UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2026: Your Path to a Career in the Indian Armed Forces
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for graduates across India to join the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. With a total of 451 vacancies, this recruitment drive aims to select the finest candidates to serve as commissioned officers in the defense forces.
If you have a passion for serving the nation and possess the required academic qualifications, the CDS exam is your gateway to a disciplined and rewarding career. Below, we have detailed everything you need to know about the UPSC CDS 2 2026 recruitment process.
Overview of UPSC CDS (II) Exam 2026
The CDS exam is conducted twice a year by the UPSC. The second session of 2026 brings a significant number of openings for both men and women. Here is a quick snapshot of the recruitment:
- Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Exam Name: Combined Defence Services (II) Examination 2026
- Total Vacancies: 451 Posts
- Job Category: Permanent (Central Government)
- Job Location: All India
Important Dates for CDS 2 2026
Staying updated with the timeline is crucial for a successful application. While the exact dates for 2026 are being finalized, the general schedule is as follows:
- Notification Release: To be announced in 2026
- Online Application Starts: To be announced in 2026
- Last Date to Apply: To be announced (usually 06:00 PM on the closing day)
- Exam Date: Scheduled for 2026
- Admit Card Availability: Usually 2-3 weeks before the exam
Application Fee Structure
Candidates must pay the application fee through online modes (Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI). The fee structure is designed to be inclusive:
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹200/-
- SC / ST / Sons of JCOs / ORs: Nil (Exempted)
- Female Candidates (All Categories): Nil (Exempted)
Eligibility Criteria and Age Limit
The eligibility for CDS varies depending on the academy you wish to join. Please ensure you fall within the specified age brackets (calculated as per official norms):
1. Educational Qualifications
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Degree in Engineering OR a B.Sc. with Physics and Mathematics as subjects.
- Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree in Engineering OR a Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
- Officers Training Academy (OTA – Men & Women): Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university.
2. Age Limit (Tentative Brackets)
- Air Force Academy: Born between 2003 and 2007.
- Indian Naval Academy: Born between 2003 and 2008.
- Indian Military Academy: Born between 2003 and 2008.
- Officers Training Academy: Born between 2002 and 2008.
CDS 2 2026 Vacancy Breakdown
The 451 vacancies are distributed across various training academies as follows:
| Academy Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA – Men), Chennai | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA – Women), Chennai | 18 |
| Grand Total | 451 |
Exam Pattern and Selection Process
The selection process for the UPSC CDS exam is rigorous, ensuring only the most capable candidates move forward. It consists of four main stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (Intelligence and Personality Test)
- Medical Examination
- Document Verification
Written Exam Pattern for IMA, INA, and AFA
Candidates for these academies must appear for three papers. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd for every wrong answer.
- English: 100 Marks (2 Hours)
- General Knowledge: 100 Marks (2 Hours)
- Elementary Mathematics: 100 Marks (2 Hours)
- Total: 300 Marks
Written Exam Pattern for OTA (Men & Women)
OTA candidates are exempted from the Mathematics paper.
- English: 100 Marks (2 Hours)
- General Knowledge: 100 Marks (2 Hours)
- Total: 200 Marks
Important Links
| Link Name | Access |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for UPSC CDS II 2026 | Open Link |
| Download UPSC CDS 2 2026 Official Notification PDF | Open Link |
| Visit UPSC Official Website | Open Link |
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS 2 2026 Examination is a golden opportunity for those who dream of a life of adventure, honor, and service. With 451 vacancies available, the competition will be high, so early preparation is key. Make sure to review the syllabus thoroughly and keep track of the application deadlines to ensure you don’t miss out on this chance to join the Indian Armed Forces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the total number of vacancies for CDS 2 2026?
There are a total of 451 vacancies distributed among IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
2. Can final-year students apply for the CDS exam?
Yes, candidates in their final year of graduation can typically apply, provided they can produce proof of passing the degree examination by the date specified in the official notification.
3. Is there any negative marking in the CDS written exam?
Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. For every incorrect response, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
4. What is the selection process for the Officers Training Academy (OTA)?
The selection for OTA involves a written exam (English and GK), followed by an SSB interview, medical examination, and document verification.
5. Are women eligible for the CDS exam?
Yes, women candidates are eligible to apply for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in the Indian Army.