UPSC CDS II 2026: Complete Guide - Notification, Vacancies, Eligibility & Apply Online
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II, 2026. This is a prestigious examination for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. Below is a comprehensive guide covering all essential details about vacancies, eligibility, application process, and selection procedure.
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📋 Overview & Key Highlights
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II, 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification Date | 20th May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9th June 2026 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 13th September 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
🎯 Vacancy Details (Course-wise)
Vacancies are tentative and may change at any stage of the selection process as per organizational requirements. Men and Women categories for SSC(NT) courses are separate entries with gender-pure merit lists.
📅 Eligibility Criteria - Age Limit
🎖️ IMA & INA
Age: 19 to 24 years
DOB: Not earlier than 01.07.2003 and not later than 01.07.2008
Marital Status: Unmarried Male only
✈️ Air Force Academy
Age: 20 to 24 years
DOB: Not earlier than 01.07.2003 and not later than 01.07.2007
Relaxation: Up to 26 years for CPL holders
Note: Below 25 - Unmarried; 25+ - Married allowed*
🎖️ OTA (Men)
Age: 19 to 25 years
DOB: Not earlier than 01.07.2002 and not later than 01.07.2008
Marital Status: Unmarried Male only
👩 OTA (Women)
Age: 19 to 25 years
DOB: Not earlier than 01.07.2002 and not later than 01.07.2008
Eligible: Unmarried/Widow/Divorcee (issueless)
- Marriage is strictly prohibited during training period
- Candidates below 25 years must be unmarried
- Married candidates aged 25+ will not be provided married accommodation during training
- Male divorcee/widower candidates are NOT eligible for any course
🎓 Educational Qualifications
| Academy | Qualification Required |
| IMA & OTA | Degree from a recognized University or equivalent |
| Indian Naval Academy | Engineering Degree OR B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective subject (with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level) |
| Air Force Academy | Degree from recognized University (with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering |
Candidates appearing in final year/semester can apply but must submit proof of passing degree examination by:
- IMA/INA: On or before 1st July 2027
- AFA: On or before 13th May 2027
- OTA: On or before 1st October 2027
💰 Application Fee Details
General/OBC/EWS Candidates
(Rupees Two Hundred Only)
Female/SC/ST Candidates
(No Fee Required)
- Net Banking (any bank)
- Visa/Master/RuPay Credit Card
- Visa/Master/RuPay Debit Card
- UPI Payment
⚠️ Fee once paid is NON-REFUNDABLE under any circumstances
📝 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
- All papers are Objective Type (MCQs)
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd (0.33) marks deducted for each wrong answer
- No penalty for unattempted questions
- GK & Elementary Mathematics papers are bilingual (Hindi & English)
- Use only BLACK BALL PEN for OMR sheet
🎯 Selection Process
Written Exam
Conducted by UPSC on 13th September 2026
SSB Interview
5-day Intelligence & Personality Test
Medical Exam
Detailed medical fitness test
Final Merit
Based on Written + SSB marks
SSB Interview - Two Stage Process:
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
- Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT)
- Personal Interview
- Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
- Psychology Tests
- Conference (4 days)
📱 How to Apply Online - Step by Step
- Visit Official Website: Go to https://upsconline.nic.in
- Create Account: Register with valid email ID and mobile number (One-time registration)
- Generate URN: Universal Registration Number (URN) will be generated - note it for future reference
- Fill Common Application Form (CAF):
- Upload photograph (as per specifications)
- Capture live photograph
- Upload signature (sign 3 times on white paper with black ink)
- Fill Examination Specific Module:
- Select CDS II 2026 examination
- Choose preferred Academy/Course (in order of preference)
- Select examination center (first-apply-first-allot basis)
- Upload required documents
- Pay Application Fee: Complete payment through net banking/card/UPI (Female/SC/ST - No fee)
- Submit & Download: Submit application and download confirmation page for future reference
- Application window closes on 9th June 2026 at 6:00 PM
- NO correction/editing allowed after submission
- NO withdrawal of application permitted
- Choose examination center carefully - no change allowed
- Keep URN and Application Number safe
💵 Salary, Allowances & Career Benefits
💰 Training Stipend
(Starting pay in Level 10 - Paid during entire training period at IMA/INA/AFA/OTA)
🎁 Additional Allowances & Benefits:
₹15,500/- per month (fixed)
As applicable to civilian personnel
₹5,300 - ₹42,500 (based on area)
₹20,000/- per year
₹3,600 - ₹7,200 + DA
₹2,250/- per child per month
- Free ration in kind (Peace & Field areas)
- Free medical treatment for self & family
- Group Insurance Cover of ₹1.25 Crore
- Subsidized accommodation
- Canteen facilities (CSD)
- Pension & retirement benefits
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
📅 Important Dates to Remember
| Notification Release Date | 20th May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9th June 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Written Examination Date | 13th September 2026 |
| Result Declaration (Written) | October 2026 (Expected) |
| SSB Interview Period | Feb-June 2027 (Expected) |
🏛️ Examination Centers (84 Cities)
Note: Center allotment is on "first-apply-first-allot" basis. Apply early to get your preferred center. No change of center allowed after submission.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, candidates appearing in final year/semester can apply. However, they must submit proof of passing degree examination by the prescribed dates (IMA/INA: 01.07.2027, AFA: 13.05.2027, OTA: 01.10.2027).
Yes, 1/3rd (0.33) marks will be deducted for each wrong answer. No penalty for unattempted questions.
No, no request for change of examination center will be entertained after submission. Choose your center carefully during application.
Female candidates are eligible only for Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai for Short Service Commission (SSC) course.
For Air Force Academy, candidates holding valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA(India) get age relaxation up to 26 years (DOB: 01.07.2001 to 01.07.2007).
For IMA/INA/OTA(Men): Must be unmarried. For AFA: Candidates below 25 must be unmarried; candidates aged 25+ can be married but will not get married accommodation during training.
Original Matriculation certificate (for DOB), Degree/Provisional certificate with mark sheets, Photo ID proof, and other documents as specified in call letter.
No, the application fee once paid is NON-REFUNDABLE under any circumstances and cannot be held in reserve for any other examination.
IMA: 18 months, INA: ~18 months, AFA: 74 weeks (Flying), OTA: 49 weeks (approx.)
Yes, you can indicate multiple preferences in order. However, for Air Force Academy, it must be indicated as first choice if you want to be considered for it.
📞 Contact Information & Helpdesk
UPSC Helpline
Phone: 011-24041001 / 011-40303444
Email: upscsoap@nic.in
Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Working days)
Active: 20.05.2026 to 09.06.2026
⚠️ Critical Instructions - Must Read
- Mobile Phones Banned: Use of mobile phones (even switched off), smart watches, Bluetooth devices, or any electronic equipment is strictly prohibited in examination hall. Violation will lead to disciplinary action and ban from future exams.
- Reporting Time: Entry to examination venue closes 30 minutes before exam commencement. No entry allowed after closure under any circumstances.
- Face Authentication: Mandatory face authentication at examination venue. Report well in advance.
- Black Ball Pen Only: Use only black ball pen for OMR sheet. No pencil, ink pen, or other colored pens allowed.
- Photo ID Mandatory: Carry original Photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Passport/Driving License) to exam center and SSB interview.
- No Correction Facility: No correction/alteration/modification allowed in application form after submission. Double-check all details before submitting.
- e-Admit Card: Will be available on last working day of preceding week. Download from UPSC website. No admit card will be sent by post/email.
🎖️ Ready to Serve the Nation?
Don't miss this golden opportunity to join the prestigious Indian Armed Forces as an Officer!
Application Deadline: 9th June 2026 (6:00 PM)
Exam Date: 13th September 2026
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on UPSC CDS II 2026 official notification. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official UPSC website (upsconline.nic.in) before applying. The information is subject to change as per official notifications.
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