UPSC CDS 2 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for 451 IMA, INA, AFA & OTA Vacancies, Exam on 13 Sep
Short Information:
UPSC CDS 2 2026 notification has been released by UPSC for 451 vacancies in IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. The online application for CDS II started on 20th May 2026 and the last date is 9th June 2026. The written exam will be held on 13th September 2026. Graduates between 19 to 25 years can apply. Female and SC/ST candidates have no application fee.
You can check all updates including application link, admit card download, answer key, written result, and SSB interview schedule of UPSC CDS 2 2026 only on our official website www.govtexam.study
UPSC CDS 2 2026: Notification Released for 451 Vacancies, Apply Online from 20 May to 9 June
CDS Exam 2026 – UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination-II Notification Out: Apply Online for 451 Vacancies
Hello friends, big news for all defence aspirants! The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) - II, 2026. This is a golden opportunity for candidates who want to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). There are total 451 vacancies. The online application process has started from 20th May 2026 and the last date to apply is 9th June 2026. The written exam will be held on 13th September 2026. Read this post for complete details.
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) - II, 2026 | |
| Notification No. | 11/2026-CDS-II | |
| Vacancies | 451 | |
| Mode of Application | Online Only | |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in | upsconline.nic.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Important Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20th May 2026 |
| Apply Start Date | 20th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 9th June 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 13th September 2026 |
| e-Admit Card Release | Last working day of preceding week of exam |
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | Rs. 200/- |
| Female / SC / ST | NIL (Zero Fee) |
| Payment Mode | Online (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI) |
Age Limit (As on 1st July 2027)
| Course | Age Limit | Important Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) | 19 to 24 years | Unmarried Male only |
| INA (Indian Naval Academy) | 19 to 24 years | Unmarried Male only |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) | 20 to 24 years | Unmarried Male (CPL holders get 26 years) |
| OTA (Officers' Training Academy - Men) | 19 to 25 years | Unmarried Male |
| OTA (Officers' Training Academy - Women) | 19 to 25 years | Unmarried Women, Issueless Widows/Divorcees |
Date of Birth Calculation: Born not earlier than 1st July and not later than 1st July as per course. Check official notification for exact years.
Total Vacancies (Course-Wise)
| Course Name | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun (163rd DE Course) | 100 (including 13 for NCC 'C' Certificate holders) |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala (Executive Branch) | 26 (including 6 for NCC 'C' Certificate holders) |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad (222 F(P) Course) | 32 (including 3 for NCC 'C' Certificate holders) |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (126th SSC Men - NT) | 275 |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (126th SSC Women - NT) | 18 |
| TOTAL | 451 |
Educational Qualification (Post-Wise)
| Course Name | Required Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA (Men & Women) | Degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Degree in Engineering OR B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective subject (with Physics & Maths in 10+2 level). |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Degree from a recognized university (with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering. |
| Final Year Candidates | Students studying in final year/semester can also apply but must submit proof of passing by the specified date. |
Salary Breakdown (After Commissioning)
| Rank | Pay Level | Pay Scale (Basic Pay) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | Rs. 56,100 - 1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10 B | Rs. 61,300 - 1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | Rs. 69,400 - 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | Rs. 1,21,200 - 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | Rs. 1,30,600 - 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | Rs. 1,39,600 - 2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | Rs. 1,44,200 - 2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General (HAG Scale) | Level 15 | Rs. 1,82,200 - 2,24,100 |
| VCOAS/Army Cdr | Level 17 | Rs. 2,25,000 (fixed) |
| COAS | Level 18 | Rs. 2,50,000 (fixed) |
Additional Benefits: Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500/- per month for ranks Lt. to Brigadier. Stipend during training: Rs. 56,100/- per month.
Selection Process
The selection process has three stages:
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Written Examination | Objective type papers (English, GK, Elementary Maths as per course) |
| Stage 2: SSB Interview | Intelligence & Personality Test at Service Selection Board (5 days process) |
| Stage 3: Medical Examination | Medical fitness test as per Armed Forces standards |
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
For IMA / INA / AFA Courses:
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Paper-II | General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Paper-III | Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
For OTA Course:
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Paper-II | General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
Note: There is negative marking. 0.33 marks deducted for each wrong answer. All papers are objective type. GK and Maths papers are bilingual (Hindi & English).
Syllabus Overview:
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| English | Understanding of English, workmanlike use of words, grammar, vocabulary, comprehension |
| General Knowledge | Current events, History of India, Geography, everyday science, general awareness |
| Elementary Mathematics | Arithmetic (Number System, Percentage, Profit-Loss, Time & Work), Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics |
How to Apply for CDS Exam 2026?
Follow these simple steps to fill your application form online:
-
Step 1: Visit the official website – upsconline.nic.in.
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Step 2: Create your account if you are a new user. Get your Universal Registration Number (URN).
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Step 3: Fill the Common Application Form (CAF). Upload your photo and signature as per instructions.
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Step 4: Capture your live photograph using the application module (webcam or phone).
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Step 5: Fill the Examination Specific Module for CDS-II, 2026. Select your course preferences (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA).
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Step 6: Pay the application fee of Rs. 200/- online (if applicable). Female/SC/ST candidates have no fee.
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Step 7: Preview your application form carefully. Submit it before 9th June 2026 (6:00 PM).
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Step 8: Download and take a printout of the application form for future reference.
Important Instructions for Candidates
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Live Photo is Mandatory: You must capture your live photograph while filling the form. No old/scanned photo will be accepted.
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Signature: Sign three times (one below the other) on plain white paper with black ink and upload.
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Preferences Carefully: If you want AFA, give it as first choice. OTA should be the last preference for male candidates.
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NCC 'C' Certificate Holders: Reserved vacancies are available for NCC certificate holders in IMA, INA, and AFA.
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No Correction After Submission: Once you submit the application, no changes are allowed. Be very careful while filling.
Photo and Signature Guidelines
| Document | Specifications | Important Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Photograph | Live photo (not scanned old photo) | ✅ Use webcam or phone camera ✅ Plain background ✅ No cap, no glasses ✅ Clear face visibility |
| Signature | Scanned signature (three times on paper) | ✅ Use black ink pen ✅ Clear and legible ✅ Upload in correct format |
| Photo Resizer Tool | Click Here to Resize Photo & Signature | Use this free tool for correct size |
Important Links
| Link Type | Direct Access |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for CDS Exam 2026 | Click Here to Apply Online for CDS-II 2026 |
| Download CDS Notification PDF | Click Here to Download Official CDS Notification PDF |
| Official UPSC Website | Click Here to Visit UPSC Official Website |
| Telegram Channel Link | Click Here to Join Telegram Channel for Instant Updates |
| WhatsApp Channel Link | Click Here to Join WhatsApp Channel for Latest Alerts |
Disclaimer: Although every effort has been made to provide accurate information, we are not responsible for any inadvertent errors.
(उम्मीदवारों को सलाह दी जाती है कि आवेदन करने से पहले आधिकारिक अधिसूचना को ध्यान से पढ़ें।)
