UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026
Union Public Service Commission has published the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-II) 2026. Through this recruitment examination, candidates can join various defence training academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced under the CDS-II 2026 recruitment drive. Eligible candidates can complete the online registration process through the official UPSC portal within the prescribed application dates.
The CDS-II examination is one of the most popular defence entrance exams in India for graduates who wish to build a career in the Indian Armed Forces. Interested applicants should carefully read all instructions related to eligibility, educational qualification, age criteria, and selection stages before submitting the application form through XYZSET.
UPSC CDS-II 2026 : Recruitment Highlights
UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026
Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Defence Services Examination-II 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Type | Defence Services |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Category | Latest Defence Job |
| Official Portal | UPSC Official Website |
UPSC CDS-II 2026 : Important Schedule
| Event Name | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Published | May 2026 |
| Online Registration Begins | May 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | June 2026 |
| Application Fee Payment Last Date | June 2026 |
| Admit Card Availability | Before Examination |
| CDS-II Written Examination | September 2026 |
| Final Result | To Be Announced |
UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | No Fee |
Accepted Payment Methods
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Internet Banking
- UPI / Online Wallet
UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 : Age Criteria
| Academy | Age Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy | As per UPSC rules |
| Indian Naval Academy | As per UPSC rules |
| Air Force Academy | As per UPSC rules |
| Officers Training Academy | As per UPSC rules |
Candidates should verify complete age details from the official notification before applying. UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026
Academy Wise Vacancy Information
| Academy Name | Vacancy Status |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Available |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Available |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Available |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Available |
| Total Posts | 451 |
Educational Qualification Details
| Academy | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA / OTA | Graduation Degree in any discipline |
| INA | Engineering Degree |
| AFA | Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering Degree |
UPSC CDS-II Selection Procedure
| Stage | Selection Process |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Written Examination |
| Phase 2 | SSB Interview |
| Phase 3 | Document Verification |
| Phase 4 | Medical Fitness Test |
CDS-II Exam Pattern 2026
IMA, INA & AFA
UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 |
OTA Exam
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
Steps To Apply Online For UPSC CDS-II 2026
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Open the official UPSC website |
| Step 2 | Click on CDS-II Recruitment 2026 registration link |
| Step 3 | Complete One Time Registration (OTR) process |
| Step 4 | Fill all personal and educational details carefully |
| Step 5 | Upload photo, signature, and required documents |
| Step 6 | Pay the application fee online |
| Step 7 | Submit the form and save the final printout |
Required Documents
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- Aadhaar Card / ID Proof
- Graduation Marksheet
- Category Certificate (If Required)
- Valid Mobile Number & Email ID
Useful Important Links
| Description | Action |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification | Click Here |
| Check Syllabus | Click Here |
| View Exam Pattern | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
Also Read:- RRB NTPC 10+2 UG Admit Card 2026 Out – CBT 1 Exam Date, City Slip & Hall Ticket Download
UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 : FAQs
Q1. What is the full form of CDS?
Ans: CDS stands for Combined Defence Services Examination.
Q2. Who conducts the CDS-II Examination 2026?
Ans: The examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Q3. What is the qualification required for CDS-II 2026?
Ans: Candidates must possess a Graduation Degree or Engineering Degree depending on the academy.
Q4. What are the stages included in CDS-II selection?
Ans: Selection includes Written Exam, SSB Interview, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
Q5. Where can candidates apply for CDS-II Recruitment 2026?
Ans: Candidates can apply through the official UPSC website.
