Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Notification for 451 vacancies in Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Candidates looking for latest defence jobs, UPSC CDS 2 Apply Online 2026, graduate government jobs, and officer-level recruitment opportunities can submit their online application before 09 June 2026. The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026 is one of India’s top defence entrance exams for graduates seeking careers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Company Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Post Name | IMA, INA, AFA & OTA Courses |
| Number of Posts | 451 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 09 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview & Medical Test |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy Details 2026
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced through UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2026 for various defence training academies. Candidates can check academy-wise vacancy distribution below.
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – 100 Posts
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – 26 Posts
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – 32 Posts
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai SSC Men – 275 Posts
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai SSC Women – 18 Posts
Course Commencement
- IMA / INA / AFA Courses – July 2027
- OTA Courses – October 2027
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS 2 2026
Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Graduation Degree from a recognized university.
- INA: Engineering Degree OR B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- AFA: Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering.
- Final year students are also eligible to apply.
Age Limit
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed age criteria as per the chosen academy.
- IMA: 19 to 24 Years
- INA: 19 to 24 Years
- AFA: 20 to 24 Years
- OTA Men: 19 to 25 Years
- OTA Women: 19 to 25 Years
Marital Status
- IMA / INA: Unmarried Male Candidates only
- AFA: Unmarried candidates below 25 years
- OTA Men: Unmarried Male Candidates
- OTA Women: Unmarried Women, Issueless Widows & Divorcees
UPSC CDS 2 Salary, Application Fee & Important Dates
Salary / Stipend
Selected candidates during training will receive a stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month under Level 10 pay scale.
Application Fee
| General / OBC / EWS Male | Rs. 200/- |
| SC / ST Candidates | No Fee |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
Important Dates
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Starting Date to Apply | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Written Result | October 2026 (Tentative) |
UPSC CDS 2 Selection Process 2026
The UPSC CDS 2 2026 selection process consists of three major stages. Candidates must qualify each stage to get final selection.
Stage 1 – Written Examination
- Objective type examination
- Negative marking applicable
- Black Ball Pen mandatory for OMR sheet
- Subjects include English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics
Stage 2 – SSB Interview
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Picture Perception & Description Test
- Psychology Tests
- Group Tasks & Personal Interview
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Candidates qualifying the SSB Interview will undergo detailed medical examination as per defence standards.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026
IMA / INA / AFA Exam Pattern
- English – 100 Marks
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks
- Elementary Mathematics – 100 Marks
- Total – 300 Marks
OTA Exam Pattern
- English – 100 Marks
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks
- Total – 200 Marks
Important Topics in CDS Syllabus
- Current Affairs
- Indian History & Geography
- General Science
- Arithmetic & Algebra
- Trigonometry & Geometry
- English Grammar & Vocabulary
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC online portal before the last date. Follow the steps below carefully.
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR).
- Fill the CDS 2 Online Application Form.
- Upload photograph, signature, and required documents.
- Pay the application fee through online mode.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Documents Required
- Graduation Mark Sheets
- Matriculation Certificate
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- Valid ID Proof
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
Important Instructions
- Apply early to get preferred exam centre.
- No correction facility available after final submission.
- Mobile phones and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited in exam hall.
- Negative marking applies in written examination.
- Women candidates can apply only for OTA SSC Women course.
The UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for graduates preparing for defence jobs after graduation, UPSC CDS exam, Army officer recruitment, Navy officer vacancy, and Air Force officer entry. Interested candidates should carefully check eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, and important dates before submitting the online application form.
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