Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 on September 13, 2026, for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers’ Training Academy. The detailed recruitment notification was scheduled for release on May 20, 2026, while the academy-wise number of vacancies will be confirmed in the official notice.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | CDS (II) 2026 – IMA, INA, AFA and OTA Courses |
| Total Vacancies | To be announced |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date | June 9, 2026 |
| Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Result Date | TBA |
The CDS written examination is generally conducted in three shifts. Candidates appearing for the Officers’ Training Academy are required to take only the English and General Knowledge papers. The detailed timings should be verified from the admit card and final UPSC timetable.
| Subject | Subject Code | Expected Shift Timing |
|---|
| --- | ---: | --- |
| English | 11 | 9 am to 11 am |
| General Knowledge | 12 | 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm |
| Elementary Mathematics | 13 | 4 pm to 6 pm |
Candidates should report to the examination centre well before the gate-closing time mentioned on their e-admit card. Entry may not be permitted after the prescribed deadline.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Indian Military Academy and Officers’ Training Academy: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
- Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognised university or institution.
- Air Force Academy: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics studied at the Class 12 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
- Final-year degree students may apply subject to the conditions and documentary deadlines specified by UPSC.
- Candidates must produce proof of passing the required examination before the academy-specific cut-off date.
Age Limit
- The age requirement differs for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA courses.
- The usual age range is approximately 19 to 24 years for IMA and INA entries.
- Air Force Academy applicants are generally required to be between 20 and 24 years, with limited relaxation for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence.
- OTA applicants are generally required to be between 19 and 25 years.
- Marital status and gender-related conditions vary by academy. Candidates must check the exact date-of-birth range in the CDS II 2026 notification.
Fees
- General, OBC and EWS male candidates: ₹200.
- Female candidates and candidates belonging to SC or ST categories: No application fee.
- The fee can normally be paid through the online payment options available on the UPSC application portal.
- Any applicable transaction or banking charges must be borne by the candidate.
Selection Process
- Written Examination: Candidates must qualify in the objective-type papers prescribed for their selected academy. IMA, INA and AFA applicants take English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, while OTA applicants take English and General Knowledge.
- SSB Interview: Written-exam qualifiers are called for the Services Selection Board process, including intelligence, psychological, group and officer-like-quality assessments.
- Medical Examination and Final Merit: Recommended candidates undergo a service medical examination. Final selection is based on merit, medical fitness, academy preference, eligibility and vacancy availability.
Negative marking applies to incorrect answers in the objective papers. Candidates must qualify separately in the written examination and SSB assessment.
How to Apply
- Visit the UPSC official website at upsc.gov.in and open the online application portal.
- Complete the required account creation or registration process using an active email address and mobile number.
- Log in and select Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 from the available examinations.
- Enter personal, educational, identity and communication details carefully. Ensure that the name and date of birth match official documents.
- Select the preferred academy entries and examination centre after checking the relevant eligibility conditions.
- Upload the photograph, signature and any required identity document in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable, and review the completed form before final submission.
- Download the confirmation page and retain a printout or digital copy for admit-card and SSB-related requirements.
The application window closed on June 9, 2026. Registered candidates should monitor the official website for the admit card, centre instructions and any timetable revisions.
Important Links
FAQs
1. When will the UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2026 be held?
The written examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026.
2. Is the Mathematics paper compulsory for all candidates?
No. Elementary Mathematics is required for IMA, INA and AFA candidates. OTA candidates take only English and General Knowledge.
3. What is the minimum qualification for CDS 2 2026?
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree. INA requires an engineering degree, while AFA has additional Physics and Mathematics requirements.
