UPSC CDS Examination-II, 2026 Notification Out : Direct Link to Apply for 451 Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026. The Online Application window is open from 20 May 2026 to 09 June 2026. Read for the Important Dates, Eligibility Criteria and step-by-step application instructions. This year, UPSC has announced a total of 451 Posts across various Defence Academies. 

1. Overview UPSC CDS 2 2026

Organization NameUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam NameCombined Defence Service Examination-II, 2026
Total Vacancies451 Posts
Application Mode
Offline (OMR Based)
Application Dates20/05/2026 to 09/06/2026
Exam Date13/09/2026
Selection ModeWritten Examination➡SSBMedical Examination
Official Website
https://upsc.gov.in,

2. Important Dates (UPSC CDS-II 2026)

Apply Start Date20/05/2026
Last Date to Apply09/06/2026 (06:00 PM)
Last Date Fee Payment
09/06/2026
Date of Examination
13/09/2026
Admit Card
1st week of the exam
Result Declaration
October 2026 (Tentative)

3. Application Fee

  • General / OBC / EWS: 200/-
  • SC / ST / HP : 0/-
  • Payment Mode : Online (Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking and UPI)

4. UPSC CDS 2 Eligibility Criteria

    Age Limit for CDS Exam 2, 2026

  1. Indian Military Academy (IMA) - 19 to 24 Years
  2. Indian Naval Academy (INA) - 19 to 24 Years
  3. Air Force Academy (AFA) - 20 to 24 Years
  4. Officer's Training Academy (OTA) - 19 to 25 Years (Men)
  5. Officer's Training Academy (OTA) - 19 to 25 Years (Women)

    Educational Qualification for UPSC CDS 2 2026

  1. For IMA - Bachelor's Degree of a recognized University or equivalent
  2. For INA - A degree in Engineering or B.Sc. with Physics of a recognized University
    (with Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 Level)
  3. For AFA - Bachelor Degree or Bachelor of Engineering of a recognized University
    (with Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 Level)
  4. For OTA - Bachelor's Degree of a recognized University or equivalent  

5. UPSC CDS-II Vacancy Details 2026 - Total - 451 Posts

Category Vacancies
Indian Military Academy (IMA) 100
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
26
Air Force Academy (AFA)
32
Officers Training Academy (Men)
275
Officers Training Academy (Women)
18
Total Posts
451

6. Selection Process

  • Written Examination
  • SSB Interview
  • Medical Examination
  • Final Merit List

7. How to Fill UPSC CDS Examination-II, 2026 Online Form

  1. Visit the official Website https://upsconline.nic.in/
  2. One Time Registration (OTR) - Create Account with your personal details, mobile number and email ID. 
  3. Fill the Application Form - Login your OTR ID and select Combined Defence Service Examination-II, 2026 and  Fill the Application Form with your educational qualification, address & service preferences - IMA, INA, AFA, OTA.
  4. Upload your recent passport size photo, signature and ID Proof.
  5. Pay the examination fee online via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
  6. Review your details, submit the form, and print the confirmation page.

8. Important Links

Apply Online LinkClick Here
Official NotificationDownload PDF
Official WebsiteVisit Site