UPSC CDS 2026 Notification: Combined Defence Services Exam for Graduates
The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination recruits graduates as officers in the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy. UPSC notified 451 vacancies for CDS (II) 2026. Selection is via a written exam and SSB interview.
Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Qualification | IMA/OTA: a Bachelor's degree in any discipline. INA: a Bachelor's degree in Engineering. AFA: a degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2, or a degree in Engineering. |
| Job Location | All India |
| Salary | Stipend during training; on commissioning, pay as per the defence pay matrix plus military service pay and allowances. |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 11 Jun 2026 |
Important Dates
| CDS (II) Notification | 20 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply (extended) | 11 June 2026 |
| Written Exam | 13 September 2026 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (male) | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Women | Exempted |
Age Limit
Approximately 19 to 25 years, varying by academy (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA), as specified in the official notification. Candidates for IMA/INA/AFA must be unmarried.
Eligibility / Qualification
IMA/OTA: a Bachelor's degree in any discipline. INA: a Bachelor's degree in Engineering. AFA: a degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2, or a degree in Engineering.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination twice a year to recruit graduates as commissioned officers at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). For CDS (II) 2026, UPSC announced 451 vacancies.
Selection & Exam Pattern
The written examination consists of objective papers — English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics (Mathematics is not required for the OTA). Qualified candidates attend the SSB Interview, followed by document verification and a medical examination.
Please note: the vacancy split and dates are confirmed only in the official notification — verify on upsc.gov.in.
Vacancy Details
| Post | Total | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| IMA / INA / AFA / OTA (men & women, as applicable) | 451 (as announced) | Graduation (stream-specific) |
Selection Process
Written Examination → SSB Interview → Document Verification → Medical Examination → Final Merit.
How to Apply
- Apply online at upsconline.nic.in within the application window (closed 11 June 2026 for CDS II 2026).
- Complete the registration and fill the CDS application choosing your academy preferences.
- Upload the required documents, pay the fee online and submit.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are in UPSC CDS (II) 2026?
UPSC announced 451 vacancies across the IMA, INA, AFA and OTA.
Is Mathematics required for the OTA in CDS?
No. The Officers Training Academy paper set does not include Elementary Mathematics; it tests English and General Knowledge.
Disclaimer: HireNestle publishes this information for reference only. Please verify all details on the official website before applying. We are not a recruiter or government body.