UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 – Apply for 451 Combined Defence Services Posts

📊 Quick Info Overview

📅 Important Dates

📢 Vacancy Breakdown

💳 Application Fee

🎯 Selection Process

1. Stage 1: Written Examination (Objective Type)
2. Stage 2: SSB Intelligence & Personality Test
3. Stage 3: Medical Examination

Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the CDS 2 Examination 2026 notification for admission into Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy. There are 451 vacancies available for various courses. Eligible candidates can apply online from 20-05-2026 to 09-06-2026. The examination will be conducted on 13-09-2026.

Key Highlights

• Notification Date: 20/05/2026
• Total Vacancies: 451 (subject to change by Services HQ)
• Exam Date: 13/09/2026
• Application Mode: Online via https://upsconline.nic.in
• Selection Process: Written Examination, SSB Intelligence & Personality Test, Medical Exam
• Stipend During Training: Rs. 56,100/- per month (Level 10)
• Last Date to Apply: 09-06-2026 (up to 6:00 PM)

Vacancy Details

• 163rd (DE) Course, Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun - 100 Posts
• Executive Branch / Hydro, Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala - 26 Posts
• 222 F(P) Course, Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad - 32 Posts
• 126th SSC Men (NT), Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai - 275 Posts
• 126th SSC Women (NT), Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai - 18 Posts

Eligibility

Candidates must be Indian citizens or certain specified foreign nationals. Educational qualifications vary by course: degree holders or equivalent are eligible for IMA and OTA; engineering degree or B.Sc. with Physics for INA; degree with Physics and Mathematics or engineering for AFA. Final year students may apply with conditions.

Age limits vary for different courses; for example, 19-24 years for IMA, INA, and AFA unmarried males, with specific date of birth ranges. Physical fitness as per specified medical standards is mandatory.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 20-05-2026
• Application Start Date: 20-05-2026
• Application Last Date: 09-06-2026 (6:00 PM)
• Written Exam Date: 13-09-2026
• Written Result: Oct 2026 (Tentative)
• SSB Interview (IMA/INA/AFA): Feb - Mar 2027 (Tentative)
• SSB Interview (OTA): Apr - Jun 2027 (Tentative)
• Course Commencement (IMA/INA/AFA): July 2027
• Course Commencement (OTA): Oct 2027

Application Fee

The official notification should be referred to for exact fee details. Application is online.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online only through the official UPSC application portal. No other mode of application is accepted. Ensure the application is submitted before the deadline.

Selection Process

The selection involves a written objective type examination followed by an SSB Intelligence & Personality test and a medical examination. The written exam is scheduled for 13 September 2026.

Candidates can also explore other Defence Jobs 2026 and UPSC Jobs 2026 on our portal. For exam related information, candidates may download the Admit Card from UPSC official site. After exams, candidates should regularly check latest exam results and Download Syllabus PDF for preparation. Those interested in Central Govt Jobs can review Latest Govt Jobs 2026 available at JobOne.in.

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