The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 Notification for 451 vacancies in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Eligible graduates and final-year degree students can apply online from 20 May 2026 to 09 June 2026 through the official UPSC website.
📌 Job Overview
Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026
Course Name: IMA, INA, AFA & OTA Courses
Total Vacancies: 451 Posts
Application Mode: Online
Job Location: Across India
Qualification: Graduate / Final Year Students
Exam Date: 13 September 2026
Official Website: upsc.gov.in
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
| Written Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Written Result (Tentative) | October 2026 |
📋 UPSC CDS 2 2026 Vacancy Details
| Academy / Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Men | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Women | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
🎓 Educational Qualification
Indian Military Academy (IMA) & OTA
- Degree from a recognized University.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Engineering Degree OR B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics.
Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Engineering Degree.
Final Year Students
- Final year candidates are also eligible to apply.
🎯 Age Limit
| Academy | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| IMA / INA | 19 to 24 Years |
| AFA | 20 to 24 Years |
| OTA Men | 19 to 25 Years |
| OTA Women | 19 to 25 Years |
Marital Status
- Most entries require unmarried candidates.
- Women candidates are eligible only for OTA SSC Women entry.
💰 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS Male | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST Candidates | No Fee |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
📝 Selection Process
The UPSC CDS 2 2026 Selection Process includes:
1️⃣ Written Examination
- Objective Type Exam
- Negative Marking Applicable
2️⃣ SSB Interview
- Intelligence & Personality Test
3️⃣ Medical Examination
- Physical & Medical Fitness Verification
📚 Written Exam Pattern
For IMA / INA / AFA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 |
| Total | 300 |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
🏃 Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit according to Defence Services medical standards. Permanent tattoos are allowed only on the inner forearm and back of the palm.
🌟 Why Apply for UPSC CDS 2 2026?
- Opportunity to become an Officer in Indian Armed Forces
- Prestigious Government Defence Career
- Attractive Salary & Allowances
- Leadership & Training Opportunities
- Job Security & Growth
❌ Who Should Not Apply?
- Candidates outside the prescribed age limit
- Married male candidates for IMA/INA/AFA
- Candidates without required educational qualifications
- Candidates medically unfit for defence services
📌 How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 2026?
Follow these steps to apply online:
- Visit the official UPSC website
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill in personal & educational details
- Upload photo and signature
- Pay the application fee
- Submit the application form
- Download and save the confirmation page
🔗 Important Links
Apply Online
Official Notification
Official Website
📢 Final Words
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 is an excellent opportunity for candidates who dream of serving the nation as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Interested candidates should carefully check the eligibility criteria and complete the application process before the last date.
