UPSC CDS-II 2026 — Combined Defence Services Examination (451 Posts)

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-II) 2026 notification for 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA – 100), Indian Naval Academy (INA – 26), Air Force Academy (AFA – 32), and Officers Training Academy (OTA – Men 275, Women 18). This is one of India's most prestigious defence examinations for commissioning as officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force. Selection is through a written exam (13 September 2026), SSB Interview, and Medical Examination.

Graduation (IMA/OTA); Engineering or B.Sc with Physics (INA); Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2 or B.E. (AFA) — varies by academy

19–25 years (varies by academy: IMA/INA 19–24, AFA 20–24, OTA 19–25); unmarried males for IMA/INA/AFA/OTA Men; unmarried women/widows/divorcees for OTA Women

• IMA & OTA: Graduation from a recognized university (final-year students may apply).
• INA: Engineering degree or B.Sc with Physics.
• AFA: Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level, or a B.E. degree.
• Age 19–25 years (varies by academy — check notification for exact DOB ranges).
• Unmarried males for IMA/INA/AFA/OTA Men; unmarried women, widows without child, or divorcees (not remarried) for OTA Women.
• Indian citizens (also subjects of Nepal/Bhutan and certain migrants per rules).

₹200 (General/OBC/EWS males); free for SC, ST, Females

Pay Level-10, ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 + Military Service Pay + allowances

1. Go to upsconline.nic.in and complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not done.
2. Open the CDS-II 2026 application and fill the form.
3. Upload photo and signature.
4. Pay ₹200 fee (exempted for SC/ST/Females) via net banking/card/UPI and submit before 09 June 2026 (6:00 PM).