UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 451 Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the recruitment notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II, 2026. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces can now apply online for various posts including Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy. This recruitment drive offers a great opportunity for young and motivated candidates to serve the nation in prestigious defense positions.
The online application process has commenced from 20 May 2026 and the last date to apply is 09 June 2026. Interested candidates are advised to check all the eligibility criteria and apply before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues. For more details, visit Sarkari Job Setu - your trusted portal for all government job updates.
Below you will find detailed information about the UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 including eligibility, selection process, salary details, and important links to apply online and download the official notification.
| Important Dates | Application Fee |
|---|---|
|
|
Vacancy Details
The UPSC CDS-II 2026 recruitment consists of a total of 451 posts distributed across various academies as follows:
| Post Name | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Air Force Academy | 32 |
| Indian Naval Academy | 26 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 293 |
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements specified by UPSC for CDS-II 2026. The criteria vary based on the academy applied for:
- Age Limit: Candidates should be born not earlier than 01 July 2003 and not later than 01 July 2008. Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC rules.
- Educational Qualification:
- IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Naval Academy: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
- Air Force Academy: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- Candidates must check the official notification for detailed eligibility and other conditions.
Selection Process
The selection for UPSC CDS-II 2026 will be conducted in two stages to ensure a fair and merit-based recruitment:
- Written Examination: Candidates need to clear the written test conducted by UPSC.
- SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates from the written exam will undergo the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview for further assessment.
How to Apply
Applying online for UPSC CDS-II 2026 is straightforward. Follow these steps to complete your application:
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal using the link provided below.
- Register yourself with valid details and create a login ID.
- Fill the application form carefully with all required information.
- Upload scanned documents and photograph as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee through available online modes.
- Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
- Make sure to complete all steps before 09 June 2026.
About Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India's premier central recruiting agency responsible for conducting various examinations to recruit candidates for Group A and Group B posts under the Government of India. UPSC is known for its transparent and merit-based recruitment process, ensuring the best talent joins the civil services and defense forces.
UPSC CDS examination is one of the most prestigious exams conducted to induct young talent into the Indian Armed Forces, fostering discipline, leadership, and commitment to the nation.
Important Links
| Link | Action |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification (PDF) | Download PDF |
| UPSC Official Website | Visit Website |
Stay Connected with SarkariJobSetu Community
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Homepage | SarkariJobSetu (Sarkari Job Setu) |
| Join SarkariJobSetu WhatsApp Channel | |
| Telegram | SarkariJobSetu Telegram Group |
| YouTube | SarkariJobSetu YouTube Channel |
Sarkari Jobs by State and Year
Here you will find latest sarkari jobs, results, admit cards and much more by state name like sarkari jobs in Uttar Pradesh, sarkari jobs in Bihar, sarkari jobs in Rajasthan, sarkari jobs in Madhya Pradesh, sarkari jobs in Delhi, sarkari jobs in Jharkhand etc.
FAQs
The last date to submit the online application form is 09 June 2026.
You can apply online through the official UPSC website at https://upsconline.nic.in/.
Candidates should be born between 01 July 2003 and 01 July 2008. Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC rules.
There are a total of 451 vacancies across Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
General and OBC candidates need to pay â‚ą200, while SC/ST candidates are exempted from the fee.
The selection process includes a written examination followed by the SSB interview for qualified candidates.
The exam is scheduled to be held on 13 September 2026.
The official notification can be downloaded from the UPSC website or via the link provided in the important links section above.
No, the application must be submitted online through the official UPSC portal only.
Yes, candidates can apply for multiple academies if they meet the eligibility criteria for each.
Disclaimer: The information shared on this page regarding government jobs, public schemes, government services, exam updates, admit cards, results, and related details is provided only for general information. Although we try our best to keep the information accurate and updated, candidates are strongly advised to check the official government websites or authorized recruitment portals for final confirmation. We do not take responsibility for any mistakes, missing details, or changes in the information. Users should always verify the details on their own before taking any decision. Read Details