Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released an official notification for recruitment to the post of Combined Defence Service (CDS) Examination II 2026 for 451 vacancies. The Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission on 13th September 2026. Eligible candidates may apply online through official UPSC website upsconline.nic.in from 20th May 2026 till the last date of application submission 09th June 2026 for CDS 2 Examination 2026.
Get an instant breakdown of eligibility, category-wise vacancy distribution, syllabus highlights, and preparation strategy tailored for this notice.
While the 451 vacancies are significant, remember that UPSC CDS is primarily a gateway to officer-rank commission in the Indian Armed Forces. The most common mistake applicants make is choosing their service preference (IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA) without checking their specific educational qualifications—especially the 10+2 Physics and Math requirement for technical entries. Ensure your degree documents match the official record exactly, as discrepancies during the SSB interview phase can lead to immediate disqualification.
Total Vacancies
| Course Name | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| For IMA | Age: 19 to 24 years. Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 1st July, 2003 and not later than 1st July, 2008. |
| For Indian Naval Academy | Age: 19 to 24 years. Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 1st July, 2003 and not later than 1st July, 2008 only are eligible. |
| For Air Force Academy | 20 to 24 years as on 1st July, 2027 i.e. born not earlier than 1st July, 2003 and not later than 1st July, 2007. Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 1st July, 2001 and not later than 1st July, 2007 only are eligible. |
| For Officers' Training Academy - (SSC Course for men) | Age: 19 to 25 years. Unmarried male candidate born not earlier than 1st July 2002 and not later than 1st July, 2008 only are eligible. |
| For Officers' Training Academy - (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) | Age: 19 to 25 years. Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 1st July, 2002 and not later than 1st July, 2008. |
Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
A bachelor's degree in Engineering or B.Sc. with Physics as core or elective subject from recognised University/ Institution (with Physics and Mathematics in 10+2 level).
Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
Graduates with first choice as Army/ Navy/ Air Force are to submit proof of Graduation/ provisional certificates on the date of commencement of the SSB Interview at the SSB.
Candidates who are studying in the final year/ semester Degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply.
| Course Name | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| 1. Indian Military Academy, Dehradun - 163rd (DE) Course commencing in July 2027. | 100 |
| 2. Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala - Course commencing in July, 2027 Executive Branch (General Service)/ Hydro. | 26 |
| 3. Air Force Academy, Hyderabad - (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in July, 2027 i.e. 222 F(P) Course. | 32 |
| 4. Officers' Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 126th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course Commencing in October, 2027. | 275 |
| 5. Officers' Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 126th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in October, 2027. | 18 |
| Total Post | 451 |
Follow these verified steps to fill out the Combined Defence Service Examination (II) 2026 online form:
Ensure you have the following ready before applying: