Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) published Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026 notification for 451 vacancies across Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Any graduate can apply for these vacancies . Stipend starts from ₹56,100 per month during training. UPSC CDS Exam-II 2026 is open to unmarried male and female candidates who meet the educational and physical standards. Read this article carefully and go through the official Notification No 11/2026-CDS-II dated 20.05.2026 before applying.
Information verified from official Union Public Service Commission notification No.11/2026-CDS-II dated 20.05.2026.
Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026 is conducted by UPSC for 451 vacancies across Indian Military Academy (100 posts), Indian Naval Academy (26 posts), Air Force Academy (32 posts), and Officers’ Training Academy (293 posts). Candidates with graduate degree aged 19-25 years can apply online by 9th June 2026. Written examination on 13th September 2026 followed by SSB interview.
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Table of Contents
UPSC CDS Exam-II 2026 – Quick Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation / Employer | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Name of the Post | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) |
| Total Vacancy | 451 (IMA: 100, INA: 26, AFA: 32, OTA Men: 275, OTA Women: 18) |
| Salary / Pay Scale | ₹56,100 per month (Level 10) during training |
| Additional Salary Benefits | Military Service Pay ₹15,500 per month, Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, Dress Allowance ₹20,000 per year, Free Ration |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Eligibility UPSC CDS Exam-II 2026 | Graduate degree; Age 19-25 years (varies by academy) |
| Selection Process | Written Examination followed by SSB Interview and Medical Examination |
| Place of Posting | Anywhere in India and abroad |
| Government / Private / Contract | Government (Permanent Commission / Short Service Commission) |
| Last Date of Application | 09.06.2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Who Can Apply | Both Fresher and Experienced |
| Interview / Exam Date | Written Exam: 13.09.2026; SSB Interview: February-June 2027 |
About Union Public Service Commission
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the premier central recruiting agency in India responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to All India Services and various civil services under the Government of India. The commission operates under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. UPSC conducts recruitment for defence services including Combined Defence Services Examination for entry into Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Visit the official website at upsc.gov.in.
Important Dates
If you’re planning to apply for Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026, keep track of these dates. Government examinations follow strict timelines and late applications are not entertained under any circumstances. The commission has clearly stated that no Admit Card will be sent by post — candidates must download it from the website on time.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Notification | 20.05.2026 |
| Last Date of Online Application | 09.06.2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Date of Written Examination | 13.09.2026 |
| e-Admit Card Available for Download | Last working day of the week before exam |
| Declaration of Written Examination Result | October 2026 (likely) |
| SSB Interview for IMA/INA/AFA Candidates | February-March 2027 |
| SSB Interview for OTA Candidates | April-June 2027 |
| Proof of Graduation Submission Deadline (IMA/INA/AFA) | 01.07.2027 |
| Proof of Graduation Submission Deadline (OTA) | 01.10.2027 |
Vacancy Details & Salary
The Union Public Service Commission has released vacancy details across four defence training academies with different entry courses. Here’s the breakdown of posts, total vacancy and salary for your reference.
| Post Name | Total Vacancy | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 163rd (DE) Course | 100 (including 13 NCC ‘C’ Certificate Army Wing holders) | ₹56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10) |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro | 26 (including 6 NCC ‘C’ Certificate Naval Wing holders and 1 for Hydro) | ₹56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10) |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – 222 F(P) Course | 32 (including 3 NCC ‘C’ Certificate Air Wing holders) | ₹56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10) |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – 126th SSC (Men) (NT) Course | 275 | ₹56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10) |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – 126th SSC Women (NT) Course | 18 | ₹56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10) |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026 include education and age requirements. Candidates should make sure they meet all the conditions before applying.
Educational Qualification
- For IMA and OTA: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
- For Indian Naval Academy: A degree in Engineering or B.Sc. with Physics as core or elective subject from recognised University/Institution (with Physics and Mathematics in 10+2 level).
- For Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
Candidates who are studying in the final year/semester Degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply. They will be required to submit proof of passing the degree examination by the specified deadline.
Age Limit
As of 1st July 2027:
- For IMA: 19 to 24 years. Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 1st July, 2003 and not later than 1st July, 2008 only are eligible.
- For Indian Naval Academy: 19 to 24 years. Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 1st July, 2003 and not later than 1st July, 2008 only are eligible.
- For Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years. Born not earlier than 1st July, 2003 and not later than 1st July, 2007. Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 years i.e. born not earlier than 1st July, 2001 and not later than 1st July, 2007. Candidate below 25 years of age must be unmarried.
- For OTA (Men): 19 to 25 years. Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 1st July, 2002 and not later than 1st July, 2008 only are eligible.
- For OTA (Women): 19 to 25 years. Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. Born not earlier than 1st July, 2002 and not later than 1st July, 2008.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026 consists of written examination followed by SSB interview. The written examination comprises objective type questions in three papers for IMA/INA/AFA candidates and two papers for OTA candidates.
Examination Pattern:
- For IMA, INA, and AFA:
- Paper I: English (Code 11) — 2 Hours — 100 Marks
- Paper II: General Knowledge (Code 12) — 2 Hours — 100 Marks
- Paper III: Elementary Mathematics (Code 13) — 2 Hours — 100 Marks
- Total Written Marks: 300
- SSB Interview Marks: 300
- For OTA:
- Paper I: English (Code 11) — 2 Hours — 100 Marks
- Paper II: General Knowledge (Code 12) — 2 Hours — 100 Marks
- Total Written Marks: 200
- SSB Interview Marks: 200
Syllabus Coverage:
- English: Understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
- General Knowledge: Current events, everyday observation, History of India, and Geography.
- Elementary Mathematics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics (Matriculation level standard).
Negative Marking: There will be penalty of 0.33 marks for each wrong answer.
Selection Process
The selection process for Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026 is conducted in multiple stages to assess both intellectual capability and personality traits. The commission first conducts a written examination, after which qualified candidates are called for intelligence and personality tests at Services Selection Boards.
- Written Examination: Objective type questions in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA/INA/AFA) or English and General Knowledge only (for OTA).
- SSB Interview: Two-stage selection procedure involving Psychological Aptitude Test, Intelligence Test, Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference conducted over 4-5 days.
- Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by SSB must undergo medical examination as per standards specified in the Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces.
- Computer Pilot Selection System (CPSS): Mandatory for Air Force Academy candidates who apply for flying branch.
- Document Verification: Original certificates of date of birth, educational qualification, and NCC ‘C’ Certificate (if applicable) are verified at SSB.
Candidates should carry their original Matriculation Certificate and Degree Certificate to the SSB interview. Those who have appeared for final year exams must bring a certificate from the Principal confirming their appearance. No relaxation is allowed for missing documents.
Application Fee
The application fee for Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026 is payable online.
- UR / OBC / EWS: ₹200
- SC / ST / All Female Candidates: No Fee
- Payment Mode: Online through Net Banking, Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, or UPI Payment
Application fee details are not mentioned in the official notification for any category-wise exemption beyond SC/ST and female candidates. Candidates are advised to check the official website for any updates.
How to Apply for UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026
Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC website. The application process involves four modules that need to be completed in sequence.
- Visit the official website https://upsconline.nic.in and create an account if you haven’t already.
- Complete the Universal Registration Number (URN) Profile with your personal details. This URN remains constant for all UPSC examinations.
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with photograph upload and live photo capture. Upload your signature (three signatures one below the other on white paper using black ink).
- Complete the Examination Specific Module for CDS-II 2026 with your service preference (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA), examination centre choice, and pay the application fee.
- Provide details of one Photo ID Card (Aadhaar Card/Voter Card/PAN Card/Passport/Driving License) which you must carry to the examination hall.
- Submit the application and note down your Application Number along with URN for future reference.
- Download the e-Admit Card from the website on the last working day of the week before the examination date.
Important Links
Candidates applying for Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026 are advised to visit the important links below for the official PDF and application form:
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF UPSC CDS-II | Download Official Notification PDF |
| Apply Online CDS Exam | Apply Online Here |
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Why Should You Apply?
If you hold a graduate degree and dream of serving in the Indian Armed Forces, the Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026 conducted by Union Public Service Commission offers 451 vacancies with a starting stipend of ₹56,100 per month during training — this is one of the most prestigious entries into defence services. The competition is intense given the graduate qualification requirement and the two-stage selection process involving both written examination and SSB interview. Defence recruitment in 2026 continues to see high interest as the government focuses on modernizing armed forces with qualified officers who can handle complex operational and technological challenges.
FAQs (Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026)
Can I apply for multiple academies in one application?
Yes, you can indicate preferences for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA in order of priority. However, AFA must be your first choice if you want flying branch. Selection is based on your preference and performance.
What happens if I’m studying in final year degree?
You can apply, but you must submit proof of passing the degree examination by 1st July 2027 for IMA/INA/AFA or 1st October 2027 for OTA. No extension is granted for late university results.
Is marriage allowed during training?
No. Candidates who marry after application submission, during training, or before completion of training will be discharged and liable to refund all training expenses incurred by the government.
Can I change my examination centre after applying?
No. The commission does not entertain any request for change of examination centre. Allotment is on first-apply-first-allot basis, so apply early to get your preferred centre.
What documents do I need for SSB interview?
Carry original Matriculation Certificate showing date of birth, original Degree Certificate or Provisional Degree Certificate, and NCC ‘C’ Certificate if applicable. Missing documents means disqualification at the selection centre itself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandeep Khati is the founder of India Job Alerts and a B.Tech in Computer Science from JGEC (2010). He started his career as a Systems Engineer at TCS and has been active in digital publishing since 2011, beginning with SearchDarjeeling.com(2011) and working as a web developer and designer at Darjeeling Informatics. Launched in April 2025, India Job Alerts is his most focused project — dedicated to publishing verified government and PSU job notifications for West Bengal, Sikkim, and All-India candidates. Every post is cross-checked against official notifications before publishing.. Know more