Combined Defence Services (CDS) Recruitment 2026 – 451 Officer Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II) 2026 for recruitment into the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force through prestigious military academies. This is one of the most sought-after defence examinations for graduates aspiring to become commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. A total of 451 vacancies have been announced.

Organization: UPSC
Exam Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026
Advertisement No.: 11/2026-CDS-II
Job Location: All India
Application Mode: Online
Total Vacancies: 451 Posts

Vacancies

Academy	Vacancies
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun	100
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala	26
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad	32
Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men)	276
Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women)	17
Total	451

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Indian Military Academy (IMA):

Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University.

Indian Naval Academy (INA):

Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.

Air Force Academy (AFA):

Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR
Bachelor of Engineering.

Officers Training Academy (OTA):

Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University.

Nationality

Candidates must be:

Citizens of India, or
Subjects of Nepal, or
Persons of Indian Origin migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India

Age Limits and Relaxations

Indian Military Academy (IMA)

Unmarried male candidates born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2008.

Indian Naval Academy (INA)

Unmarried male candidates born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2008.

Air Force Academy (AFA)

20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027.
Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence may get age relaxation up to 26 years.

Officers Training Academy (OTA)

Male & Female candidates born between 02 July 2002 and 01 July 2008

Salary and Benefits

During Training

Stipend: ₹56,100 per month (Level-10 Pay Matrix).

After Commissioning

Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level-10)
Military Service Pay (MSP)
Dearness Allowance (DA)
Transport Allowance
Free Medical Facilities
Canteen Facilities
Pension Benefits
Adventure & Foreign Posting Opportunities
Housing & Family Benefits

Selection Process

The selection process consists of:

Written Examination
SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test)
Document Verification
Medical Examination
Final Merit List

Written Examination Pattern

IMA / INA / AFA

English – 100 Marks
General Knowledge – 100 Marks
Elementary Mathematics – 100 Marks

OTA

English – 100 Marks
General Knowledge – 100 Marks

Important Dates

Event	Date
Notification Release Date	20 May 2026
Online Application Start	20 May 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	09 June 2026 (6:00 PM)
CDS (II) 2026 Exam Date	13 September 2026
Expected Written Result	October 2026
SSB Interviews	2027
Course Commencement	July/October 2027

Apply Online & Official Website

Apply Online

Official Website

Application Instructions

Visit the UPSC Online Application Portal.
Complete One-Time Registration (OTR).
Fill the CDS (II) 2026 Application Form.
Upload photograph and signature.
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Verify all details carefully.
Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.

Important Instruction

✅ Read the official notification carefully before applying.
✅ Ensure that educational qualifications are completed before the prescribed date.
✅ Use an active mobile number and email ID during registration.
✅ Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards prescribed by the Armed Forces.
✅ Multiple applications may lead to rejection if instructions are not followed properly.
✅ Keep scanned copies of documents ready before filling the application form.
✅ Apply well before the last date to avoid server congestion.

Combined Defence Services (CDS) Recruitment 2026 – 451 Officer Vacancies | Apply Online