UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 Notification Released – Apply Online for 451 Defence Posts
The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026. Candidates who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers Training Academy can now apply online through the official UPSC portal. A total of 451 vacancies have been announced for various defence academy courses.
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical Test |
| Official Website | UPSC Official Website |
CDS 2 2026 Vacancy Details
The recruitment includes admission into:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA Men)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA Women)
Total vacancies available: 451 Posts.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | September 2026 |
| Written Examination | 13 September 2026 |
| Tentative Result | October 2026 |
Educational Qualification
For IMA & OTA
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
For Naval Academy
- Engineering Degree required
For Air Force Academy
- Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Engineering Degree
Final-year students can also apply if they complete their degree within the prescribed timeline.
Age Limit
Candidates should meet the academy-wise age criteria mentioned in the official notification. Generally, applicants must fall between approximately 20 to 24 years depending on the academy/course.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS Male | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | No Fee |
Payment can be made through:
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
Selection Process
The UPSC CDS 2 2026 recruitment process contains three stages:
1. Written Examination
Subjects include:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
OTA candidates appear only for:
- English
- General Knowledge
2. SSB Interview
Qualified candidates attend:
- Intelligence Tests
- Psychology Tests
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
3. Medical Examination
Final selection depends on medical fitness standards prescribed by defence authorities.
CDS 2 2026 Exam Pattern
For IMA / INA / AFA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Mathematics | 100 |
| Total | 300 |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
Negative marking applies for wrong answers.
Physical Standards
Candidates must satisfy the physical and medical standards defined by the Armed Forces. Permanent tattoos are allowed only on limited body parts as per defence rules.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS 2 2026
- Visit the official UPSC online portal
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill the online application form
- Upload photograph and signature
- Pay application fee
- Submit and print application form
Official Apply Link:
UPSC Online Application Portal
Documents Required
Applicants should keep these documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Graduation Mark Sheets
- Passport Size Photo
- Signature Scan
- Valid Email ID & Mobile Number
- NCC Certificate (if applicable)
Why CDS is Popular Among Defence Aspirants
The CDS examination is one of the most respected defence recruitment exams in India because it provides:
- Officer-level entry into Armed Forces
- Attractive salary & benefits
- Leadership career opportunities
- National service prestige
- Training at premier defence academies
Many aspirants on Reddit discussions are already preparing for CDS 2 2026 and discussing eligibility, final-year criteria, and SSB preparation strategies.
Important Official Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official UPSC Website | UPSC Official Website |
| Apply Online | UPSC Online Portal |
| Army Careers | Join Indian Army |
| Navy Careers | Indian Navy Careers |
| Air Force Careers | Indian Air Force Careers |
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