UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS II) 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially opened registrations for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS II) 2026. This prestigious national-level examination offers 451 vacancies for admission into elite military training institutions: the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Eligible graduates, engineering professionals, and final-year students can apply online through the official UPSC portal. Selected candidates will undergo comprehensive military training and enter service as commissioned officers at a starting basic pay scale of ₹56,100 per month. The online application portal is currently active and will accept submissions until June 23, 2026.
451
Total Posts
Level 10 Pay Matrix — ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month (Basic starting pay as Lieutenant, plus applicable Military Service Pay, Kit Maintenance, and DA allowances)
Salary
19–24
Age (yrs)
All India (Post-commissioning deployments across tactical formations)
Location
About This Notification
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. This recruitment drive offers a premier gateway for young, dynamic graduates to join the Indian Armed Forces as regular commissioned officers. With a total of 451 vacancies, the entries span across the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala), Air Force Academy (Hyderabad), and Officers Training Academy (Chennai) for both Men and Women (Non-Technical courses).
The selection process is highly competitive, comprising a rigorous Written Examination conducted by the UPSC, followed by intensive intelligence, personality, and psychological assessments at the Services Selection Board (SSB). Candidates meeting the stringent physical, medical, and educational standards must submit their single integrated profile through the UPSC online application system before the closing deadline on June 23, 2026.
Key Details
Organization
Union Public Service Commission
Department
Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force)
Exam Name
Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026
Total Posts
451
Job Location
All India (Post-commissioning deployments across tactical formations)
Selection Process
Stage 1: Written Examination (Objective MCQ format) → Stage 2: SSB Interview / Personality Test (Intelligence & Psychological Tests) → Stage 3: Strict Medical Examination (Appeals processed under special medical boards) → Stage 4: Final Merit List Integra
Official Website
https://upsc.gov.in
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Must be an unmarried citizen of India, a subject of Nepal, or a person of Indian origin migrated from specified nations for permanent settlement.
Final Year Status
Candidates currently studying in their final year/semester of graduation are fully eligible to apply, provided they don't have backlogs and can submit proof of passing by the specified academy reporting date.
Physical Fitness Baseline
Must be in excellent physical condition. No tattoos on visible parts, matching body mass index (BMI) standards, and clear vision profiles (varies across Army, Navy, and AFA criteria).
Educational Qualification
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Officers Training Academy (OTA): Degree of a recognized University or equivalent qualification in any academic discipline.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Degree in Engineering (B.E. or B.Tech.) from a recognized University/Institution.
- Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR a Bachelor of Engineering/Technology degree.
Age Limit
General Category: 19–24 years
No standard caste-based age relaxations apply to UPSC CDS entries. Age eligibility limits vary precisely based on the specific institutional academy preferences:
- IMA & INA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July 2003 and not later than 1st July 2008.
- Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years as of 1st July 2027 (Born not earlier than 2nd July 2003 and not later than 1st July 2007). Upper age limit stretchable up to 26 years for valid commercial pilot license holders issued by DGCA.
- OTA (Men & Women): Unmarried male or female candidates born not earlier than 2nd July 2002 and not later than 1st July 2008.
