What's in this article?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the CDS 2 Notification 2026, inviting applications for 451 officer vacancies across various defence academies. Aspiring candidates can apply online for positions in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The application window is open from 20th May to 9th June 2026, with the written exam scheduled for 13th September 2026.
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026: Key Details
ProJobAlert.com | |
|---|---|
| UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2026 for Officer Posts Advertisement No.:- 11/2026-CDS-II | |
| Recruitment Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) II |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Job Location | All India |
| Start Date to Apply | 20th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9th June 2026 (by 6:00 PM) |
| Qualification | Degree from a recognised university (various streams) |
| Age Limit | 19-25 Years (Varies by Academy) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Exam |
| Salary | ₹56,100 - ₹2,50,000 (Level 10 to Level 18) |
| Application Fees |
General/OBC (Male): ₹200/- SC/ST Candidates: Nil All Female Candidates: Nil |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Syllabus & PYQs PDF | Download PDF |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| 👉 Apply Online Now | |
Important Date
- Notification Released: 20th May 2026
- Application Start: 20th May 2026
- Last Date : 9th June 2026 (6:00 PM)
- Correction Date: To be Notified
- Exam Date: 13th September 2026
- Admit Card: 7 days before exam date
- Written Result: Expected in October 2026
- SSB Interview (IMA/INA/AFA): February-March 2027
- SSB Interview (OTA): April-June 2027
- Course Commencement (IMA/INA): July 2027
- Course Commencement (OTA): October 2027
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 19 Years
- Maximum Age: 25 Years (Varies by Academy)
- Age Relaxation:
- Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules for specific categories.
- Note: Kindly Read Full Official Notification Before Apply.
Application Fees
- General/OBC (Male): ₹200/-
- SC/ST Candidates: Nil
- All Female Candidates: Nil
Qualification
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Officers Training Academy (OTA): Degree from a recognised university or equivalent.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Engineering degree or B.Sc. with Physics as a core/elective subject from a recognised university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level).
- Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree from a recognised university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
Full Eligibility
Candidates must meet specific nationality, age, gender, and educational criteria as outlined in the CDS 2 Notification 2026 to be eligible for these prestigious officer roles.
| Academy | Age Limit (as on 01 July 2027) | Gender & Marital Status |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19-24 years (born between 01 July 2003 to 01 July 2008) | Unmarried males only |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19-24 years (born between 01 July 2003 to 01 July 2008) | Unmarried males only |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20-24 years (born between 01 July 2003 to 01 July 2007); up to 26 years with valid DGCA CPL | Unmarried candidates below 25 years; married candidates aged 25+ eligible but no married accommodation during training |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA Men) | 19-25 years (born between 01 July 2002 to 01 July 2008) | Unmarried males only |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA Women) | 19-25 years (born between 01 July 2002 to 01 July 2008) | Unmarried women, issueless widows (not remarried), and issueless divorcees (not remarried) |
Nationality Criteria
Applicants must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Indian Citizens | Must be a citizen of India |
| Subjects of Nepal | Eligible; Gorkha subjects not required to produce eligibility certificate |
| Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) | Migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, or Vietnam with permanent settlement intent in India |
Salary
Officers commissioned through UPSC CDS receive an attractive salary package as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), with pay scales increasing significantly with rank and experience.
| Rank | Level | Pay (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10 B | 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General (HAG Scale) | Level 15 | 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 |
| HAG+ Scale | Level 16 | 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/Army Commander/Lieutenant General | Level 17 | 2,25,000 (fixed) |
| COAS | Level 18 | 2,50,000 (fixed) |
- In addition to basic pay, officers are entitled to various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), Military Service Pay (MSP), Field Area Allowance, High Altitude Allowance, and more.
- The Military Service Pay (MSP) is ₹15,500/- per month for officers.
- Other benefits include subsidized accommodation, medical facilities, leave travel concession, and pension benefits.
Selection Process
The UPSC CDS 2026 selection process involves a rigorous three-stage evaluation to identify suitable candidates for officer roles in the Indian Armed Forces.
- Stage 1: Written Examination - Candidates first appear for a written objective-type examination conducted by UPSC.
- Stage 2: SSB Interview - Shortlisted candidates from the written exam undergo a comprehensive Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview, which includes intelligence and personality tests.
- Stage 3: Medical Examination - Candidates who clear the SSB Interview are then subjected to a thorough medical examination to ensure they meet the required physical and medical standards.
Exam Pattern
The CDS 2 2026 written examination consists of objective-type questions, with different patterns for IMA/INA/AFA and OTA, and includes negative marking for incorrect answers.
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Written Total | 300 | |
| SSB Interview | 300 | |
| Grand Total | 600 |
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Written Total | 200 | |
| SSB Interview | 200 | |
| Grand Total | 400 |
- All question papers are objective-type and must be answered on OMR sheets using a black ball pen.
- The General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers are bilingual (Hindi and English).
- Negative Marking: One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
- Tie-Breaking Rules: In case of a tie in final marks, higher marks in the written exam, then General Knowledge (Paper II), then older age, are considered.
Post / Category Wise Vacancy
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced for various courses under the CDS 2 Notification 2026, distributed across the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy.
| S. No. | Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Military Academy: 163rd (DE) Course (July 2027) | 100 (including 13 for NCC ‘C’ Army Wing holders) |
| 2 | Indian Naval Academy: Executive Branch (Gen Service/Hydro) (July 2027) | 26 (including 06 for NCC ‘C’ Naval Wing + 01 Hydro) |
| 3 | Air Force Academy: 222 F(P) Course (July 2027) | 32 (including 03 for NCC ‘C’ Air Wing holders) |
| 4 | Officers Training Academy: 126th SSC Men (NT) (UPSC) Course (Oct 2027) | 275 |
| 5 | Officers Training Academy: 126th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course (Oct 2027) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Job Profile & Responsibility
As a Commissioned Officer in the Indian Armed Forces through CDS, you will undertake a role of immense responsibility, leadership, and national service. Officers are entrusted with commanding troops, managing resources, planning and executing operations, and ensuring the welfare and training of personnel. The job demands high levels of discipline, strategic thinking, physical fitness, and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure, contributing directly to national security and defence.
| Academy/Service | Primary Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Leading infantry/armoured units, tactical planning, ground operations, troop management. |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Navigating ships, managing naval operations, maritime security, logistics, and engineering roles. |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Flying operations (fighters, transport, helicopters), air traffic control, ground duties, technical support. |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Short Service Commission roles in various branches of the Army, leadership, administration, training. |
- Officers are responsible for maintaining discipline and morale among their subordinates.
- They are involved in strategic planning and execution of defence policies.
- Continuous training and skill development are integral parts of an officer's career.
- Officers represent the nation and uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
How To Apply
Candidates interested in the UPSC CDS 2 2026 recruitment must apply online through the official UPSC portal by following a structured application process.
- Step 1: Visit Official Portal: Go to the UPSC Online Application Portal at www.upsconline.nic.in.
- Step 2: Create Account/Register: Complete Account Creation and Universal Registration to obtain a Universal Registration Number (URN), which is valid for all UPSC exams.
- Step 3: Fill Common Application Form (CAF): Fill in the CAF with your personal, educational, and photo ID details.
- Step 4: Examination Specific Module: Complete the examination-specific module by selecting academy preferences, exam centre, and uploading required documents.
- Step 5: Pay Application Fee: Pay the applicable application fee using any of the prescribed online payment modes.
- Step 6: Submit & Note Application Number: Submit the form and carefully note down the generated Application Number for future reference.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2025 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Defence Jobs | Click Here |
| UPSC Jobs | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
FAQs
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS 2 2026?
The last date to apply online for UPSC CDS 2 2026 is 9th June 2026, by 6:00 PM.
How many vacancies are announced in UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced for various academies under the UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2026.
What are the educational qualifications required for CDS 2?
Qualifications vary by academy: a Degree for IMA/OTA, Engineering Degree or B.Sc. with Physics for INA, and a Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 or B.Eng for AFA.
What is the application fee for UPSC CDS 2 2026?
The application fee is ₹200/- for General/OBC (Male) candidates, while SC/ST and all Female candidates are exempted from paying fees.
What is the selection process for CDS 2?
The selection process includes a Written Examination, followed by an SSB Interview (Intelligence and Personality Test), and finally a Medical Examination.
When is the UPSC CDS 2 2026 exam scheduled?
The written examination for UPSC CDS 2 2026 is scheduled for 13th September 2026.
Where can I find the official notification for CDS 2 2026?
You can download the official notification from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) website at www.upsc.gov.in.
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