UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026 for 451 Posts – Apply Online Now

UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026 is open for 451 vacancies. Check eligibility, important dates, vacancy details, application fee, and selection process.

UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026 recruitment for 451 defence academy posts

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026. Candidates who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces through the Combined Defence Services Examination can now apply online before the last date.

The recruitment offers opportunities in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Interested candidates should check eligibility, age limit, vacancy details, and important dates before submitting their applications.

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UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026

Check complete details about the UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026, including eligibility, important dates, application fee, vacancy distribution, and application process.

The UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026 is now available for eligible candidates. This examination is conducted to recruit officers for various prestigious defence academies across India.


UPSC CDS II Important Dates

Candidates should keep track of all important events related to the CDS II examination, including registration dates, fee payment deadlines, and exam schedule.

EventDate
Application Begin20 May 2026
Last Date to Apply Online11 June 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment11 June 2026
Correction WindowAs Per Schedule
Exam Date13 September 2026
Admit Card ReleaseBefore Exam

UPSC CDS II Application Fee

Applicants must pay the prescribed application fee according to their category to complete the registration process successfully.

CategoryApplication Fee
General / OBC / EWS₹200
SC / ST / Female₹0

Payment Methods

  • Debit Card
  • Credit Card
  • Net Banking
  • E-Challan

UPSC CDS II Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfill educational qualification requirements according to the academy they wish to join through the CDS examination.

AcademyEligibility
Indian Military Academy (IMA)Bachelor's Degree in Any Stream
Officers Training Academy (OTA)Bachelor's Degree in Any Stream
Indian Naval Academy (INA)Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
Air Force Academy (AFA)Bachelor's Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 Level

Candidates should verify complete eligibility details from the official notification.


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CDS II Age Limit 2026

Applicants must satisfy the age criteria prescribed by UPSC to participate in the Combined Defence Services Examination.

CriteriaAge Limit
Minimum Age20 Years
Maximum Age24 Years

Age relaxation and academy-wise conditions are applicable as per UPSC rules.


UPSC CDS II Vacancy Details

The recruitment drive offers vacancies across multiple defence academies, providing excellent career opportunities for young graduates.

AcademyTotal Posts
Indian Military Academy (IMA)100
Indian Naval Academy (INA)26
Air Force Academy (AFA)32
Officers Training Academy (OTA)293
Total451

OTA has the highest number of vacancies under this recruitment cycle.


Combined Defence Services Selection Process

Candidates must clear multiple stages to secure admission into the defence academies through the CDS examination.

The selection process generally includes:

  1. Written Examination
  2. Result Declaration
  3. SSB Interview
  4. Medical Examination
  5. Final Merit List

Candidates who clear all stages are considered for final selection.


How to Apply for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026

Follow these steps carefully while completing the online application process to avoid errors during registration.

Step 1

Visit the official UPSC website.

Step 2

Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.

Step 3

Fill out the CDS II online application form.

Step 4

Upload the required documents.

Step 5

Pay the application fee if applicable.

Step 6

Verify all details and submit the application form.

Step 7

Download and print the confirmation page.


Documents Required for UPSC CDS II Application

Candidates should keep all necessary documents ready before starting the online registration process.

Required documents include:

  • Graduation Certificate or Marksheet
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport Size Photograph
  • Signature
  • Category Certificate (If Applicable)
  • Valid Email ID
  • Mobile Number

Ensure that all uploaded documents meet the prescribed specifications.


Benefits of Joining Defence Services

A career through CDS offers leadership opportunities, job security, professional growth, and the honor of serving the nation.

Selected candidates receive:

  • Attractive Salary Package
  • Government Benefits
  • Career Growth Opportunities
  • Leadership Training
  • Pension and Allowances
  • National Service Prestige

A defence career remains one of the most respected professions in India.


Some Useful Important Links & PDFs

Important Resource Click & Download Links
Apply Online Click Here
Download Notification Click Here
Join airGurukul Live ClassesLive Classes
Join the airGurukul ChannelTelegram | WhatsApp
Official Website UPSC Official Website

FAQs

1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026?

Candidates can apply online for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 until 11 June 2026.

2. How many vacancies are available under UPSC CDS II 2026?

A total of 451 vacancies are available across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA academies.

3. What is the age limit for UPSC CDS II 2026?

Applicants must be between 20 and 24 years of age. Academy-wise conditions may apply.

4. What is the educational qualification required for CDS II 2026?

Candidates need a bachelor's degree, while specific academies may require

engineering or science qualifications.

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