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UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2026
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
"UPSC CDS II 2026 for entry into IMA, INA, AFA, OTA. Notification 20 May, exam 13 September 2026...."
Decision Markers for this role:
Quick Job Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Advt No. | CDS II 2026 (Advt No. to be released with notification) |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer (IMA / INA / AFA / OTA) |
| Qualification | Graduation / Engineering (academy-wise requirement) |
| Experience | Not required |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → SSB Interview → Medical Examination |
| Age Limit | 20–24 Years (academy-wise variations apply) |
| Salary Range | ₹56,100 (starting basic, Pay Level 10) + allowances |
| Job Type | Government |
| Location / City | All India (Exam Centers Nationwide), All India |
| Category | Defence Jobs |
Application Fee
| General | 200 |
| Sc St | 0 |
Important Dates
| Application Start | 20/05/2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09/06/2026 65 days left |
| Exam Date |
13/09/2026
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UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification
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20/05/2026
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CDS II Written Examination
LIVE
|
13/09/2026
Download / View Link
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UPSC CDS II 2026 Important Updates
LIVE
|
May–September 2026
Download / View Link
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UPSC CDS II Syllabus 2026
LIVE
|
Available Now
Download / View Link
|
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CDS II Admit Card 2026
|
To Be Announced
Download / View Link
|
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CDS II Answer Key 2026
|
To Be Announced
Download / View Link
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CDS II Result 2026
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To Be Announced
Download / View Link
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Detailed Notification & Information
Expert Analysis & Strategy
The selection ratio depends directly on the unannounced vacancy matrix. Prepare for standard examination difficulty based on the organization's previous trends.
Early phases of the application window are currently active. Aspirants are strongly recommended to apply immediately to avoid server congestion.
The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2026 is one of the most prestigious national-level defence recruitment examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This exam serves as a gateway for candidates who aspire to become commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
Through this examination, candidates are selected for admission to premier training academies such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). These institutions are responsible for training future leaders of the armed forces.
As per the official UPSC Examination Calendar 2026, the notification for CDS II 2026 will be released on 20 May 2026, and the application process will remain open until 09 June 2026. The written examination is scheduled to be conducted on 13 September 2026 across various centers in India.
To be eligible, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree. However, specific academies have additional requirements—for example, engineering degrees are required for INA and AFA, and candidates for the Air Force Academy must also meet physical and medical standards related to flying duties. No prior work experience is required.
The selection process is highly rigorous and consists of three stages. First, candidates must clear the written examination, which includes subjects like English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, and AFA). Candidates who qualify are then called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview, which assesses intelligence, personality, leadership qualities, and psychological fitness. Finally, candidates must pass a comprehensive medical examination.
Selected candidates are appointed as officers with a starting basic pay of ₹56,100 (Pay Level 10), along with various allowances such as military service pay, DA, HRA, and other benefits. The career offers immense respect, leadership opportunities, and long-term growth.
As of 4 April 2026, the notification has not yet been released, but all dates are officially confirmed in the UPSC calendar. Candidates should begin preparation early due to the competitive nature of the exam.
Recruitment Highlights 2026
- Organization
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Post Name
- UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2026
- Salary / Pay Scale
- ₹56,100 (starting basic, Pay Level 10) + allowances
- Job Type
- Government
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Graduation / Engineering (academy-wise requirement)
Age Limit
20–24 Years (academy-wise variations apply)
* Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
How to Apply Online
- Read the official Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) notification PDF carefully before applying to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Keep all required documents ready, including educational certificates, ID proof (Aadhar/PAN), category certificate (if applicable), scanned photograph, and signature.
- Click on the "Apply Online" link provided in the important links section below to visit the official portal.
- Register using your valid email ID and mobile number to generate your login credentials.
- Fill out the application form with accurate personal and educational details.
- Pay the required application fee through the designated online payment gateway (Net Banking, UPI, Credit/Debit Card).
- Review all entered information thoroughly, submit the form, and print the final confirmation page for future reference.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Verified Official Sources
Fact-checked and verified directly from issuing authorities
Important Links
| Apply Link | Click Here |
| Notification Pdf | Download PDF |
| Official Site | Click Here |
Study Materials
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Job Timeline
UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification
20/05/2026