Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026 notification for admission into prestigious defence academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Eligible graduates can apply online through the UPSC official portal.
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Organization |
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name |
Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 |
| Course Type |
IMA, INA, AFA & OTA Admissions |
| Application Mode |
Online |
| Notification Date |
20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply |
09 June 2026 |
| Exam Date |
13 September 2026 |
| Official Website |
upsc.gov.in |
Academies Under CDS 2 2026
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Men
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Women
Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized institution.
- AFA: Bachelor’s Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering Degree.
Age Limit
| IMA |
19 to 24 Years |
| INA |
19 to 24 Years |
| AFA |
20 to 24 Years |
| OTA (Men & Women) |
19 to 25 Years |
Application Fee
| General / OBC |
₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates |
No Fee |
Selection Process
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
CDS 2 Exam Pattern
| Academy |
Subjects |
Total Marks |
| IMA / INA / AFA |
English, General Knowledge & Elementary Mathematics |
300 |
| OTA |
English & General Knowledge |
200 |
Salary Details
During training, selected candidates will receive stipend of approximately
₹56,100 per month. After commissioning, officers will
receive salary and allowances as per defence pay matrix rules.
Important Dates
| Notification Release Date |
20 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date |
20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply |
09 June 2026 |
| Correction Window |
As per UPSC Schedule |
| Admit Card Release |
Before Exam |
| Written Exam Date |
13 September 2026 |
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official website: upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR).
- Open the CDS II Examination 2026 application form.
- Fill personal, educational and communication details.
- Upload photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee if applicable.
- Submit the online application before 09 June 2026.
Important Links
Apply Online
Official Website