UPSC CDS (2) 2026 Notification: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026. The online application process has started from 20 May 2026, and eligible candidates can submit the application form till 09 June 2026. The written examination for UPSC CDS 2 2026 will be conducted on 13 September 2026. Through this recruitment examination, candidates will get admission into the Indian Military Academy, the Indian Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Officers’ Training Academy courses.
Candidates who want to join the defence services through CDS 2 2026 should carefully read the official notification before applying. The application process will be completed in online mode only through the UPSC online portal. UPSC has also instructed candidates to use the Aadhaar Card for the smooth verification and authentication process.
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UPSC CDS (2) 2026 Overview
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026 |
| Notification Number | 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026, 06:00 pm |
| Written Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
Application Fees
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 200/- |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | Nil |
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Age Limit, Vacancy Details, and Qualification
The age limit to apply for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 varies according to the course.
- For the Indian Military Academy and the Indian Naval Academy, unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 01 July 2003 and not later than 01 July 2008 are eligible.
- For the Air Force Academy, candidates should be born not earlier than 01 July 2003 and not later than 01 July 2007.
- For Officers Training Academy (Men and Women), candidates should be born not earlier than 01 July 2002 and not later than 01 July 2008.
| Post / Course Name | Vacancy | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Any Graduate |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 | B.Tech or B.Sc. with Physics as core/ elective subject and Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or B.Tech |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Men | 275 | Any Graduate |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Women | 18 | Any Graduate |
UPSC CDS (2) 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 will be completed in multiple stages as mentioned in the official notification.
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview / Personality Test
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
How to Apply For UPSC CDS (2) 2026
Candidates can apply online for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 through the UPSC online application portal before the last date. Applicants should keep all required documents ready before filling out the application form.
- Visit the UPSC online application portal.
- Complete Universal Registration Number (URN) registration.
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Complete the Examination Specific Module.
- Upload photograph and signature as instructed.
- Pay the application fee through prescribed online mode.
- Submit the application form and save the Application Number for future use.
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Important Links
| UPSC CDS 2/2026 Notification PDF | Notification |
| UPSC CDS 2/2026 Online Form | Apply Online |
| UPSC Official Website | UPSC |

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