Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites online applications for recruitment to the post of Combined Defence Service (CDS) Examination II 2026 for 451 vacancies. The Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission on 13th September 2026. All eligible candidates can apply online through official UPSC website upsconline.nic.in from 20th May 2026 till the last date of application submission 09th June 2026 for CDS 2 Examination 2026.
Combined Defence Service Examination (II) 2026
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 20-05-2026
- Application Last Date: 09-06-2026
- Exam Date: 13-09-2026
Application Fee
- SC/ ST/ Female Candidates: Rs.0/-
- All Other Candidates: Rs.200/-
- Pay fee through online using Credit Card/ Debit Card/ UPI/ Internet Banking.
Age Limit
- See Below Course Wise Age Limit
- (For Age Relaxation See Notification)
Total Post :- 451
CDS II Age Limit For Examination 2026
| Course Name | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| For IMA | Age: 19 to 24 years. Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 1st July, 2003 and not later than 1st July, 2008. |
| For Indian Naval Academy | Age: 19 to 24 years. Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 1st July, 2003 and not later than 1st July, 2008 only are eligible. |
| For Air Force Academy | 20 to 24 years as on 1st July, 2027 i.e. born not earlier than 1st July, 2003 and not later than 1st July, 2007. Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 1st July, 2001 and not later than 1st July, 2007 only are eligible. |
| For Officers’ Training Academy – (SSC Course for men) | Age: 19 to 25 years. Unmarried male candidate born not earlier than 1st July 2002 and not later than 1st July, 2008 only are eligible. |
| For Officers’ Training Academy – (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) | Age: 19 to 25 years. Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 1st July, 2002 and not later than 1st July, 2008. |
CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai
Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
Indian Naval Academy
A bachelor’s degree in Engineering or B.Sc. with Physics as core or elective subject from recognised University/ Institution (with Physics and Mathematics in 10+2 level).
Air Force Academy
Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
Graduates with first choice as Army/ Navy/ Air Force are to submit proof of Graduation/ provisional certificates on the date of commencement of the SSB Interview at the SSB.
Candidates who are studying in the final year/ semester Degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply.
UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy 2026 Details
| Course Name | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| 1. Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 163rd (DE) Course commencing in July 2027. | 100 |
| 2. Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – Course commencing in July, 2027 Executive Branch (General Service)/ Hydro. | 26 |
| 3. Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in July, 2027 i.e. 222 F(P) Course. | 32 |
| 4. Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 126th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course Commencing in October, 2027. | 275 |
| 5. Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 126th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in October, 2027. | 18 |
| Total Post | 451 |
CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Apply Online Links
| Apply Online | Click Here To Apply |
| Applicant Login | Click Here To Login |
| Application *Home Page | Click Here To Open Home Page |
| Download Notification | Click Here To Download Notification |
| Official Website | Click Here To Open Official Website |
