Are you interested in joining the Indian Armed Forces as an officer? The Union Public Service Commission has released a great opportunity for you. UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is now inviting applications from Indian citizens to fill 451 posts through the Combined Defence Services Examination. This is your chance to serve the nation while building a strong and secure career with excellent job benefits.
The selected candidates will be appointed to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy based on their merit and performance. This recruitment is open for candidates across all India, making it an equal opportunity for everyone.
The recruitment process includes a written examination, SSB interview, document verification, and medical examination. As an officer in the Indian Armed Forces, you will enjoy job security, attractive salary, pension benefits, and respect in society. If you have a graduate degree and meet the eligibility criteria, you should not miss this opportunity to apply online before the deadline.
Overview
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is a national level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for the Indian Armed Forces. This is one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in India, offering 451 vacancies for qualified and motivated candidates.
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Quick Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services Examination |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Department | Union Public Service Commission |
| Qualification | Graduation from Recognized University |
| Job Location | All India |
| Age Limit | 19 to 25 Years |
| Salary | 56100 to 177500 per month |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Read More: UPSC Exam Calendar 2027 Full Schedule: Notification Dates, Application Deadlines & Exam Dates
Notification Out
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 notification has been officially released. Interested candidates can now visit the official UPSC portal to check complete details about the examination and apply online before the deadline ends.
Vacancy Details
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 offers 451 total vacancies for the Combined Defence Services Examination. Positions are available for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy combined.
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Combined Defence Services Examination | 451 |
Important Dates
The timeline for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is important to remember. Candidates must note that the application window opens on May 20, 2026, and closes on June 9, 2026. The written examination will be held on September 13, 2026. It is very important to submit your application before the deadline as no late applications will be accepted.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Application Start Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Application Last Date | June 9, 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
| SSB Interview | After written exam result |
Application Fee
The application fee for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is very reasonable and affordable for all candidates. General, OBC, and EWS category candidates need to pay Rs 200 as application fee, while SC, ST, and PwD candidates are completely exempt from paying any fee. Payment can be done online through various payment modes including debit card, credit card, and net banking.
| Category | Application Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | Rs 200 | Online |
| SC/ST/PwD | Free | N/A |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet certain basic requirements set by the Union Public Service Commission. First, you must be an Indian citizen. Second, you must have completed your graduation from any recognized university in India or abroad. The selection of candidates will be based on written examination performance, followed by SSB interview, medical examination, and document verification.
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Citizen |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor Degree from Recognized University |
| Citizenship | Must be Indian National |
| Physical Standards | Must meet military physical standards |
| Medical Fitness | Must be medically fit |
| Marital Status | Rules apply based on service branch |
Educational Qualifications
For UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026, candidates must have completed their graduation from any recognized university approved by the Government of India. Candidates with degrees in any field such as Science, Commerce, Arts, Engineering, or any other discipline are eligible to apply. Your graduation should be completed before the application deadline.
| Post Name | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Combined Defence Services Examination | Bachelor’s Degree from Recognized University |
Age Limit
The age limit for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is between 19 and 25 years. Relaxation in maximum age is provided for reserved category candidates and persons with disabilities according to government norms.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 19 Years | 25 Years | No |
| SC/ST | 19 Years | 25 Years | 5 Years |
| OBC | 19 Years | 25 Years | 3 Years |
| PwD | 19 Years | 25 Years | 10 Years |
Exam Pattern
The written examination for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 consists of multiple objective type question papers. Candidates must score well in all papers to qualify for the next stage. The examination is conducted in two stages: written examination followed by SSB interview and medical examination.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for officers selected through UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 varies based on their rank and service branch. Starting salary ranges from Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,77,500 per month depending on the position and seniority. Along with salary, officers receive attractive pension benefits, allowances, medical facilities, accommodation, and other government benefits. The job provides excellent job security and opportunity to serve the nation with pride and honor.
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is comprehensive and merit based. All candidates who clear the written examination are called for SSB interview. After successful SSB interview, candidates must pass medical examination and document verification before final selection. The entire process ensures that only the most suitable and qualified candidates are selected.
| Selection Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Written Examination | Objective type questions in multiple papers |
| Merit List | Based on written exam performance |
| SSB Interview | Service Selection Board interview |
| Medical Examination | Complete physical and medical fitness check |
| Document Verification | Verification of all submitted documents |
| Final Selection | Appointment letter issuance |
Required Documents
Before applying for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026, you must arrange all important documents.
- You will need a recent passport size photograph, scanned copy of your signature
- Aadhaar card or any valid identity proof
- 10th class marksheet showing your date of birth
- 12th class marksheet, graduation certificate
- caste certificate if applicable, EWS certificate if applicable
- domicile certificate, and disability certificate if you fall under PwD category
- Having these documents ready will make the application process smooth and quick
How to Apply
The application process for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is simple and can be completed online. Follow these easy steps to submit your application before the deadline.
- First, visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in and navigate to the recruitment section.
- Click on the UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 notification link. Read all the instructions carefully before filling the application form.
- Fill out the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and other required information.
- Upload all required documents in the specified format and size as mentioned in the notification.
- Pay the application fee online if applicable to your category. Review all the information entered before final submission.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation receipt for your records.
- Take a printout of the submitted application form and keep it safe for future reference and document verification stage.
- Ensure that all information provided in your application is accurate and correct. Any false information can lead to cancellation of your candidature.
- Double check the application before submission as no changes can be made after submission.
- Keep your application confirmation receipt safe as it will be required during document verification and interview stages.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any last minute technical issues.
Important Links
All official links for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 are provided below for your convenience. You can download the complete official notification from the UPSC website. Visit upsc.gov.in regularly to check updates, merit list, interview schedule, and other important information related to this recruitment.
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official UPSC Website | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Online Application Portal | Click Here |
| Merit List | Click Here |
| Admit Card | Click Here |
| Result Status | Click Here |
Conclusion
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is a wonderful opportunity for qualified graduates to start an honorable career in the Indian Armed Forces. With 451 vacancies available across different academies, this is your chance to serve the nation and build a secure future. Apply online before June 9, 2026, and prepare well for the examination to achieve your dream of becoming an officer.
Read More: Bihar Police Constable Operator Recruitment 2026: 993 Vacancies, Apply Now
FAQs: UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026
1. What is UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is a national examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for the Indian Armed Forces through the Combined Defence Services Examination for admission to various military academies.
2. How many vacancies are available in UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
There are 451 total vacancies available in UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 for the Combined Defence Services Examination across the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
3. What is the age limit for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
The age limit for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is between 19 and 25 years. Relaxation in age is provided for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD categories as per government norms.
4. 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 candidates. SC, ST, and PwD candidates are exempt from paying any application fee.
5. When is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 is June 9, 2026. No late applications will be accepted after this date.
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.