UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026: Notification Out, Apply Online

UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026: Your Gateway to a Distinguished Career in Defence!

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the much-awaited notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2 Examination 2026. This is a golden opportunity for aspiring candidates looking to join the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). A total of 451 vacancies have been announced, inviting eligible candidates to apply online.

UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Overview

Important Dates

• Notification Release Date: 20 May 2026
• Online Registration Start Date: 20 May 2026
• Last Date for Registration: 09 June 2026 (till 6:00 PM)
• UPSC CDS 2 Exam Date: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)

Vacancy Details (Total Posts: 451)

Application Fees

Candidates are required to pay the application fee online. The fee structure for different categories is as follows:

Age Limit (as of 1st July 2026)

• IMA & INA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 1 July 2003 and not later than 1 July 2008. (Min 18 years, Max 23 years)
• Air Force Academy: Candidates born not earlier than 1 July 2003 and not later than 1 July 2007. (Min 19 years, Max 23 years)
• OTA (Men & Women): Candidates born not earlier than 1 July 2002 and not later than 1 July 2008. (Min 18 years, Max 24 years)

Age relaxation will be applicable as per government rules. Refer to the official notification for detailed information.

Educational Qualification

The minimum educational qualification for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 varies by post. Detailed qualifications are as follows:

Selection Process

The selection process for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 includes the following stages:

1. Written Examination
2. SSB Interview / Personality Test
3. Document Verification
4. Medical Examination

How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026

Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply online:

1. Visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at upsc.gov.in.
2. On the homepage, find the option to apply for CDS II.
3. Select the “New Registration” option.
4. Fill in all the required details to generate your application number and password.
5. Log in using your credentials to access the application form.
6. Enter your personal and academic information, along with exam preference details.
7. Upload all necessary documents in the prescribed format.
8. Pay the CDS 2 application fee through Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.
9. Finally, download and save the confirmation page for future reference.