UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 Notification OUT – Apply Online for 451 Posts at IMA, INA, AFA & OTA
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi has officially released Examination Notice No. 11/2026-CDS-II dated 20 May 2026 for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II), 2026 to fill 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. The online application window is open from 20 May 2026 and closes on 09 June 2026 by 06:00 PM at upsconline.nic.in. The Written Examination is scheduled on 13 September 2026. Successful candidates will commence training in July 2027 (IMA/INA/AFA) and October 2027 (OTA).
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026: Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi |
| Examination Notice No. | 11/2026-CDS-II dated 20/05/2026 |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II), 2026 |
| Post Name | Lieutenant / Flying Officer / SSC Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 451 (Tentative – subject to change by Services HQ) |
| Academies | IMA Dehradun, INA Ezhimala, AFA Hyderabad, OTA Chennai |
| Stipend During Training | ₹56,100/- per month (Pay Level 10) |
| Application Mode | Online only via upsconline.nic.in |
| Written Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Written Result (Tentative) | October 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 (IMA/INA/AFA) | October 2027 (OTA) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 (up to 06:00 PM) |
| Helpline Active Period | 20-05-2026 to 09-06-2026 (10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, working days) |
| e-Admit Card Download | Last working day of the week preceding the exam date |
| Written Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Answer Key Representation Window | Day 3 to Day 7 after exam (up to 06:00 PM) |
| Written Result Date (Tentative) | October 2026 |
| SSB Interview – IMA / INA / AFA | February – March 2027 (Tentative) |
| SSB Interview – OTA | April – June 2027 (Tentative) |
| Course Commencement – IMA / INA / AFA | July 2027 |
| Course Commencement – OTA | October 2027 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) / EWS – Male Candidates | ₹200/- (Non-Refundable) |
| Female Candidates (All categories) | NIL (Exempted) |
| SC / ST Candidates | NIL (Exempted) |
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026: Vacancy Details – Course-wise Breakdown
| S. No. | Course | Academy | Commencement | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 163rd (DE) Course | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | July 2027 | 100 |
| 2 | Executive Branch (General Service) / Hydro | Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | July 2027 | 26 |
| 3 | 222 F(P) Course (Pre-Flying Training) | Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | July 2027 | 32 |
| 4 | 126th SSC (Men) – NT Course | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | October 2027 | 275 |
| 5 | 126th SSC (Women) – NT Course | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | October 2027 | 18 |
| Grand Total | 451 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
| Academy | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA (Army) & OTA | Degree from a recognized University or equivalent |
| INA (Navy) | Degree in Engineering OR B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective subject + Physics & Maths at 10+2 level |
| AFA (Air Force) | Degree from a recognized University with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering |
Nationality
Indian Citizen / Subject of Nepal / Person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries — with Government of India eligibility certificate where applicable. Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not need such certificate.
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026: Age Limit & Marital Status
| Course | Age Limit | Gender & Marital Status | Date of Birth Range (Both Inclusive) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA | 19 to 24 Years | Unmarried Male only | 02-07-2003 to 01-07-2008 |
| INA | 19 to 24 Years | Unmarried Male only | 02-07-2003 to 01-07-2008 |
| AFA | 20 to 24 Years (as on 01-07-2027) | Male — below 25 must be unmarried; married 25+ eligible but no married accommodation during training | 02-07-2003 to 01-07-2007; CPL holders up to 26 years |
| OTA – SSC Men (NT) | 19 to 25 Years | Unmarried Male only | 02-07-2002 to 01-07-2008 |
| OTA – SSC Women (NT) | 19 to 25 Years | Unmarried women; issueless widows (not remarried); issueless divorcees (not remarried) |
Salary & Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Pay During Training | ₹56,100/- per month (Pay Level 10) |
| Commission Type | Permanent Commission (IMA/INA/AFA) | Short Service Commission (OTA) |
| Other Benefits | Free accommodation, Medical cover, CSD facilities, Annual Leave, Group Insurance, Pension (for PC Officers) |
Selection Process
Stage 1 – Written Examination (Objective Type – OMR Based)
For IMA, INA & AFA:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total Written | 300 | |
| SSB / Interview Marks | 300 | |
| Grand Total | 600 |
For OTA (SSC Men & Women):
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total Written | 200 | |
| SSB / Interview Marks | 200 | |
| Grand Total | 400 |
Stage 2 – SSB Intelligence & Personality Test (5-Day Process)
| Stage | Tests |
|---|---|
| SSB Stage I | Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Tests + Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT) |
| SSB Stage II | Interview, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Psychology Tests, Conference — conducted over 4 days |
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Final selection is subject to being declared medically fit as per the Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces (1st Edition) available at joinindianarmy.nic.in.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus (Brief)
| Subject | Standard | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| English | Graduate Level | Understanding and workmanlike use of English language |
| General Knowledge | Graduate Level | Current events, everyday Science, History of India, Geography |
| Elementary Mathematics | Matriculation (Class X) | Arithmetic (Number System, Percentages, Ratio, SI/CI), Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics |
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026
- Visit the official UPSC online portal: upsconline.nic.in
- If not already registered, complete One-Time Universal Registration (URN) — valid for all UPSC exams for lifetime. Note your URN carefully.
- Log in using your URN credentials.
- Fill in the Common Application Form (CAF) and then the Examination Specific Module for CDS II 2026.
- Enter your date of birth exactly as per Matriculation certificate.
- Carefully fill in course preference order — Note: AFA must be First Choice if you wish to join Air Force; OTA must always be Last preference for male candidates.
- Upload your passport-size photograph and signature (sign three times in black ink on white paper, one below the other — scan and upload).
- Capture a Live Photograph via webcam as per portal instruction.
- Pay the application fee of ₹200/- online.
- Submit the form.
- Note your Application Number (exam-specific) and save/print the confirmation page.
- Army (IMA/OTA) first-choice candidates must also register at joinindianarmy.nic.in using the same email ID as used for UPSC registration — required to receive SSB call-up information.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply |
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| joinindianarmy.nic.in (IMA/OTA candidates) | Register Here |
| Official UPSC Website | upsc.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When does the UPSC CDS 2 2026 application open and close?
The online application for UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 opened on 20 May 2026 and closes on 09 June 2026 by 06:00 PM at upsconline.nic.in.
Q2. How many vacancies are available in UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies are available — 100 posts at IMA Dehradun, 26 at INA Ezhimala, 32 at AFA Hyderabad, 275 at OTA Chennai (SSC Men), and 18 at OTA Chennai (SSC Women). Vacancies are tentative and subject to change by Services HQ.
Q3. Can women apply for UPSC CDS 2 2026?
Yes, but women candidates are eligible only for the OTA SSC Women (NT) Course — a total of 18 vacancies at OTA Chennai. Women are not eligible for IMA, INA, or AFA courses.
Q4. What is the application fee for UPSC CDS 2 2026?
The application fee is ₹200/- (non-refundable) for General, OBC (NCL), and EWS Male candidates.
Q5. What is the selection process for UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026?
Selection consists of three stages: a Written Examination (Objective Type, OMR-based, with 1/3rd negative marking) conducted by UPSC, followed by a 5-Day SSB Intelligence & Personality Test at Services Selection Boards, and a final Medical Examination at designated Military Hospitals. Clearing the written exam does not guarantee selection — SSB performance is the key differentiator.
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