Union Public Service Commission has officially released the UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 notification for candidates preparing for defence services examinations. Through this recruitment drive, eligible candidates can join prestigious defence academies including Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy and Officers Training Academy.
Candidates who want to build career in Indian Army, Navy or Air Force can now submit online application form before the last date. UPSC has released total 451 vacancies under CDS II Examination 2026.
Before applying online, candidates should carefully check eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualification, important dates, selection process and academy wise vacancy details mentioned below.
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination II 2026 |
| Total Vacancy | 451 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Category | Defence Jobs |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 09 June 2026 |
| Correction Window | As Per Schedule |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card | Before Exam |
Application Fee Details
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST / Female | ₹0/- |
Age Limit Details
- Minimum Age : 20 Years
- Maximum Age : 24 Years
- Age relaxation available according to UPSC CDS rules.
- For detailed academy wise age criteria candidates should read official notification.
Educational Qualification
- For IMA & OTA : Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from recognized university.
- For Naval Academy : Engineering Degree required.
- For Air Force Academy : Graduation Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- Final year appearing candidates can also apply according to UPSC rules.
Academy Wise Vacancy Details
| Academy Name | Total Posts |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy | 26 |
| Air Force Academy | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 293 |
UPSC CDS II Selection Process
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Documents Required
- Passport Size Photograph
- Candidate Signature
- Aadhar Card or ID Proof
- Educational Certificates
- Category Certificate if applicable
- Mobile Number & Email ID
How to Fill UPSC CDS 2 Online Form 2026
- Visit UPSC official website.
- Complete One Time Registration process.
- Fill personal and educational details carefully.
- Upload photograph, signature and required documents.
- Pay examination fee online if applicable.
- Preview application form carefully.
- Submit final application form.
- Take printout for future reference.
Why Candidates Prefer CDS Examination
Combined Defence Services Examination is one of the most popular defence recruitment examinations in India. Through this examination candidates get opportunity to serve in Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force as commissioned officers.
Candidates selected through CDS examination receive excellent salary, government facilities, job security, training opportunities and chance to serve the nation with pride.
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 FAQ
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026?
Ans: 09 June 2026.
Q2. How many vacancies are available in CDS II 2026?
Ans: Total 451 posts.
Q3. What is CDS 2 exam date 2026?
Ans: 13 September 2026.
Q4. What qualification is required for Naval Academy?
Ans: Engineering Degree from recognized university.
Q5. What is the application fee for General category?
Ans: ₹200/- only.
Disclaimer: Candidates should verify all eligibility criteria, age limit and recruitment details from official notification before applying online.