (Tentative) | October 2026 |
| SSB Interview (IMA/INA/AFA candidates) | February – March 2027 (tentative) |
| SSB Interview (OTA candidates) | April – June 2027 (tentative) |
| Course Commencement (IMA / INA / AFA) | July 2027 |
| Course Commencement (OTA) | October 2027 |
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 – Vacancy Details
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced across five courses. The number of vacancies is tentative and may be changed at any stage of the selection process by Services HQ.
| S. No. | Course | Academy | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 163rd (DE) Course | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| 2 | Executive Branch (General Service) / Hydro | Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| 3 | 222 F(P) Course (Pre-Flying Training) | Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| 4 | 126th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 275 |
| 5 | 126th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill all eligibility conditions before the date of application. Their admission at all stages is purely provisional, subject to satisfying eligibility conditions. Verification of eligibility with reference to original documents will be taken up only after the candidate qualifies for the SSB/Personality Test.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of India / Subject of Nepal / Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam – with an eligibility certificate from the Govt of India, where applicable. Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not need such a certificate. |
| Educational Qualification – IMA & OTA | Degree from a recognised University or equivalent. |
| Educational Qualification – Indian Naval Academy | Degree in Engineering OR B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective subject from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level). |
| Educational Qualification – Air Force Academy | Degree from a recognised University with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR Bachelor of Engineering. |
| Final Year Students | Candidates in the final year/semester of their Degree course may apply, but must submit proof of passing the degree examination by the prescribed date (IMA/INA by 01-07-2027; AFA by 13-05-2027; OTA by 01-10-2027). A bona fide certificate from a college/University is required at the time of the SSB interview. |
| Physical Standards | Candidates must be physically fit as per the “Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces (1st Edition)” available at joinindianarmy.nic.in. Permanent body tattoos allowed only on inner forearm (inside elbow to wrist) and back of palm; not permitted on any other body part. |
| Debarment | Candidates debarred by the Ministry of Defence from holding any type of commission in the Defence Services are not eligible. |
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 – Age Limit
Age is calculated based on the date of birth as recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate only. No other document (horoscope, affidavit, birth extract, etc.) will be accepted. Once a date of birth is submitted, no change will be allowed subsequently.
| Course | Age Limit | Date of Birth Range |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19 to 24 years | Born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19 to 24 years | Born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 to 24 years (as on 01-07-2027) | Born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2007; CPL holders: up to 26 years (born not earlier than 01-07-2001) |
| OTA – SSC Men (NT) | 19 to 25 years | Born between 02-07-2002 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) |
| OTA – SSC Women (NT) | 19 to 25 years | Born between 02-07-2002 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) |
Application Fee
Fee is payable through online mode only (Net Banking / Visa / Master / Rupay Credit / Debit Card / UPI). Payment through any other mode is not valid. Fee once paid shall not be refunded under any circumstances, nor can it be held in reserve for any other examination.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 200/- (Non-Refundable) |
| Female Candidates (All categories) | NIL (Exempted) |
| SC / ST Candidates | NIL (Exempted) |
UPSC CDS 2 Examination – Selection Process
Selection consists of a Written Examination conducted by UPSC, followed by an Intelligence and Personality Test at the Services Selection Board (SSB), and finally a Medical Examination. Success at the written examination confers no right of admission to any academy; final selection is made in order of merit, subject to medical fitness and the number of vacancies available.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 – Written Examination (Objective Type) | For IMA, INA, and Air Force Academy: English (100 marks, 2 hours), General Knowledge (100 marks, 2 hours), Elementary Mathematics (100 marks, 2 hours). Total (Written): 300 marks. SSB / Interview Marks: 300. |
| Stage 1 – Written Examination (OTA) | For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): English (100 marks, 2 hours), General Knowledge (100 marks, 2 hours). Total (Written): 200 marks. SSB / Interview Marks: 200. |
| Stage 2 – SSB Intelligence & Personality Test | Candidates who qualify the written examination will be called for SSB test by the respective Services HQ based on preference. The SSB follows a two-stage process: Stage I (OIR Tests and PP&DT). Stage II (Interview, GTO Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference – over 4 days). |
| Stage 3 – Medical Examination | Final selection is subject to the candidate being declared medically fit as per the “Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces (1st Edition)”. |
Scheme of Examination & Syllabus (Brief)
| Subject | Standard | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| English | Graduate level | Understanding of English and workmanlike use of words |
| General Knowledge | Graduate level | Current events, everyday science, History of India, Geography |
| Elementary Mathematics | Matriculation (Class X) | Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics |
Exam Centres
The examination will be held across 84 cities in India. Allotment of centres (except Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, and Nagpur) is on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis with a ceiling on candidates per centre.
Competition Level Analysis for UPSC CDS 2 2026
With 451 vacancies, the exam remains a highly competitive defence officer entry examination in India. Candidates must prepare thoroughly for all stages of the selection process.
Common mistakes / What to check before applying UPSC CDS 2 2026
- Entering an incorrect date of birth; once submitted to UPSC, it cannot be changed.
- Indicating wrong course preferences.
- Failing to register on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in if the Army (IMA/OTA) is the first choice.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 2026
Click the official apply link below to access the UPSC online portal and submit your application.
Important Instructions for UPSC CDS 2 2026 Candidates
- Once submitted, applications cannot be withdrawn.
- Candidates must indicate course preferences carefully.
- e-Admit Cards are available only on the Commission’s website for download.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download UPSC CDS 2 2026 Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When is the application deadline for the CDS 2 exam?
Ans. You have until June 9, 2026, to submit your application online. Make sure to complete it before the 6:00 PM cutoff.
Q2. What is the total vacancy count for this recruitment?
Ans. The UPSC has announced a total of 451 openings across various academies for the upcoming course cycles.
Q3. How much do General category applicants need to pay?
Ans. Male candidates in the General, OBC, and EWS categories are required to pay an application fee of Rs. 200/-.
Q4. On what date will the written exam take place?
Ans. The objective-type written examination is scheduled to be held nationwide on September 13, 2026.
Q5. Are female candidates eligible for all academy courses?
Ans. No, women can only apply for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) SSC Women Non-Technical course.
Q6. What degree do I need to join the Air Force Academy?
Ans. You must either hold a Bachelor of Engineering degree or have a standard university degree with Physics and Mathematics as subjects during your 10+2 schooling.
Q7. Do SC and ST applicants get a fee waiver?
Ans. Yes, candidates belonging to SC and ST categories, along with all female applicants, do not need to pay any application fee.
