If you’ve ever dreamed of wearing a uniform and serving India as a commissioned officer, this is your moment. The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 notification is officially out, and it’s one of the biggest Defence Jobs 2026 opportunities of the year. The Union Public Service Commission has announced 451 vacancies across four prestigious defence academies — IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Applications opened on 20 May 2026, and the window closes on 09 June 2026. Don’t wait — Jobs Guides brings you every important detail so you can apply with confidence.
Overview : UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Total Posts | 451 |
| Apply Mode | Online Only |
| Who Can Apply | Indian Graduates (Male & Female) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
The 451 vacancies are spread across the Indian Military Academy (100 posts), Indian Naval Academy (26 posts), Air Force Academy (32 posts), and Officers’ Training Academy with 293 posts for men. Additionally, OTA has 18 reserved seats for women candidates.
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
The age criteria differ by academy for the UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026. Here’s the complete breakdown:
| Academy | Age Limit | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) | 19 to 24 Years | Unmarried Males Only |
| INA (Indian Naval Academy) | 19 to 22 Years | Unmarried Males Only |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) | 20 to 24 Years | Unmarried Males Only |
| OTA – Men (Short Service Commission) | 19 to 25 Years | Unmarried Males |
| OTA – Women | 19 to 25 Years | Unmarried / Widow / Divorcee |
Candidates must be born not earlier than 01 July 2003 and not later than 01 July 2008 as per the official notification.
Note: There is no age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates under this examination — UPSC follows fixed age windows by academy. For AFA, the upper age limit is extendable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence).
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (Male) | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST Candidates | Exempted |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | Exempted |
| Payment Mode | Online (Net Banking / Debit / Credit Card) or Offline (SBI Cash Deposit) |
The application fee can be submitted in either offline or online mode via net banking, Mastercard/debit card, or cash deposit in any branch of SBI Bank.
UPSC CDS II Notification 2026 Selection Process
The UPSC CDS 2 2026 selection is a multi-stage process:
The selection process includes Written Examination, SSB Interview, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
- Stage 1 – Written Exam: Conducted by UPSC on 13 September 2026 (Offline/Pen-Paper mode)
- Stage 2 – SSB Interview: Intelligence & Personality Test conducted by Services Selection Board
- Stage 3 – Document Verification: Original certificates verified
- Stage 4 – Medical Examination: Final fitness check before joining
The admit card will be released approximately 10 days before the written exam date. Carry a hard copy to the examination hall.
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UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Education Qualification
Qualification requirements vary by academy:
| Academy | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) | Degree from a recognized University or equivalent |
| OTA – Men & Women | Degree from a recognized University or equivalent |
| INA (Indian Naval Academy) | Engineering Degree OR B.Sc. with Physics as core subject (with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level) |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) | Degree from a recognized University (with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level) |
For IMA and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), a degree of a recognised University or equivalent is required. For Indian Naval Academy, a degree in Engineering or B.Sc. with Physics as core or elective subject from a recognised University/Institution (with Physics and Mathematics in 10+2 level) is required.
Required Documents
Keep these documents ready before applying:
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID)
- Class 10 Certificate (for Date of Birth proof)
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Graduation Degree / Final Year Marksheet
- Recent Passport-size Photographs
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate (if applicable, for reserved seats)
- Valid CPL (for AFA age relaxation, if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 (by 6:00 PM) |
| Written Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | ~10 Days Before Exam |
| IMA Course Commencement | July 2027 (163rd Direct Entry Course) |
⚠️ Act fast — the last date is 09 June 2026. Only 17 days remain from today!
Important Links
| Link Name | Action |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| YouTube Channel | Click Here |
FAQs – UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
What is the last date for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit your online application is 09 June 2026 by 6:00 PM.
How many total vacancies are available in UPSC CDS II 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies are available across IMA (100), INA (26), AFA (32), and OTA (293 Men + 18 Women).
Can female candidates apply for UPSC CDS II 2026?
Yes, female candidates are eligible to apply — but only for OTA (Women) posts, not for IMA, INA, or AFA.
What is the written exam date for CDS II 2026?
The UPSC CDS II written examination will be held on 13 September 2026.
Conclusion – UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is a rare and prestigious opportunity for graduates who want to serve their nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. With 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA, and the application window closing on 09 June 2026, there’s no time to waste. Whether you’re aiming for the Army, Navy, or Air Force — this is the exam that can change your life.
Check your eligibility, keep your documents ready, and submit your UPSC CDS 2 Online Form 2026 before the deadline. For the latest updates on Defence Jobs 2026 and UPSC Government Jobs 2026, bookmark Jobs Guides — your most trusted source for verified government job alerts.
Jagannath Mahato is a B.Tech graduate in Computer Science from Bokaro, Jharkhand with 3 years of experience covering government jobs, banking, SSC, and technical recruitments across India. Every update on Jobs Guides is personally verified before publishing — so you always get accurate, trustworthy information.