UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for 451 IMA, INA, AFA & OTA Officer Vacancies
This is one of the best opportunities for graduates who want to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Selected candidates will receive a training stipend of Rs 56,100 per month and later join as commissioned officers with attractive salary, allowances, and military benefits.
Interested candidates can apply online from 20 May 2026 to 9 June 2026, while the written examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS II) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Courses | IMA, INA, AFA & OTA |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Starting Stipend | Rs 56,100 per month |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Vacancy Details
The vacancies are distributed among different defence academies as follows:
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Men | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Women | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have a graduation degree from a recognized university.
Academy-wise Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Graduation in any discipline
- INA: Engineering Degree
- AFA: Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR B.E./B.Tech
Final-year students can also apply if they can produce proof of passing before SSB interview.
Age Limit for UPSC CDS II 2026
| Academy | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| IMA | 19 to 24 years |
| INA | 19 to 24 years |
| AFA | 20 to 24 years |
| OTA (Men & Women) | 19 to 25 years |
Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates receive excellent pay and facilities.
During Training
- Fixed stipend: Rs 56,100 per month
After Commission
- Pay Level 10: Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500
- Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs 15,500
- DA, HRA, Transport Allowance
- Medical facilities
- CSD canteen benefits
- Pension and insurance benefits
Approximate monthly in-hand salary after commission ranges from Rs 80,000 to Rs 1,10,000.
UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Selection Process
The recruitment process includes:
1. Written Examination
For IMA, INA & AFA:
- English – 100 Marks
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks
- Elementary Mathematics – 100 Marks
For OTA:
- English – 100 Marks
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks
Negative marking applies for wrong answers.
2. SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify the written exam will appear for:
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Officer Intelligence Rating Tests
3. Medical Examination
Final medical fitness test conducted by defence authorities.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Exam Pattern
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
OTA candidates do not have the Mathematics paper.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS (II) 2026
Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the UPSC official website.
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR).
- Open CDS II 2026 application form.
- Fill personal and educational details.
- Upload photograph, signature and ID proof.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and save the confirmation page.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC Male | Rs 200 |
| SC / ST | No Fee |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
Payment can be made through UPI, debit card, credit card, net banking or SBI challan.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 June 2026 |
| Edit Window | 10–16 June 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
Essential Links
- UPSC Official Website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
- Apply Online: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Official Notification PDF: Available on UPSC website
Why You Should Apply for UPSC CDS II 2026
UPSC CDS is one of the most respected defence examinations in India. It gives graduates an opportunity to serve the nation as Army, Navy or Air Force officers with excellent salary, career growth, leadership training and lifelong benefits.
If you want a prestigious government job with adventure, discipline and honour, CDS II 2026 is a great opportunity.