UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Apply Online for 451 Posts
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The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Recruitment 2026 notification for 451 vacancies across various defence academies in India.
Candidates interested in defence services and officer-level government jobs can apply online for the UPSC CDS II Examination 2026 through the official UPSC portal from May 20, 2026 to June 9, 2026.
The recruitment examination is conducted for admission into:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy
- Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Interested applicants are advised to carefully check eligibility criteria, age limit, vacancy details, and important dates before submitting the application form.
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | UPSC |
| Full Form | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination II 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Job Location | India |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Begin | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 09 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | As per Schedule |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | ₹0 |
Payment Modes
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- E-Challan
UPSC CDS II Eligibility Criteria 2026
| Academy | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream |
| Indian Naval Academy | Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering |
| Air Force Academy | Bachelor’s Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 Level |
Age Limit
| Criteria | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 20 Years |
| Maximum Age | 24 Years |
Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC recruitment rules.
Vacancy Details
| Academy | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy | 26 |
| Air Force Academy | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 293 |
| Total | 451 Posts |
Selection Process
The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 selection process generally includes:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Candidates qualifying the written exam will be called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview round.
Required Documents
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before applying:
| Required Documents |
|---|
| Passport Size Photograph |
| Signature |
| ID Proof |
| Educational Certificates |
| Address Details |
| Category Certificate (if applicable) |
How to Apply for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website.
Application Steps
| Step | Process |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit the official UPSC website |
| Step 2 | Complete One Time Registration (OTR) |
| Step 3 | Open CDS II Recruitment 2026 form |
| Step 4 | Fill application form carefully |
| Step 5 | Upload required documents |
| Step 6 | Pay application fee |
| Step 7 | Submit final application form |
| Step 8 | Print application confirmation |
Applicants are advised to review all entered information carefully before final submission.
Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official UPSC Website | UPSC Official Website |
| Apply Online | UPSC Online Application Portal |
| Official Notification | UPSC CDS II Notification 2026 |
Why You Should Apply?
The UPSC CDS II Examination is one of India’s most prestigious defence recruitment examinations for graduates aspiring to join the:
- Indian Army
- Indian Navy
- Indian Air Force
Selected candidates receive:
- Officer-level training
- Government salary and benefits
- Leadership opportunities
- Career growth in defence services
- Respect and national service opportunities
Why This Recruitment Stands Out
The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 offers a golden opportunity for graduates seeking careers in the Indian Armed Forces through one of the country’s most competitive defence examinations.
With 451 vacancies across prestigious defence academies and officer training institutions, the recruitment provides excellent career prospects, leadership training, and opportunities to serve the nation through the Indian defence services.
