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 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: 20โ24 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 |
| Maximum Age | 24 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 Academy)
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 Academy: 162.5 cm (Male). |
| Chest Measurement | For IMA/OTA/Naval Academy: 81 cm (unexpanded), 5 cm expansion. For Air Force Academy: 81 cm (unexpanded), 5 cm expansion. |
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 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 are the important dates for Combined Defence Services Examination II 2026?
Application Start: 20/05/2026
Exam Date: 13/09/2026
What is the minimum educational qualification for Combined Defence Services 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 Academy)
What is the age limit for Combined Defence Services Examination II 2026?
Minimum Age: 20 years.
Maximum Age: 24 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 selection process for Combined Defence Services Examination II 2026?
Written Exam
Interview
Document Verification
Medical Examination
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The last date to apply online is 09 June 2026.
What is the application fee for General category candidates?
The application fee for General/OBC/EWS category candidates is โน200.
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 educational qualification for Indian Military Academy (IMA)?
Candidates need a Bachelor's degree in any stream for IMA.
What is the age limit for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The minimum age is 20 years and the maximum age is 24 years as on 01/07/2027.
What is the exam date for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The exam is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
How can I pay the application fee?
The application fee can be paid online via Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking or offline via E Challan.
What are the subjects in the UPSC CDS II exam?
The subjects are English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, each carrying 100 marks.
Is there negative marking in the UPSC CDS II exam?
Yes, one-third of the marks allotted to each question will be deducted for wrong answers.
What documents are required for the UPSC CDS II application?
Required documents include Matriculation Certificate, 10+2 Certificate, Graduation Degree Certificate, Caste Certificate (if applicable), Passport-sized Photograph, Signature, and Photo Identity Proof.
When will the admit card for UPSC CDS II 2026 be available?
The admit card will be available before the exam.
What is the total number of vacancies for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The total number of vacancies is 451.
What is the qualification for the Air Force Academy?
Candidates need a Bachelor's degree in any stream with Physics and Math in 10+2 level.
Is there any age relaxation for UPSC CDS II 2026?
Yes, age relaxation is provided as per rules.
Where can I apply for UPSC CDS II 2026?
Applications can be submitted online at https://upsconline.nic.in.