The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS II) 2026 notification, inviting applications from eligible candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. This prestigious examination is one of the most important entry points for defence careers in India and offers opportunities across the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy.

The online application process for CDS II 2026 has started and will continue until 09 June 2026, which is also the last date for payment of the examination fee. Candidates are advised to complete their registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues or payment failures. A total of 451 vacancies have been announced under this recruitment drive, making it a significant opportunity for aspirants aiming to serve the nation through the armed forces. The selection process is conducted by UPSC, known for its high standards and competitive examination structure.

Vacancy Details

The CDS II 2026 vacancies are distributed across four major defence academies:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): 100 posts
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): 26 posts
• Air Force Academy (AFA): 32 posts
• Officers Training Academy (OTA): 293 posts

Among these, OTA has the highest number of vacancies, offering a major opportunity for candidates interested in short-service commission roles.

Educational Qualification

The eligibility criteria vary depending on the academy:

• For Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA), candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
• For the Indian Naval Academy, a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required.
• For the Air Force Academy, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.

These academic requirements ensure that candidates possess the necessary educational foundation for rigorous defence training and officer responsibilities.

Age Limit Criteria

As per CDS II 2026 notification, the age limits are calculated as of 01 July 2027. Candidates must generally fall within the age range of 20 to 24 years, depending on the specific academy and post applied for. Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules for reserved categories.

Selection Process

The selection process for CDS includes a written examination conducted by UPSC, followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview for shortlisted candidates. The SSB process evaluates candidates on intelligence, personality, leadership skills, and physical fitness required for officer training. Final selection is based on overall performance in both written exam and SSB interview, followed by medical examination.

Application Process

Candidates must apply online through the UPSC application portal. Before filling out the form, applicants should carefully read the official notification and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements. Important documents such as educational certificates, identity proof, scanned photograph, and signature must be prepared in advance. Applicants must ensure all details are correctly filled in the form, as errors may lead to rejection. After submitting the application and paying the fee, candidates should download and print the final application form for future reference.

Importance of CDS Exam

The CDS examination is one of the most respected competitive exams in India, offering a direct pathway to becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces. It provides not only a prestigious career but also an opportunity to serve the nation with honor and responsibility. With structured training, discipline, and leadership development, CDS-selected candidates go on to play key roles in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 presents a golden opportunity for graduates aspiring to join the defence services. With 451 vacancies across multiple academies and a well-defined selection process, this exam remains one of the most sought-after career paths in India. Eligible candidates should apply before 09 June 2026 and begin their preparation early to improve their chances of success in this highly competitive examination.