The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination II 2026 notification for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force as Officers. ✨
CDS is one of India’s most prestigious defence examinations conducted by UPSC for graduates who dream of serving the nation through the Armed Forces.
This is a great opportunity for candidates looking to build a respected career with leadership, discipline, adventure, and national service.
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Recruitment Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC CDS II 2026 |
| Conducting Body | UPSC |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Qualification | Graduate / B.Sc / B.E / B.Tech |
| Age Limit | As per Academy |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Departments | Indian Army, Navy & Air Force |
| Job Type | Central Government Defence Jobs |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Salary | Starting from ₹56,100/month |
| Official Website | UPSC Official Website |
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 27 May 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 27 May 2026 |
| ⏳ Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Admit Card | Expected before exam |
| ✏️ Written Examination | September 2026 (Tentative) |
| SSB Interview | After written exam |
Eligibility Criteria
| Academy | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Graduation from recognized university |
| ⚓ Indian Naval Academy | Engineering Degree |
| ✈️ Air Force Academy | Graduation with Physics & Maths / Engineering Degree |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Graduation |
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| ➗ Elementary Mathematics | 100 |
OTA Candidates:
English – 100
General Knowledge – 100
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| Women Candidates | Exempted |
Payment can be made through:
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
