UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 451 Defence Service Posts

The Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 for the Combined Defence Services Examination II. This prestigious opportunity allows aspiring candidates to join the Indian Armed Forces through the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. With a total of 451 vacancies, the recruitment drive opens doors for graduates seeking a rewarding career in defence services.

Overview of UPSC CDS II Examination 2026

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC to recruit officers for various defence academies. The CDS-II 2026 notification invites applications from eligible Indian citizens who meet the specified educational and age criteria. Successful candidates undergo rigorous training and serve in different branches of the Indian defence forces. This recruitment is ideal for those passionate about serving the nation with discipline and leadership.

Important Dates for UPSC CDS 2 2026

Candidates must adhere to the following schedule to avoid missing any deadlines:

Online Application Start Date: 20 May 2026
Last Date to Submit Application: 09 June 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment: 09 June 2026
Exam Date: 13 September 2026
Admit Card Release: To be announced before the exam

Always verify the latest updates directly on the Union Public Service Commission UPSC website.

Vacancy Details

The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 offers 451 posts distributed across four academies. Here is the detailed breakdown:

Academy Name	Number of Posts
Indian Military Academy (IMA)	100
Air Force Academy	32
Indian Naval Academy	26
Officers Training Academy (OTA)	293
Total	451

Eligibility Criteria

Aspiring applicants must fulfill the following educational qualifications:

IMA and OTA: Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university.
Indian Naval Academy: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
Air Force Academy: Bachelor’s degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.

Age Limit: Candidates must be born not earlier than 01 July 2003 and not later than 01 July 2008. Age relaxations apply as per UPSC rules for reserved categories. For complete details, refer to the official notification PDF.

Application Fee

The fee structure is as follows:

General / OBC candidates: ₹200
SC / ST / All Female candidates: Exempted (₹0)

Payment can be made online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, or Mobile Wallet.

How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 Online Form 2026

Follow these simple steps to submit your application before the deadline of 09 June 2026:

Visit the official UPSC website or directly access the online application portal.
Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
Fill in personal, educational, and other required details carefully.
Upload scanned documents as specified.
Pay the application fee (if applicable) and submit the form.
Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Before applying, carefully read the official notification PDF to ensure eligibility.

Selection Process

The selection involves two main stages:

Written Examination conducted by UPSC.
SSB Interview for shortlisted candidates, followed by medical examination.

Only candidates who clear all stages are recommended for training at the respective academies.

Important Links

Access these resources for quick reference:

Stay updated by downloading the SarkariResult App or joining via WhatsApp and Telegram.

Conclusion

The UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 presents a golden opportunity for graduates to embark on a distinguished career in the Indian Armed Forces. With 451 vacancies and a structured selection process, candidates are encouraged to apply promptly before 09 June 2026. Prepare thoroughly for the written exam and SSB interview to increase your chances of success. For the latest updates, regularly check the official UPSC portal.

UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026: 451 Posts Apply Online