UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026

Name of Post: UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026
Short Information :The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released a recruitment notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-II) 2026, with a total of 451 vacancies. Online applications commenced on 20 May 2026, and eligible candidates can apply until 09 June 2026. Aspirants are advised to review the complete details including eligibility criteria and selection process before applying.
  • Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
  • Post Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-II) 2026
  • Total Vacancies: 451 Posts across IMA, AFA, INA, and OTA
  • Application Dates: 20 May 2026 to 09 June 2026
  • Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree in relevant streams; specific age criteria.
  • Selection Process: Written Examination followed by SSB Interview.

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-II) 2026

Recruitment Notification : Apply Online

Official Website: upsc.gov.in

Important Dates

  • Application Begin : 20/05/2026
  • Last Date Online Apply : 09/06/2026
  • Last Date Fee Payment : 09/06/2026
  • Exam Date : 13/09/2026
  • Admit Card Available : Before Exam
  • Result Declared : Will Be Updated Soon

Application Fee

  • For General / OBC : ₹ 200/-
  • For SC / ST / Female : ₹ 0/-
  • Payment Mode (Online):
    • Debit Card
    • Credit Card
    • Internet Banking
    • IMPS
    • Cash Card / Mobile Wallet

Age Limit & Eligibility Criteria

  • Age Limit (as on 01 July 2026): Candidates must be born not earlier than 01 July 2003 and not later than 01 July 2008.
  • Age Relaxation Extra as per UPSC CDS-II Examination Rules 2026.

Vacancy Details: Total 451 Posts

Post NameNo. Of Post
Indian Military Academy (IMA)100
Air Force Academy (AFA)32
Indian Naval Academy (INA)26
Officers Training Academy (OTA)293

Selection Process

  • Stage 1: Written Examination: Candidates will first appear for a written test conducted by UPSC. This exam assesses general knowledge, English, and elementary mathematics.
  • Stage 2: SSB Interview (Service Selection Board): Candidates who qualify the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview. This is a comprehensive 5-day evaluation process comprising:
    • Screening Test (Day 1): Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT).
    • Psychological Tests (Day 2): Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self-Description Test (SDT).
    • Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks (Day 3 & 4): Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercise, Progressive Group Task, Half Group Task, Individual Obstacles, Command Task, Group Obstacle Race, and Lecturette.
    • Personal Interview: Conducted by an Interviewing Officer, assessing personality, intelligence, and suitability for the armed forces.
    • Conference (Day 5): Final decision by the board members.
    • Stage 3: Document Verification: Successful candidates from the SSB interview will undergo verification of all original documents.

How to Apply

  • Interested candidates who wish to apply for the UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 can submit their application online before 09 June 2026.
  • Use the “Click Here” link provided below under the Important Links section to apply directly.
  • Alternatively, visit the official website of UPSC (https://upsc.gov.in/) to complete the application process online.
  • Make sure to complete the application before the deadline 09 June 2026.
  • Note – Candidates are requested to carefully read the Official Notification before filling the form. Check Last Date, Age Limit & Education Qualification.

Click Here

Download Official Notification PDF

Click Here

Official Website

Click Here

UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 : Eligibility Criteria Details
  • For Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Officers Training Academy (OTA): Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized University or equivalent.
  • For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized University or equivalent.
  • For Air Force Academy (AFA): Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized University AND must have studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 (Intermediate) level. Alternatively, candidates holding a Bachelor of Engineering degree are also eligible.
  • For complete details and specific eligibility conditions, candidates are strongly advised to refer to the official notification.

UPSC CDS-II Exam Pattern & Syllabus Overview

The CDS written examination typically consists of three papers for IMA, INA, and AFA, and two papers for OTA:

  • English: 100 Marks, 2 Hours duration. Focuses on comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and usage.
  • General Knowledge: 100 Marks, 2 Hours duration. Covers current events, history, geography, polity, economics, and general science.
  • Elementary Mathematics: 100 Marks, 2 Hours duration. (Only for IMA, INA, AFA). Topics include Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, and Trigonometry.
  • For OTA, candidates only appear for English and General Knowledge papers.
  • Each paper has objective-type questions. There is negative marking for incorrect answers, usually 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question.
  • The syllabus is comprehensive and candidates are advised to refer to the detailed syllabus provided in the official notification for thorough preparation.

Preparation Tips:

  • Understand the Syllabus: Go through the official syllabus thoroughly for each subject.
  • Previous Year Papers: Solve past years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern, type of questions, and important topics.
  • Time Management: Practice time management during preparation and mock tests to complete the exam within the stipulated time.
  • Current Affairs: Stay updated with national and international current events for the General Knowledge section. Read newspapers, magazines, and watch news debates regularly.
  • Physical Fitness: Start preparing for the physical standards required for the SSB Interview well in advance.
  • Group Discussion & Communication: Improve your communication skills and participate in group discussions to perform well in the SSB GTO tasks and interview.

UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 : Important Questions & Answers

⚠️ Important: Read the full official notification on the official website before taking any action.

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