UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II). A total of 451 vacancies have been announced across prestigious defence academies including IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. If you have always dreamt of serving the nation in uniform, this is your golden chance. Eligible candidates can apply online before the last date, 9th June 2026. Read the complete details below before applying.
What is UPSC CDS Exam 2026?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is one of the most prestigious recruitment exams in India for graduates who want to join the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force as officers. UPSC CDS 2 2026 is the second edition of this exam for the year 2026. Selected candidates will be placed in reputed defence institutions after clearing Written Exam, SSB Interview, and Medical Examination.
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 |
| Post Name | Defence Officer (IMA / INA / AFA / OTA) |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Job Type | Central Government Job |
| Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹2,50,000/- Per Month |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Last Date to Apply | 9th June 2026 |
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026– Total Vacancies
| Academy | Vacancies | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Degree from a recognised university |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 | Engineering Degree or B.Sc. with Physics / Physics & Maths in 12th |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | Degree with Physics & Maths in 12th or B.E. / B.Tech |
| Officers’ Training Academy – Men (OTA) | 275 | Degree from a recognised university |
| Officers’ Training Academy – Women (OTA) | 18 | Degree from a recognised university |
| Total | 451 | — |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2026 – Pay Scale
Candidates selected through UPSC CDS 2 2026 will receive an attractive pay package as per the 7th Pay Commission. Below is the rank-wise pay structure:
| Rank | Pay Level | Pay Scale (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 11 | 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Major | Level 10B | 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General (HAG) | Level 15 | 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 |
| HAG+ Scale | Level 16 | 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
| VCOAS / Army Cdr | Level 17 | ₹2,25,000/- (Fixed) |
| COAS | Level 18 | ₹2,50,000/- (Fixed) |
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 – Age Limit
| Academy | Age Limit | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19 to 24 Years | Unmarried Males Only |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19 to 24 Years | Unmarried Males Only |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 to 24 Years | Unmarried (below 25 yrs) |
| AFA (with Commercial Pilot Licence) | 20 to 24 Years | Unmarried (below 25 yrs) |
| OTA – Men | 19 to 25 Years | Unmarried Males Only |
| OTA – Women (SSC Non-Technical) | 19 to 25 Years | Unmarried Women / Issueless Widows / Issueless Divorcees |
Note: Male divorcees and widowers are NOT considered unmarried and are NOT eligible for IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA.
Age Relaxation – UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
- SC / ST Candidates – 5 Years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) – 3 Years
- Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) – 10 Years
- Persons Affected by 1984 Riots – 5 Years
- Widows / Divorced Women (not remarried) – Up to 35 years (General/EWS), 38 years (OBC), 40 years (SC/ST)
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026
For IMA, INA & Air Force Academy:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA):
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 – Selection Process
Candidates will be selected through the following stages:
- Written Examination (Conducted by UPSC)
- SSB Interview / Personality Test
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026– Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS Candidates | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | No Fee (Exempted) |
| Mode of Payment | Online |
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026?
Follow these simple steps to submit your UPSC CDS 2 2026 Online Application:
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in
- Click on the “Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC” link
- Select CDS (II) Examination 2026 from the list
- Register with your basic details and generate a login ID
- Fill in the application form carefully with personal, educational, and contact details
- Upload the required documents – photograph and signature
- Pay the application fee online (if applicable)
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference
⚠️ Last Date to Apply: 9th June 2026 – Do not wait till the last day!
UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 9th June 2026.
Q2. How many vacancies are there in UPSC CDS 2 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Q3. What is the salary for UPSC CDS selected candidates?
The starting salary for a Lieutenant is ₹56,100 per month and it goes up to ₹2,50,000/- (fixed) for the Chief of Army Staff.
Q4. Who is eligible to apply for UPSC CDS 2 2026?
Any graduate from a recognised university can apply for OTA. For INA and AFA, specific engineering or science degrees are required.
Q5. Is there any application fee for female candidates?
No. Female candidates, along with SC/ST candidates, are fully exempted from the application fee.
Q6. What is the age limit for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026?
The age limit varies by academy — generally 19 to 24/25 years, with relaxations applicable for reserved categories.
Q7. What is the selection process for UPSC CDS 2 2026? T
he selection involves a Written Exam, followed by SSB Interview, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
Q8. Can married candidates apply for UPSC CDS 2 2026?
No. Most academies require candidates to be unmarried at the time of application. However, issueless widows and issueless divorcees can apply for OTA (Women).