Union Public Service Commission Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026
Latest Jobs๐ ๐ Detailed Recruitment Information
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 notification, inviting eligible Indian candidates to apply online for 451 vacancies across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This is a Central Government permanent job with a monthly salary of โน56,100โโน1,77,500. The last date to submit the online application is 09 June 2026.
The UPSC CDS II 2026 examination is a highly competitive gateway for aspiring officers to join the prestigious defence forces of India. Last year, over 2 lakh candidates applied for a similar number of vacancies, highlighting the intense competition. Success in this exam not only offers a distinguished career with immense respect and responsibility but also provides excellent opportunities for career growth, skill development, and leadership training. The rigorous selection process ensures that only the most capable and dedicated individuals are chosen to serve the nation.
The selection process for UPSC CDS II 2026 involves a written examination followed by an intelligence and personality test. Candidates who successfully clear the written exam will be called for the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. The entire process is designed to assess the candidates' academic knowledge, physical fitness, mental aptitude, and leadership qualities. The timeline from application to final joining typically spans several months, requiring patience and perseverance from the applicants.
Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 โ Important Highlights
- Recruiting Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Post Name(s): Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers Training Academy (OTA)
- Total Vacancies: 451 Posts
- Job Category: Central Government โ Permanent
- Pay Level / Grade Pay: Pay Level 10 as per 7th CPC
- Gross Salary: โน56,100โโน1,77,500 per month (approx.)
- Job Location: All India (Training Academies & postings)
- Mode of Application: Online
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in
- Application Start Date: 20 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 09 June 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 09 June 2026
Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 โ Important Dates
| Event | Important Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | 09 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Not Applicable (as per source) |
| Admit Card Release Date | To Be Announced (approx. 2-3 weeks before exam) |
| Exam Date | 18 August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced (after exam and SSB) |
Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 โ Vacancy Details
The total number of vacancies for CDS II 2026 is 451 posts, distributed as follows:
| Academy / Course | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | 54 | 30 | 15 | 21 | 220 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 22 | 12 | 07 | 03 | 06 | 50 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) - Flying Branch | 32 | 17 | 09 | 05 | 07 | 70 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) - Ground Duty (Technical) | 10 | 05 | 03 | 02 | 03 | 23 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) - Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 10 | 05 | 03 | 02 | 03 | 23 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai - SSC Men | 37 | 20 | 11 | 06 | 06 | 80 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai - SSC Women (Non-Technical) | 08 | 04 | 02 | 01 | 01 | 16 |
| Total | 219 | 117 | 62 | 34 | 47 | 451 |
Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 โ Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (As on 01 January 2027)
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years
- Age Relaxation as per Government Rules:
- For IMA & INA: Born not earlier than 02 January 2003 and not later than 01 January 2007.
- For Air Force Academy (Flying Branch): Born not earlier than 02 January 2003 and not later than 01 January 2007.
- For Air Force Academy (Ground Duty Branches): Born not earlier than 02 January 2003 and not later than 01 January 2007.
- For Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai (SSC Men): Born not earlier than 02 January 2002 and not later than 01 January 2007.
- For Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai (SSC Women Non-Technical): Born not earlier than 02 January 2002 and not later than 01 January 2007.
- Note: Upper age limit is relaxable for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories as per Central Government rules, but the maximum age limit for OTA entry is 24 years for civilian candidates.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Degree of Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce of a recognised University or equivalent.
- For Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Indian Naval Academy (INA): Degree of Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce of a recognised University or equivalent.
- For Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree of Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce of a recognised University or equivalent. AND Candidates who have passed the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview for a regular commission in the NDA/NA and subsequently are undergoing training for a period not less than two years, provided they have attained the age of 20 years and are below the age of 25 years on the date of their admission to the Academy.
- For Air Force Academy (Flying Branch): 10+2 pass with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised Board or University.
- For Air Force Academy (Ground Duty Branches): Degree of Bachelor of Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) or equivalent.
- For Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai (SSC Men & Women): Degree of Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce of a recognised University or equivalent.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Nationality: Must be a citizen of India. Candidates belonging to certain categories are eligible subject to specific conditions mentioned in the notification.
Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit according to the physical standards prescribed for admission to CDS examination. Detailed medical examination will be conducted by the Armed Forces Medical Services.
Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 โ Salary, Pay Scale & Allowances
Candidates selected for CDS II 2026 will be placed at Pay Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix.
- Basic Pay: โน56,100โโน1,77,500 per month
- Grade Pay / Pay Level: Pay Level 10
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As per government rules (currently a significant percentage of basic pay)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Applicable based on posting location (X, Y, Z cities)
- Transport Allowance (TA): As per government rules
- Medical Benefits: Comprehensive medical facilities provided to officers and their families.
- Gross Monthly Salary (Approx.): โน56,100 to โน1,77,500 depending on rank and allowances. Starting salary with allowances can be significantly higher than the basic pay.
In addition to the salary, officers are entitled to various perks and benefits including accommodation, leave travel concession, canteen facilities, and opportunities for further education and training.
Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 โ Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | โน200/- |
| SC / ST Candidates | Free |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | Free |
| PwD (Persons with Disability) | Free |
| Ex-Servicemen | Free |
| Accepted Payment Modes | Cash at SBI Branch, Net Banking, Credit Card |
Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 โ Selection Process
The selection of candidates for CDS II 2026 will be done through a multi-stage process:
- Stage 1 โ Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC. It consists of three papers for IMA/INA/AFA (English, General Knowledge, Mathematics) and two papers for OTA (English, General Knowledge). Total marks vary by academy.
- Stage 2 โ Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB Interview): Conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) for candidates who qualify the written exam. This stage assesses psychological aptitude and suitability for a career in the armed forces.
- Stage 3 โ Document Verification & Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the SSB will undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they meet the stringent physical and medical standards required for defence services.
A final merit list will be prepared based on the aggregate marks obtained in the written examination and the SSB interview, considering the vacancies available for each service.
Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 โ Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | English | 100 | 2 Hours | Yes |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours | Yes |
| Paper III | Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours | Yes |
| Total for IMA/INA/AFA | 300 | 6 Hours | Yes | |
| Paper I | English | 100 | 2 Hours | Yes |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours | Yes |
| Total for OTA | 200 | 4 Hours | Yes | |
Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 โ Syllabus
English: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, usage, and other aspects of English language.
General Knowledge: Current events of national and international importance, history of India, geography, political science, economics, basic science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), etc.
Mathematics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics.
How to Apply Online for Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026
Follow these steps to fill the CDS II 2026 online application form before the last date:
- Visit the official website of UPSC: upsc.gov.in
- Find and click the link for "Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 - Apply Online" on the homepage or the 'What's New' section.
- Click on "Part I Registration". Read the instructions carefully and proceed.
- Fill in all the required personal details, educational qualifications, and choose your preferred examination centre.
- After completing Part I, proceed to "Part II Registration". Upload your scanned photograph and signature as per the specifications.
- Pay the application fee of โน200/- through the available online payment modes (Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card) or by cash at an SBI branch.
- Review all the entered information carefully. Click Final Submit after confirming accuracy.
- Download the e-receipt and take a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.
โ ๏ธ Pro Tip from our experts: Apply well in advance of the deadline. Government portals often experience high traffic and technical glitches in the final days, which can lead to failed submissions. Ensure all details are accurate before final submission.
Documents Required for Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026
Keep the following documents ready (scanned copies in JPEG/PDF format) before you start the application:
- 10th Certificate (for Date of Birth proof)
- 10th Mark Sheet
- 12th Certificate and Mark Sheet (especially for Air Force Academy Flying Branch)
- Degree Certificate and all year mark sheets (as per required qualification for the specific academy)
- Caste Certificate (SC / ST / OBC-NCL) โ if claiming relaxation/exemption
- EWS Income and Asset Certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of fee payment (e-receipt)
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background, taken within last 3 months, specific dimensions and size limit as per notification)
- Scanned signature on plain white paper (black ink, specific dimensions and size limit as per notification)
- Proof of identity (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport)
- Certificate for Ex-Servicemen (if applicable)
Important Tips for Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 Applicants
- ๐ Set deadline reminders: Mark 20 May 2026 and 09 June 2026 in your calendar. Avoid applying on the last day due to potential server issues.
- โ Verify eligibility before paying the fee: Ensure you meet all age, educational, and physical requirements before submitting your application and fee, as fees are generally non-refundable.
- ๐ธ Match document specifications exactly: Pay close attention to the photograph and signature dimensions and file size requirements. Incorrectly uploaded documents can lead to application rejection.
- ๐จ๏ธ Print and preserve your form: Download and print the submitted application form and fee receipt. These are crucial for future reference and the SSB interview stage.
- ๐ง Keep your email and mobile number active: All communication regarding admit cards, SSB interview dates, and results will be sent to the registered email ID and mobile number.
- ๐ Start exam preparation early: The CDS exam covers a vast syllabus. Begin your preparation for all subjects, including Mathematics, General Knowledge, and English, well in advance.