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UPSC CDS (2) Exam 2026 Detailed Notification Out: Apply Online for 451 Defence Academy Posts Total Vacancies: 451 Posts Last Date: 09 June 2026 Exam Date: 13 Sept 2026 Brief Notification Overview: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Examination Notice No. 11/2026-CDS-II for the prestigious Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. This recruitment drive offers an unparalleled opportunity for graduates to join the Indian Armed Forces as Commissioned Officers, aiming to fill 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Eligible candidates can register via the official UPSC One Time Registration (OTR) portal. The online application link is active and will permanently close at 6:00 PM on 09th June 2026. The objective-type written examination is scheduled to be held nationwide on 13th September 2026. Table of Contents 1. Important Dates & Schedule 2. Academy-Wise Vacancy Breakdown 3. Educational & Age Eligibility 4. Application Fee Details 5. Exam Pattern & Strict Rules 6. Selection Process & Tie-Breaking 7. Pay Scale & Stipend 8. Step-by-Step Guide to Apply 9. Crucial Direct Links 10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Important Dates & Schedule Candidates must adhere strictly to the timelines mentioned below. No withdrawal of application is permitted once submitted. UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment Schedule 2026 Important Timelines Date of Notification: 20/05/2026 Closing Date for Online Application: 09/06/2026 (upto 6:00 PM) Date of Written Examination: 13/09/2026 Release of e-Admit Cards: Last working day of the preceding week of the exam 2. Academy-Wise Vacancy Breakdown A total of 451 provisional vacancies have been announced. Certain seats are reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders across the wings. Name of the Course / Academy Total Vacancies Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun(163rd DE Course commencing in July 2027) 100 (Includes 13 for NCC ‘C’ Army Wing) Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala(Course commencing in July 2027) 26 (Includes 06 for NCC ‘C’ Naval Wing & 01 for Hydro) Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad(Pre-Flying 222 F(P) Course commencing in July 2027) 32 (Includes 03 for NCC ‘C’ Air Wing) Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai(126th SSC Men NT Course commencing in Oct 2027) 275 Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai(126th SSC Women NT Course commencing in Oct 2027) 18 Grand Total 451 Posts 3. Educational & Age Eligibility A. Age Limits, Sex & Marital Status IMA: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd July 2003 and 1st July 2008. INA: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd July 2003 and 1st July 2008. AFA: 20 to 24 years as on 1st July 2027 (born between 2nd July 2003 and 1st July 2007). Upper age relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA. OTA (SSC Course for Men): Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2008. OTA (SSC Women NT Course): Unmarried women, issueless widows, and issueless divorcees (who have not remarried) born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2008. B. Educational Qualifications For IMA and OTA: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent. For INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution. For AFA: Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering. Note: Candidates who are studying in the final year/semester Degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply. 4. Application Fee Details The fee can be paid online via Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, or UPI Payment. Fees once paid are not refundable. Applicant Category Application Fee General / OBC / EWS Male Candidates Rs. 200/- Female Candidates / SC / ST Candidates NIL (Exempted) 5. Exam Pattern & Strict Rules The written examination comprises objective-type questions only. The question papers of General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set bilingually in Hindi and English. For Admission to IMA, INA, and AFA (300 Marks Total): English (100 Marks, 2 Hours) General Knowledge (100 Marks, 2 Hours) Elementary Mathematics (100 Marks, 2 Hours) For Admission to OTA (200 Marks Total): English (100 Marks, 2 Hours) General Knowledge (100 Marks, 2 Hours) Penalty for Wrong Answers: Negative marking is applicable. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for an incorrect response. Exam Day Rules: Candidates must use a Black Ball Pen ONLY for writing and marking answers in the OMR sheet. Face Authentication: Mandatory face authentication will be conducted at the venue. Entry Closure: The entry into the venue shall close exactly 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the Examination. Mobile phones, smart watches, and Bluetooth devices are strictly prohibited. 6. Selection Process & Tie-Breaking Rules Candidates qualifying the written examination will be called for the Intelligence and Personality Test by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Stage I (Screening): Comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage II: Comprises Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. Conducted over 4 days. Air Force Candidates: Must administer the Computer Pilot Selection System (CPSS). Those who fail CPSS cannot be tested for the flying branch again. Tie-Breaking Principles: If aggregate marks are equal, the candidate securing more marks in the written total will be ranked higher. If still tied, marks in General Knowledge will be considered, followed by seniority in age. 7. Pay Scale & Stipend The Indian Armed Forces offer highly competitive remuneration and allowances to Commissioned Officers. Stipend during Training: Gentlemen/Lady Cadets receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month during the entire duration of training in Service academies (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA). Post-Commissioning Salary: Upon successful commissioning, officers start at the rank of Lieutenant (or equivalent) in Pay Level 10 (Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500). Military Service Pay (MSP): Officers from the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier are entitled to a fixed MSP of Rs. 15,500/- per month. Allowances: Officers receive Dearness Allowance, Dress Allowance (Rs. 20,000/- per year), Transport Allowance, Free Ration, and specific hazard allowances based on posting. 8. Step-by-Step Guide to Apply (Live