UPSC CDS 2 2026 — 451 Vacancies for IMA, INA, AFA & OTA | Apply by 9 June
UPSC CDS 2 notification released on 20 May 2026. 451 vacancies for IMA, INA, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy. Graduates can apply by 9 June 2026.
451
Total Posts
Lieutenant: ₹56,100/month (Level 10) + military allowances
Salary
20–25
Age (yrs)
All India
Location
Timeline
20 May 2026
20 May 2026
9 Jun 2026
6:00 PM
13 Sept 2026
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About This Notification
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released CDS 2 2026 notification on 20th May 2026 for 451 vacancies in Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
CDS is the premier Officer-level recruitment exam for defence services. Graduates and final-year students can apply. Selected candidates undergo training at respective academies and are commissioned as officers.
Vacancy Breakup: IMA — 100, INA — 26, AFA — 32, OTA (Men) — 275, OTA (Women) — 18
Key Details
Organization
Union Public Service Commission
Exam Name
Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026
Total Posts
451
Job Location
All India
Selection Process
Written Exam → SSB Interview (5 days) → Medical Examination
Official Website
https://upsc.gov.in
Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Degree from a recognized University or equivalent
- Naval Academy: B.Sc with Physics & Maths, or B.E/B.Tech
- Air Force Academy: Degree with Physics & Maths in 10+2, or B.E/B.Tech
Age Limit
General Category: 20–25 years
Age limits vary by academy:
IMA / OTA: 19–25 years | INA: 19–25 years | AFA: 20–25 years.
Age calculated as on 1st January 2027.
Important Dates
Notification Released
20 May 2026
Apply Online Starts
20 May 2026
Last Date to Apply
9 Jun 2026
6:00 PM
Written Examination
13 Sept 2026
| Event | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ✓Notification Released | 20 May 2026 | — |
| ✓Apply Online Starts | 20 May 2026 | — |
| ✓Last Date to Apply | 9 Jun 2026 | 6:00 PM |
| ✓Written Examination | 13 Sept 2026 | — |
Vacancy Breakup — Total: 451
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
100Pay Scale: Lieutenant: ₹56,100–1,77,500
Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai — Men
275Pay Scale: Lieutenant: ₹56,100–1,77,500
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
32Pay Scale: Flying Officer: ₹56,100–1,77,500
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
26Pay Scale: Sub Lieutenant: ₹56,100–1,77,500
Officers Training Academy (OTA) — Women
18Pay Scale: Lieutenant: ₹56,100–1,77,500
| Post Name | Total | GEN | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | PH | Female | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Lieutenant: ₹56,100–1,77,500 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai — Men | 275 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Lieutenant: ₹56,100–1,77,500 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Flying Officer: ₹56,100–1,77,500 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Sub Lieutenant: ₹56,100–1,77,500 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) — Women | 18 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Lieutenant: ₹56,100–1,77,500 |
| Total | 451 |
Application Fee
Payment Mode: Online via SBI Net Banking / Card
Written Exam (IMA/INA/AFA) — Exam Pattern
English
Questions
120
Marks
100
Duration
120 min
Negative
0.33 per wrong
General Knowledge
Questions
120
Marks
100
Duration
120 min
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 100 | 120 min | 0.33 per wrong | offline |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 120 min | No | online |
| Total | 240 | 200 | |||
Written Exam (IMA/AFA) — Exam Pattern
Elementary Mathematics
Questions
100
Marks
100
Duration
120 min
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 120 min | No | online |
Written Exam (OTA only) — Exam Pattern
English
Questions
120
Marks
100
Duration
120 min
General Knowledge
Questions
120
Marks
100
Duration
120 min
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 100 | 120 min | No | online |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 120 min | No | online |
| Total | 240 | 200 | |||
Step 1: Choose Your Academy
Decide which academy you want to join (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA). Qualification requirements differ — Navy/AF need PCM at 12th level.
Step 2: Apply at UPSC Portal
Register at upsconline.nic.in, fill the CDS 2 2026 application form, upload documents and pay ₹200 fee.
Step 3: Prepare for Written
Written exam has English, GK, and Maths (not for OTA). Focus on NCERT + Current Affairs. Exam date: 13 Sep 2026.
Step 4: SSB Interview
Shortlisted candidates attend 5-day SSB Interview at Services Selection Boards. Day 1: Screening (OIR + PPDT). Days 2–5: Psych Tests, GTO, PI.
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