UPSC CDS II 2026 Recruitment — 451 Vacancies

UPSC is conducting the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 for 451 officer training vacancies in IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. If you have a graduation degree, or the required technical/science qualification for Navy or Air Force entries, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 9 June 2026 up to 6:00 PM. Selected candidates get officer training and later start at Rs. 56,100 per month in Defence Pay Matrix Level 10.

UPSC CDS II 2026 Recruitment - 451 Posts

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Examination Notice No. 11/2026-CDS-II for admission to defence officer training courses starting in 2027. This one notice covers the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers' Training Academy courses. The exam date is 13 September 2026, followed by SSB interview and medical examination for shortlisted candidates.

Vacancy Breakdown

The vacancy numbers are approximate and may change based on Service Headquarters requirements.

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification

• IMA and OTA: You need a degree from a recognised university or equivalent.
• Indian Naval Academy: You need an engineering degree, or B.Sc with Physics as a core/elective subject along with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
• Air Force Academy: You need a recognised degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering.
• Final-year degree students can apply, but they must submit proof of passing by the dates given for the course.

Nationality and Marital Status

• You must be an Indian citizen, a subject of Nepal, or a permitted person of Indian origin as listed in the notice.
• IMA, INA and OTA Men: unmarried male candidates only.
• OTA Women: unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees with divorce documents who have not remarried can apply.
• Air Force Academy: candidates below 25 years must be unmarried; marriage is not allowed during training.

Age Limit

• IMA and INA: 19 to 24 years; born not earlier than 1 July 2003 and not later than 1 July 2008.
• Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years as on 1 July 2027; CPL holders can get relaxation up to 26 years.
• OTA Men and OTA Women: 19 to 25 years; born not earlier than 1 July 2002 and not later than 1 July 2008.
• Date of birth is checked from the Matriculation/Secondary School certificate only.

Salary and Allowances

• Officer cadets get a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month during training in service academies.
• After commissioning, officer pay starts at Level 10: Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500 per month.
• Military Service Pay is Rs. 15,500 per month from Lieutenant to Brigadier level.
• You may also get DA, transport allowance, dress allowance, ration and risk/hardship allowances as per defence rules.

Physical Standards

You must be medically and physically fit as per the Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces. Permanent tattoos are allowed only on permitted parts of the forearm/hand, unless tribal custom exceptions apply.

• IMA/OTA arrival standard for men: 2.4 km run in 10 minutes 30 seconds, 40 push-ups, 6 pull-ups and 30 sit-ups.
• IMA/OTA arrival standard for women: 2.4 km run in 13 minutes, 15 push-ups, 2 pull-ups and 25 sit-ups.
• Swimming basics are expected for officer cadets reporting to IMA/OTA.

Application Fee

• General / OBC / EWS candidates: Rs. 200
• Female candidates: No fee
• SC / ST candidates: No fee
• Fee can be paid through net banking, debit card, credit card or UPI. Fee once paid is not refunded.

Selection Process

The selection is done in the following stages:

1. Written Examination: objective papers conducted by UPSC on 13 September 2026.
2. SSB Interview / Intelligence and Personality Test: shortlisted candidates attend Services Selection Board testing. Stage I includes OIR and PP&DT. Stage II includes interview, GTO tasks, psychology tests and conference.
3. CPSS / Pilot Aptitude: required for Air Force flying branch candidates where applicable.
4. Medical Examination: final selection depends on medical fitness and service-wise vacancies.
5. Final Merit: based on written marks plus SSB marks, subject to eligibility, medical fitness and course preference.

How to Apply

1. Go to the UPSC online portal at upsconline.nic.in.
2. Create your account and complete the Universal Registration Number (URN) profile.
3. Fill the Common Application Form and keep your photo ID details ready.
4. Open the CDS II 2026 examination-specific module and choose your course preferences.
5. Upload the required photograph/signature and complete live photo capture as instructed.
6. Pay the fee online if applicable.
7. Submit the form before 6:00 PM on 9 June 2026 and keep the URN and application number safely.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 20 May 2026
• Application Start Date: 20 May 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 9 June 2026 up to 6:00 PM
• Last Date for Fee Payment: 9 June 2026
• Written Examination Date: 13 September 2026
• Written Result: October 2026 (likely, as per notice)
• Course Commencement: IMA/INA/AFA in July 2027 and OTA in October 2027

• Undergo officer training at the assigned defence academy
• Maintain physical fitness, discipline and military bearing throughout training
• Study service-specific academic, tactical and leadership subjects
• Participate in drills, field exercises, sports and team activities
• Follow academy rules, reporting schedules and service instructions
• Lead teams and develop officer-like qualities during training tasks
• Serve as a commissioned officer in the Army, Navy or Air Force after successful training