The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS II) 2026 on 20 May 2026. The examination is conducted for recruitment into various prestigious military academies of India.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification Released
About CDS Examination
The CDS examination is conducted twice every year for graduates who aspire to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Through this examination, candidates are selected for:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: 20 May 2026
- Application Start Date: 20 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 9 June 2026
- CDS II 2026 Examination Date: 13 September 2026
Vacancy Details
UPSC has announced vacancies for admission into different military academies through CDS II 2026.
Academies Included
- Indian Military Academy
- Indian Naval Academy
- Air Force Academy
- Officers Training Academy
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Graduation from a recognized university.
- INA: Engineering degree from a recognized institution.
- AFA: Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level or Bachelor of Engineering.
Age Limit
Candidates must satisfy the age conditions mentioned in the official notification for each academy.
Marital Status
Marital status requirements differ according to the academy and branch.
Vacancies
CDS II 2026 Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA and AFA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
Selection Process
The CDS selection process includes:
- Written Examination
- Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
The SSB interview evaluates candidates on leadership, intelligence, personality and officer-like qualities.
Training Academies
Selected candidates receive training at prestigious defence academies including:
- Indian Military Academy
- Indian Naval Academy
- Air Force Academy
- Officers Training Academy
How to Apply
Candidates can submit their applications online through the UPSC online portal before the last date.
Official Links
Preparation Tips for CDS Aspirants
- Focus on English grammar and vocabulary.
- Prepare current affairs and defence-related news regularly.
- Practice Mathematics daily for accuracy and speed.
- Solve previous year papers and mock tests.
- Work on personality development and communication skills for SSB interviews.
The CDS examination provides graduates with an excellent opportunity to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers and contribute to national service with dedication and honour.
