🪖 UPSC CDS II Examination 2026 – 451 Vacancies
Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2026 for recruitment into prestigious defence academies of India. This examination provides an excellent opportunity for graduates who aspire to serve in the Indian Armed Forces as officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The recruitment is being conducted for admission into various defence training academies through the UPSC CDS II Examination.
📋 Recruitment Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏢 Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| 📌 Examination Name | CDS II Examination 2026 |
| 📊 Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| 🎓 Qualification | Graduate |
| 📅 Application Status | Active |
| 🌍 Job Location | Across India |
| 🖥️ Application Mode | Online |
| 💼 Job Category | Defence Officer Recruitment |
| 🔗 Apply Through | UPSC Apply Portal |
🪖 Academies Under CDS II 2026
The CDS examination is conducted for admission into the following academies:
| Academy | Service Branch |
|---|---|
| 🪖 Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Indian Army |
| ⚓ Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Indian Navy |
| ✈️ Air Force Academy (AFA) | Indian Air Force |
| 🎖️ Officers Training Academy (OTA) Men | Short Service Commission |
| 🎖️ Officers Training Academy (OTA) Women | Short Service Commission |
🎓 Educational Qualification
| Academy | Qualification |
|---|---|
| 🪖 IMA & OTA | Graduate Degree in Any Discipline |
| ⚓ INA | Engineering Degree |
| ✈️ AFA | Graduate with Physics & Mathematics / Engineering |
📌 Candidates must possess degrees from recognized universities/institutions.
👤 Age Limit
| Academy | Expected Age Limit |
|---|---|
| IMA | 19 – 24 Years |
| INA | 19 – 24 Years |
| AFA | 20 – 24 Years |
| OTA | 19 – 25 Years |
📌 Exact eligibility conditions should be verified from the official notification.
💰 Salary & Benefits
Selected candidates will receive salary and benefits as Defence Officers under Government of India norms.
Benefits Include:
✅ Attractive Officer Salary
✅ Military Allowances
✅ Free Medical Facilities
✅ Accommodation & Canteen Benefits
✅ Pension & Retirement Benefits
✅ Adventure & Travel Opportunities
✅ Prestigious Defence Career
📝 Selection Process
The CDS II recruitment process includes multiple stages:
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Written Examination | UPSC Offline Examination |
| 2️⃣ SSB Interview | Personality & intelligence assessment |
| 3️⃣ Medical Examination | Defence medical fitness test |
| 4️⃣ Merit List | Final selection based on performance |
📚 CDS II Exam Pattern
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| 🧠 English | 100 |
| 🔢 General Knowledge | 100 |
| ➗ Elementary Mathematics | 100 |
📌 OTA candidates are generally exempted from Mathematics paper.
🌟 Why Apply for CDS II?
✅ Opportunity to Become a Defence Officer
✅ Prestigious Career in Armed Forces
✅ Excellent Salary & Benefits
✅ Leadership & Adventure Opportunities
✅ Job Security & Respect in Society
✅ Serve the Nation with Pride
📅 Important Information
| Event | Status |
|---|---|
| Application Process | Active |
| Exam Date | To Be Announced |
| Admit Card | Will be released online |
🌐 Apply Online
🔗 Official UPSC Apply Portal:
UPSC Apply Portal
📌 Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification before submitting the online application form.