About Union Public Service Commission Recruitment 2026
Union Public Service Commission has invited applications for Combined Defence Service Examination II 2026. There are 451 vacancies to be filled through this drive. The appointed candidates will be posted in All India. The official notification is available on www.upsc.gov.in.
Interested candidates can submit their applications online through the official portal. the application window opens on 20/05/2026. It is recommended to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Key highlights โ age limit: 20 Yearsโ24 Years years; application fee varies by category. Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Detailed information about the selection process, exam pattern, and syllabus is available in the sections below.
Key Highlights
Vacancy Details โ Total 451 Posts
| Post Name | Vacancies | Qualification | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream | โ |
| Indian Naval Academy | 26 | Bachelor Degree in Engineering | โ |
| Air Force Academy | 32 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Math in 10+2 Level | โ |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 293 | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream | โ |
Important Dates
| Application Start | 20/05/2026 |
| Exam Date | 13/09/2026 |
| Last Date To Apply | 09/06/2026 |
| Last Date To Pay Fee | 09/06/2026 |
| Correction Date | As per Schedule |
| Admit Card Available | Before Exam |
โ๏ธ Correction Window: As per Schedule
Application Fee
| General | 200/- |
| OBC | 200/- |
| EWS | 200/- |
| SC | 0/- |
| ST | 0/- |
| 0/- |
Age Limit & Relaxation
| Minimum Age | 20 Years Years |
| Maximum Age | 24 Years Years |
| Age Cutoff Date | 01/07/2027 |
* Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules for reserved categories.
Educational Qualification & Eligibility
Bachelor Degree in Any Stream (For IMA & OTA), Bachelor Degree in Engineering (For Naval Academy), Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Math in 10+2 Level (For Air Force)
Selection Process
Written Exam
Interview
Document Verification
Medical Examination
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | โ |
| General Knowledge | 100 | โ |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | โ |
Documents Required
* Candidates must carry original documents for verification at the time of interview / document verification.
Physical Standards & Medical Requirements
| Minimum Height | For IMA/OTA: 157.5 cm (Male), 152 cm (Female); For Naval Academy: 157 cm (Male); For Air Force: 162.5 cm (Male) |
| Chest Measurement | For IMA/OTA: 81 cm (Male), 76 cm (Female); For Naval Academy: 81 cm (Male); For Air Force: 81 cm (Male) |
How To Apply
Visit the official website of Union Public Service Commission โ https://www.upsc.gov.in.
Read the official notification carefully and check your eligibility.
Click on the "Apply Online" / "Registration" link for Combined Defence Service Examination II 2026.
Complete the registration by providing a valid email ID and mobile number.
Fill in all required details: personal information, educational qualifications, work experience (if applicable), and address.
Upload scanned copies of your photograph (passport size), signature, and required documents as per the specifications.
Pay the application fee online through the available payment gateway (if applicable).
Review all entered details carefully before final submission.
Submit the application form and take a printout / save a PDF copy for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the important dates for Combined Defence Service Examination II 2026?
Application Start: 20/05/2026
Exam Date: 13/09/2026
What is the minimum educational qualification for Combined Defence Service Examination II 2026?
Bachelor Degree in Any Stream (For IMA & OTA), Bachelor Degree in Engineering (For Naval Academy), Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Math in 10+2 Level (For Air Force)
What is the age limit for Combined Defence Service Examination II 2026?
Minimum Age: 20 Years years.
Maximum Age: 24 Years years.
Age relaxation is applicable as per government norms.
What is the application fee for Combined Defence Service Examination II 2026?
General: 200/-
OBC: 200/-
EWS: 200/-
SC: 0/-
ST: 0/-
Female: 0/-
What is the selection process for Combined Defence Service Examination II 2026?
Written Exam
Interview
Document Verification
Medical Examination
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II Exam 2026?
The last date to apply online is 09/06/2026.
What is the application fee for General category candidates?
The application fee for General/OBC/EWS candidates is 200/- INR.
Is there any fee exemption for SC/ST/Female candidates?
Yes, SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
What is the minimum age limit for UPSC CDS II Exam 2026?
The minimum age limit is 20 Years as on 01/07/2027.
What is the maximum age limit for UPSC CDS II Exam 2026?
The maximum age limit is 24 Years as on 01/07/2027.
What is the educational qualification required for Indian Military Academy (IMA)?
Candidates need a Bachelor Degree in Any Stream.
What is the educational qualification required for Indian Naval Academy?
Candidates need a Bachelor Degree in Engineering.
What is the educational qualification required for Air Force Academy?
Candidates need a Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Math in 10+2 Level.
What is the exam date for UPSC CDS II Exam 2026?
The exam date is 13/09/2026.
What is the negative marking scheme in the UPSC CDS II Exam?
There is a negative marking of one-third of the marks assigned to that question.
What are the subjects in the UPSC CDS II Exam?
The subjects are English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
What is the total marks for the UPSC CDS II Exam?
The total marks for the exam are 300.
What is the height requirement for Indian Military Academy (IMA) male candidates?
The height requirement for IMA male candidates is 157.5 cm.
What is the chest requirement for Officers Training Academy (OTA) female candidates?
The chest requirement for OTA female candidates is 76 cm.
What is the running requirement for Air Force Academy male candidates?
Air Force Academy male candidates must complete 2.4 km in 15 minutes.
Where can I apply for the UPSC CDS II Exam 2026?
Candidates can apply online at https://upsconline.nic.in.