The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination – II for the year 2026. A total of 451 vacancies are available across the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers’ Training Academy. Candidates meeting the age, educational and physical standards can apply online from 20‑05‑2026 to 09‑06‑2026.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi |
| Examination | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Notification No. | 11/2026‑CDS‑II dated 20/05/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 (subject to change) |
| Application Mode | Online only via https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Selection Mode | Written Exam (Objective) → SSB Interview → Medical Examination |
| Exam Date | 13‑09‑2026 |
| Result (Tentative) | October 2026 |
Post & Organization Details
- Organization Name: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi
- Examination Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026
- Post / Course Names: IMA (163rd DE Course), INA (Executive Branch/Hydro), AFA (222 F(P) Course), OTA (126th SSC Men & Women)
- Stipend During Training: Rs. 56,100 per month (Level 10)
Vacancy Details
| S. No. | Course | Academy | Commencement | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 163rd (DE) Course | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | July 2027 | 100 |
| 2 | Executive Branch (General Service) / Hydro | Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | July 2027 | 26 |
| 3 | 222 F(P) Course (Pre‑Flying Training) | Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | July 2027 | 32 |
| 4 | 126th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | October 2027 | 275 |
| 5 | 126th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | October 2027 | 18 |
| Total | 451 | |||
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of India or subjects of Nepal, or persons of Indian origin migrated from specified countries (with eligibility certificate where applicable). |
| Educational Qualification – IMA & OTA | Degree of a recognised University or equivalent. |
| Educational Qualification – INA | Degree in Engineering OR B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective (Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level). |
| Educational Qualification – AFA | Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering. |
| Final Year Students | May apply; must submit proof of passing degree by prescribed dates (IMA/INA by 01‑07‑2027; AFA by 13‑05‑2027; OTA by 01‑10‑2027). |
| Physical Standards | Must satisfy the “Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces”. Tattoos allowed only on inner forearm and back of palm. |
| Debarment | Candidates debarred by the Ministry of Defence are ineligible. |
Age Limit & Marital Status
| Course | Age Limit | Gender & Marital Status | Date of Birth Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA | 19‑24 years | Unmarried Male only | Born between 02‑07‑2003 and 01‑07‑2008 |
| INA | 19‑24 years | Unmarried Male only | Born between 02‑07‑2003 and 01‑07‑2008 |
| AFA | 20‑24 years (as on 01‑07‑2027) | Male; below 25 must be unmarried; married candidates aged 25+ eligible (no married accommodation) | Born between 02‑07‑2003 and 01‑07‑2007; CPL holders up to 26 years (born not earlier than 01‑07‑2001) |
| OTA – SSC Men (NT) | 19‑25 years | Unmarried Male only | Born between 02‑07‑2002 and 01‑07‑2008 |
| OTA – SSC Women (NT) | 19‑25 years | Unmarried women, issueless widows, issueless divorcees (not remarried) | Born between 02‑07‑2002 and 01‑07‑2008 |
Pay Scale & Salary
- Stipend during training: Rs. 56,100 per month (Level 10) for all academies.
- Further salary details are as per the respective Service Pay Scales after commissioning.
Application Fee
No specific application fee has been mentioned in the official notification. Candidates should verify the fee details on the online application portal, if any.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Notification | 20/05/2026 |
| Opening of Online Application | 20‑05‑2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 09‑06‑2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Helpline Active Period | 20‑05‑2026 to 09‑06‑2026 (10:00 AM‑5:30 PM, working days) |
| Written Examination | 13‑09‑2026 |
| Written Result (Tentative) | October 2026 |
| SSB Interview (IMA/INA/AFA) | February – March 2027 (tentative) |
| SSB Interview (OTA) | April – June 2027 (tentative) |
| Course Commencement (IMA/INA/AFA) | July 2027 |
| Course Commencement (OTA) | October 2027 |
Selection Process
- Written Examination (Objective Type) – 13‑09‑2026
- Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview – Personality & Intelligence Tests
- Medical Examination – Final fitness verification
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC online portal: https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Click on “New Registration” and create your login credentials.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and upload scanned copies of required documents (photograph, signature, DOB proof, educational certificates, etc.).
- Pay the application fee, if applicable, through the online payment gateway.
- Review all entered information carefully and submit the application before the deadline 09‑06‑2026 6:00 PM.
- After successful submission, download and print the acknowledgment receipt for future reference.
Important Links
FAQ’s
- What is the age limit for IMA candidates?
Candidates must be between 19 and 24 years as of 01‑07‑2026, i.e., date of birth between 02‑07‑2003 and 01‑07‑2008. - Can final year students apply?
Yes. Final year students may apply provided they submit proof of passing the degree by the stipulated dates (IMA/INA by 01‑07‑2027, AFA by 13‑05‑2027, OTA by 01‑10‑2027). - Is there any application fee?
The official notification does not specify an application fee. Candidates should verify any fee on the online application portal. - Are women eligible for all courses?
Women are eligible only for the OTA SSC Women (NT) course (18 vacancies). All other courses are open to unmarried male candidates only. - What is the stipend during training?
All trainees receive a stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month (Level 10) during the training period.