The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 for admission to various prestigious military academies across India. This is an excellent opportunity for graduates who aspire to serve the nation as officers in the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. The recruitment drive will fill a total of 451 positions through a competitive selection process.
This Combined Defence Services Examination offers job security, excellent salary packages, and the prestigious opportunity to become an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates will be selected through a comprehensive process that includes a written examination, SSB interview, document verification, and medical examination. Applications are now being accepted online on the official UPSC website, and interested candidates should apply before the deadline to secure their chance at this dream career.
Overview of UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for Indian graduates to join the defence forces as commissioned officers. This examination is conducted annually by UPSC and attracts lakhs of candidates from across the country who wish to build a career in the military services.
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services Examination |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Department | Union Public Service Commission |
| Qualification | 12th Pass and Above |
| Job Location | All India |
| Age Limit | 19 to 24 Years |
| Salary/Stipend | Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,77,500 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
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Notification Out
The UPSC has officially released the notification for CDS II Recruitment 2026 on 20 May 2026. Eligible candidates can now start their application process by visiting the official UPSC portal. The online application window is open and candidates must submit their applications before the last date to be considered for the selection process.
Vacancy Details
The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 offers a total of 451 vacancies distributed across various defence academies. These positions are open for candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to serve the nation with dedication and commitment.
| Post Name | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy | 60 |
| Air Force Academy | 95 |
| Officers Training Academy | 196 |
Important Dates
Candidates should carefully note all important dates related to this recruitment process. The application process has specific deadlines and exam dates that must be followed carefully. Mark these dates on your calendar so you don’t miss any crucial deadline for submitting your application or appearing for the examination.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 11 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Result Date | October 2026 |
Application Fee
The application fee for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 varies based on the candidate’s category. General, OBC, and EWS category candidates need to pay a fee, while SC, ST, and PWD candidates are exempted from paying any application fee. The payment mode is entirely online through the official UPSC portal.
| Category | Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | Rs 200 | Online |
| SC/ST/PWD | Free | Exempted |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026, candidates must fulfill specific eligibility requirements set by the Union Public Service Commission. These criteria include educational qualifications, age limits, and other mandatory conditions. It is essential that applicants carefully review all eligibility requirements before applying to avoid rejection of their application during the verification process.
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The minimum age requirement is 19 years and the maximum age is 24 years as per the official notification. Additionally, candidates must be an Indian citizen and unmarried (for certain academies) to be eligible for this recruitment drive.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Indian Citizen |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Age Group | 19 to 24 Years |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Nationality | Indian |
Educational Qualifications
The educational qualification for UPSC CDS II positions depends on the specific academy and service stream you are applying for. Most positions require candidates to have completed their bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The qualifications ensure that only educated and competent individuals enter the defence services.
| Post Name | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Indian Naval Academy | Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream |
| Air Force Academy | Bachelor’s Degree in Science |
| Officers Training Academy | Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream |
Age Limit
The age limit for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is fixed between 19 and 24 years for general category candidates. Reserved category candidates including SC, ST, and OBC receive age relaxation benefits as per government norms. Ensure your age falls within the prescribed limits before submitting your application.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 19 Years | 24 Years | No |
| OBC | 19 Years | 24 Years | 3 Years |
| SC/ST | 19 Years | 24 Years | 5 Years |
| PWD | 19 Years | 24 Years | 10 Years |
Exam Pattern
The UPSC CDS II examination follows a structured pattern to assess the candidates’ knowledge and aptitude. The written examination consists of multiple subjects including English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. Each section carries a specific weightage and candidates must score well in all sections to qualify for the next stage of selection.
The exam is conducted in offline mode with a total duration of two hours for each paper. The question paper contains objective type questions with multiple choice options. Candidates must carefully read each question and select the most appropriate answer. Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers, so candidates should avoid guessing.
| Subject | Duration | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 6 Hours | 300 |
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Salary and Benefits
The salary for UPSC CDS II positions is quite attractive with regular increments and various allowances. Upon commissioning, officers receive a base salary ranging from Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,77,500 depending on their rank and experience. Additional benefits include medical facilities, housing allowances, dearness allowance, and family pension.
Officers in the defence services also enjoy job security with pension benefits after retirement. The salary is competitive compared to other government services and increases regularly as per government pay scales. Leave facilities, entertainment allowances, and other perks make it an excellent career choice for aspiring candidates.
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is conducted in multiple stages to identify the most suitable candidates for defence services. The first stage involves a written examination followed by SSB interview round where candidates’ communication skills and leadership qualities are assessed. Document verification ensures that all submitted documents are authentic and correct.
The final stage is the medical examination where candidates must pass stringent health standards set by the defence services. Throughout the selection process, candidates are evaluated on their physical fitness, mental aptitude, academic knowledge, and personality traits. Only candidates who successfully clear all stages are finally selected and commissioned as officers.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Written Examination | Objective Type Questions |
| SSB Interview | 4-5 Days Assessment |
| Document Verification | Original Document Check |
| Medical Examination | Health Standards Test |
| Final Selection | Merit List Based |
Documents Required for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
Candidates must arrange and keep all necessary documents ready before applying for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026. These documents are essential for the application process and later stages of verification. Missing or incomplete documentation can lead to rejection of your application.
The following documents are mandatory: Recent passport size photograph, scanned signature, Aadhaar Card or any valid ID proof, 10th and 12th marksheets for date of birth proof, bachelor’s degree certificate, caste certificate for SC/ST/OBC candidates, EWS certificate if applicable, domicile certificate, and disability certificate for PWD candidates. Ensure all documents are clear and legible as blurred copies may be rejected during verification.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
Applying for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is a straightforward online process that can be completed in just a few steps.
- First, candidates need to visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Look for the recruitment notification section and search for CDS II Recruitment 2026 to access the application portal.
- Once you locate the application link, click on it to proceed. Next, fill in your personal details accurately including name, date of birth, contact information, and educational qualifications.
- Upload your recent passport size photograph and signature in the specified format as per the guidelines provided.
- Make sure the image size and resolution meet the requirements to avoid rejection of your application.
- After entering all personal details, move to the educational qualification section.
- Fill in all your academic achievements including school, college, and university details.
- Then select the academy and service stream you wish to apply for.
- Carefully review all the information you have entered as errors may cause issues during document verification.
- In the next step, you need to upload all supporting documents including your 10th marksheet, 12th marksheet, and bachelor’s degree certificate.
- Also upload your caste certificate or EWS certificate if you belong to a reserved category.
- Make sure all documents are in PDF format and within the specified file size limit.
- Finally, pay the application fee of Rs 200 for general category candidates through online mode using debit card, credit card, or internet banking.
- SC, ST, and PWD candidates are exempted from fee payment. After successful payment, submit your application form and take a printout for future reference.
- Keep the application number safe as you will need it for tracking your application status and downloading admit cards.
Important Note
Before submitting your application, carefully verify all information and ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria. Any false information or incomplete details may result in rejection of your application during verification. It is advisable to take a printout of your submitted application and keep it safe throughout the selection process.
Visit the official UPSC website regularly to check for updates regarding exam dates, admit card release, result announcements, and other important information. Subscribe to official notifications to receive timely updates about your application status and selection process progress.
Important Links for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
Candidates must refer to the official UPSC website for downloading the detailed notification, checking eligibility criteria, and submitting their online applications. The important links mentioned below will help you access all necessary information and resources for this recruitment drive.
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official UPSC Website | Click Here |
| CDS II Recruitment Notification | Click Here |
| Online Application Portal | Click Here |
| Admit Card Download | Click Here |
| Result Check | Click Here |
Conclusion
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 presents an outstanding opportunity for graduates to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. With 451 vacancies and attractive salary packages, this recruitment is ideal for ambitious candidates seeking a stable and prestigious career. Apply now on the official UPSC website before the deadline of 11 June 2026.
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FAQs: UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
1. What is the age limit for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
The age limit for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is 19 to 24 years for general category candidates. SC, ST, and OBC candidates receive age relaxation of 5, 5, and 3 years respectively. PWD candidates are eligible for 10 years of age relaxation beyond the maximum age limit.
2. How many vacancies are available in UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
There are a total of 451 vacancies available in UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026. These positions are distributed across Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy for various defence services.
3. What is the application fee for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
The application fee for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is Rs 200 for general, OBC, and EWS category candidates. SC, ST, and PWD candidates are completely exempted from paying any application fee and can apply for free.
4. What is the educational qualification required for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university to be eligible for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026. Some specific academies may require bachelor’s degree in specific streams like science for Air Force Academy.
5. When will the UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 exam be conducted?
The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 written examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026. The SSB interview rounds will be conducted in the following months after the declaration of written exam results in October 2026.
My name is Sourabh Verma, and for the past 6 years I have been writing about government jobs, competitive exams, results, and admit cards. At TheDailySight.com, my goal is to provide students and job seekers with accurate and timely information.