About Union Public Service Commission Recruitment 2026
Union Public Service Commission has invited applications for Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026. There are 451 vacancies to be filled through this drive. The official notification is available on upsc.gov.in.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to submit their applications online at the earliest. Early application helps avoid last-minute rush and potential technical glitches on the website.
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 and Mathematics at 10+2 level | โ |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 293 | Bachelor Degree in any stream | โ |
Important Dates
| Application Start | 20/05/2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09/06/2026 |
| Exam Date | 13/09/2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
| Pay Exam Fee Last Date | 09/06/2026 |
| Correction Date | As per Schedule |
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
For IMA & OTA: Bachelor Degree in any stream. For Naval Academy: Bachelor Degree in Engineering. For Air Force Academy: Bachelor Degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
Documents Required
* Candidates must carry original documents for verification at the time of interview / document verification.
How To Apply
Visit the official website of Union Public Service Commission โ https://upsc.gov.in.
Read the official notification carefully and check your eligibility.
Click on the "Apply Online" / "Registration" link for Combined Defence Services 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 is the minimum educational qualification for Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026?
For IMA & OTA: Bachelor Degree in any stream. For Naval Academy: Bachelor Degree in Engineering. For Air Force Academy: Bachelor Degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
What is the age limit for Combined Defence Services 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 Services Examination (II) 2026?
General: 200
OBC: 200
EWS: 200
SC: 0
ST: 0
Female: 0
What is the last date to apply online for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The last date to apply online is 09 June 2026.
What is the application fee for General/OBC candidates?
The application fee is Rs. 200 for General, OBC, and EWS categories.
Is there any application fee for female candidates?
No, female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
What is the minimum age required for CDS II 2026?
The minimum age is 20 years as on 01 July 2027.
What is the maximum age limit for IMA?
The maximum age is 24 years (refer to notification for post-wise details).
What is the total number of vacancies?
The total vacancy is 451 posts.
How many vacancies are there for Officers Training Academy (OTA)?
OTA has 293 vacancies.
What is the educational qualification for Air Force Academy?
A Bachelor Degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
When is the CDS II exam scheduled?
The exam date is 13 September 2026.
How can I apply for UPSC CDS II 2026?
You can apply online from 20 May 2026 to 09 June 2026 through the UPSC website.
What documents are required to apply?
Key documents include: scanned photograph, signature, ID proof, address details, educational certificates, age proof, and category certificate (if applicable).
Is there any correction facility after submission?
Correction window is available as per schedule, details will be provided later.
What is the age relaxation for reserved categories?
Age relaxation is provided as per government rules; refer to the official notification.
Can I pay the application fee through e-challan?
Yes, payment can be made via debit card, credit card, net banking, or e-challan.
What is the application mode?
The application mode is online; no offline forms are accepted.