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 Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Service Examination-II, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Application Mode | Offline (OMR Based) |
| Application Dates | 20/05/2026 to 09/06/2026 |
| Exam Date | 13/09/2026 |
| Selection Mode | Written Examination➡SSB➡Medical Examination |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in, |
2. Important Dates (UPSC CDS-II 2026)
| Apply Start Date | 20/05/2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09/06/2026 (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
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) - 19 to 24 Years
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) - 19 to 24 Years
- Air Force Academy (AFA) - 20 to 24 Years
- Officer's Training Academy (OTA) - 19 to 25 Years (Men)
- Officer's Training Academy (OTA) - 19 to 25 Years (Women)
Educational Qualification for UPSC CDS 2 2026
- For IMA - Bachelor's Degree of a recognized University or equivalent
- For INA - A degree in Engineering or B.Sc. with Physics of a recognized University
(with Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 Level) - For AFA - Bachelor Degree or Bachelor of Engineering of a recognized University
(with Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 Level) - 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
- Visit the official Website https://upsconline.nic.in/
- One Time Registration (OTR) - Create Account with your personal details, mobile number and email ID.
- 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.
- Upload your recent passport size photo, signature and ID Proof.
- Pay the examination fee online via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
- Review your details, submit the form, and print the confirmation page.
8. Important Links
| Apply Online Link | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Visit Site |