UPSC CDS (2) Exam 2026

1. Important Dates & Schedule

Candidates must adhere strictly to the timelines mentioned below. No withdrawal of application is permitted once submitted.

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.

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.

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 Photo)

The application process must be done digitally via the official UPSC portal. No withdrawal of application is permitted once submitted.

1. OTR Registration: Visit upsconline.nic.in. Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) to generate your Universal Registration Number (URN). A one-time edit facility is available for URN profiles.
2. Photo ID Requirement: Keep details of a valid Photo ID (Aadhaar Card preferred) ready. You must carry this identical ID to the exam center.
3. Form Completion: Log in and fill the Common Application Form (CAF) for the CDS-II Exam. Choose your preferred academies.
4. Live Photo Capture: Applicants are mandatorily required to upload a standard photograph and also capture a live photograph using a webcam/camera.
5. Signature Upload: You must sign three times (one below the other) on a plain white paper using black ink and upload the scanned image.
6. Fee Payment: Pay the Rs. 200 fee online.
7. Submit & Print: Review all details, click on final submit, and take a printout of the application form.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)