UPSC CDS II 2026 — 457 Combined Defence Services Officer Posts
| Application Start | 2 Jun 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 2 Jul 2026 |
| Exam Date | 29 Aug 2026 |
General/OBC: ₹200 | SC/ST/Women: Nil
Fee once paid is non-refundable. Payment via online mode only.
| Total Posts | 457 Posts |
| Post Names | |
| Category | Defence |
| Location | All India |
| Minimum Pay | ₹56,100/month |
| Maximum Pay | ₹1,77,500/month |
| Pay Level | Lieutenant Pay Level 10 (Defence) |
| Minimum Age | 19 years |
| Maximum Age | 24 years |
| Age Relaxation | As per service-specific notification |
Age relaxation for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and PwD candidates as per Government of India norms. Ex-Servicemen and other special categories may get additional relaxation.
Bachelor's Degree (IMA/OTA) or B.E/B.Tech (NA/AFA)
The qualification must be from a recognised university/institution. Candidates in their final year may check if provisional eligibility applies — see official notification for clarity.
Written Exam (Mathematics + English + GK) → SSB Interview → Medical
Candidates must qualify each stage to advance. Final merit is based on combined performance across all qualifying stages as per the official notification.
- NDA: Mathematics Paper (300 marks, Class 11-12 level) + GAT Paper (600 marks: English, GK, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Biology)
- CDS: English (100) + General Knowledge (100) + Elementary Mathematics (100 marks — compulsory for IMA/INA/AFA)
- AFCAT: English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test, General Awareness (each 25–50 marks)
- Agniveer: Physics + Chemistry / Mathematics / GK / English / Computer as per trade chosen
- Day 1: Screening — OIR Test (Intelligence Rating) + PPDT (Picture Perception & Discussion Test)
- Day 2: Psychological Tests — TAT (Thematic Apperception), WAT (Word Association), SRT (Situation Reaction Test), SD (Self Description)
- Day 3-4: GTO Tasks — Group Discussion (GD), Progressive Group Task (PGT), Half Group Task (HGT), Lecturette, Command Task, Individual Obstacles, Final Group Task (FGT)
- Day 5: Personal Interview — In-depth interview by Interviewing Officer assessing OLQs and suitability
- Vision: 6/6 each eye unaided (IAF flying) | 6/6 + 6/9 (Army) | Correctable to 6/6 (Navy non-flying)
- Standards: No flat foot, no colour blindness, no varicose vein, hearing normal, height-weight-chest as per service-specific tables
Note: The official syllabus is published in the recruitment notification. Always download and refer to the official syllabus document for the most accurate and up-to-date topic list for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services.
- Visit the official website of Union Public Service Commission using the link provided below
- Download and read the official notification carefully before filling the form
- Register / Login to the recruitment portal using your email and mobile number
- Fill the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details
- Upload scanned documents — photograph, signature, certificates — in the specified format and size
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI
- Review all entries carefully before final submission
- Submit the form and save or print the confirmation/acknowledgement page
Keep the following documents ready in digital form before starting the application. Physical originals are required at document verification after final selection.
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPG format, as per size specified in notification)
- Scanned signature on plain white paper
- Class 10th (Matriculation) certificate — as proof of date of birth
- Educational qualification certificates and all semester/year marksheets
- Caste/Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS — issued by a competent authority (if applicable)
- Persons with Disability (PwD) certificate from a government Medical Board (if applicable)
- Domicile / Residence certificate of the relevant state (if required)
- Aadhaar Card / Photo identity proof
- Experience certificate for posts requiring prior experience
- Any other document specifically mentioned in the official notification
Sponsored
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II) 2026 for recruitment of 457 officers to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA — Men & Women). This is one of the premier examinations for graduates aspiring to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
For IMA, INA, and AFA, a Bachelor's degree (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level for AFA) is required. For OTA, any graduate can apply. The age limit is 19 to 24 years (IMA/INA/AFA) and 19 to 25 years (OTA) as of January 1, 2027. Only unmarried male candidates can apply for IMA, INA, and AFA; both male and female candidates can apply for OTA.
The selection process begins with a Written Examination consisting of papers in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Shortlisted candidates are called for Service Selection Board (SSB) interviews, a rigorous 5-day assessment testing intelligence, personality, and leadership qualities. Medical examination follows.
Successful candidates undergo training at respective academies — IMA Dehradun (18 months), INA Ezhimala (4 years), AFA Dundigal (74 weeks), and OTA Chennai (11 months). Officers are commissioned as Lieutenant/Sub-Lieutenant/Flying Officer and receive military pay, allowances, accommodation, and world-class facilities.
India's Armed Forces — Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force — are among the most prestigious and disciplined organisations in the country. A career in the defence services offers unmatched adventure, camaraderie, pride, and the opportunity to serve the nation at the highest level. Officers and personnel receive excellent pay and allowances, subsidised accommodation (Army cantonment, Navy quarters, Air Force station), free medical care for family, generous leave, and post-retirement benefits including pension and ex-servicemen privileges. Recruitment happens through multiple channels: NDA for school leavers, CDS for graduates, Agniveer scheme, Technical Entry Scheme, and various direct entry programmes.
Follow these expert preparation tips to maximise your chances of success in UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services and similar Defence recruitment examinations:
- Peak Physical Fitness — Run 5 km daily and practice push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and swimming. Physical Fitness Test (PFT) is an elimination stage.
- NDA/CDS Preparation — For officer entry, focus on Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge. Study from dedicated NDA/CDS preparation books.
- Agniveer Preparation — Study Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/GK/English as per your chosen trade (Technical/GD/Clerk/Tradesman).
- Defence General Knowledge — Cover rank structures, famous military operations, defence exercises, weapon systems, and current defence news.
- Medical Fitness Standards — Confirm you meet vision, height, weight, and medical fitness requirements for your specific service and entry scheme.
- SSB Interview Preparation — For officer entry, prepare for SSB psychological tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, and personal interviews to demonstrate Officer Like Qualities.
Consistent preparation, regular revision, and timed mock test practice are the most reliable strategies to crack any government examination. Stay disciplined and trust the process.
A career in Defence offers a well-defined promotion structure. Here is the typical career progression for officers selected through UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services and similar recruitments:
Promotion timelines and pay scales are indicative based on 7th CPC structure and departmental rules. Actual promotions depend on vacancies, DPC decisions, APAR/ACR grading, and departmental examinations. Benefits include annual increments (3% of basic pay), periodic Dearness Allowance (DA) revisions, LTC, medical, and post-retirement pension under NPS/OPS.
The following books are widely recommended by toppers and coaching experts for Defence examination preparation. These cover the core subjects tested in UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services and similar recruitments:
In addition to books, subscribe to monthly current affairs magazines (Pratiyogita Darpan, Chronicle, Competition Success Review) and practise on online mock test platforms (Oliveboard, Testbook, Adda247) to improve speed and accuracy. Quality of preparation matters far more than quantity of books — master a few good books thoroughly rather than reading many superficially.
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
The last date to submit the online application for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services is 2 Jul 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues on the official portal, which often experiences heavy traffic close to the closing date. No applications are accepted after the deadline under any circumstances.
Q2. What is the total number of vacancies in UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
A total of 457 Posts vacancies have been announced for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services. These positions are distributed across different categories — General (UR), OBC, SC, ST, and EWS — as per the reservation policy of the Government of India. The category-wise breakup is available in the official notification. Candidates belonging to reserved categories should check the relaxation in eligibility criteria available to them.
Q3. What is the salary offered for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
Selected candidates for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services will receive a monthly salary of ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 as per the 7th Pay Commission pay structure. Beyond the basic pay, government employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA based on city classification), Transport Allowance (TA), medical reimbursement, and other benefits as per government norms. Additionally, employees receive annual increments, periodic DA revisions, and post-retirement pension, making the total compensation package highly competitive.
Q4. What is the age limit to apply for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
The age limit for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services is 19 to 24 years as on the specified cutoff date. Age relaxation is available as follows: As per service-specific notification. Candidates must calculate their age carefully as on the cutoff date mentioned in the official notification. Age proof (10th certificate is generally accepted) must be uploaded during the application process.
Q5. What is the educational qualification required for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
The minimum educational qualification required to apply for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services is Bachelor's Degree (IMA/OTA) or B.E/B.Tech (NA/AFA). This qualification must have been obtained from a recognised university or institution approved by the relevant regulatory body (UGC, AICTE, etc.). The qualification must be completed on or before the last date of application unless the notification specifically provides otherwise. Candidates who are in the final year of the required qualification may also check if they are eligible to apply provisionally.
Q6. How to apply online for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
To apply for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services, follow these steps: First, visit the official website of Union Public Service Commission. Find the active recruitment section and click on the UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services notification link. Register yourself using your active email ID and mobile number. Log in with your credentials and carefully fill out the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details. Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and other required documents in the specified format and file size. Pay the applicable application fee online through Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI. Review all entries before final submission. After submitting, download and print the application confirmation page for future reference.
Q7. What is the application fee for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
General/OBC: ₹200 | SC/ST/Women: Nil. The application fee is non-refundable once submitted. Payment must be made online through the official portal using Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. SC, ST, and PwD candidates may be exempt from or entitled to a reduced fee — please verify in the official notification.
Q8. What is the selection process for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
The selection for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services is done through the following stages: Written Exam (Mathematics + English + GK) → SSB Interview → Medical. Candidates must qualify each stage to proceed to the next. The final merit list is prepared based on the cumulative performance across all qualifying stages. Physical Standards Test (PST) and Medical Examination may also be part of the selection for certain posts. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the detailed exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme for each stage.
Q9. What documents are required to apply for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
The following documents are generally required when applying for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services: (1) Recent passport-size photograph in JPG/JPEG format within the specified file size. (2) Scanned signature on white paper. (3) Class 10th certificate for date of birth proof. (4) Educational qualification certificates and marksheets. (5) Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS — issued by a competent authority (if applicable). (6) PwD certificate from a Medical Board (if applicable). (7) Domicile or Residence Certificate (if required for the post). (8) Experience certificate (for posts requiring prior experience). Documents must be clear, self-attested, and within the specified size. Original documents are required at the time of document verification after selection.
Q10. Is UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services a permanent government job?
Yes, UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services offers regular, permanent government employment with Union Public Service Commission. As a Central Government position, it follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) pay structure with annual increments, biannual Dearness Allowance revisions, pension (NPS/OPS), and retirement benefits. Government employees also enjoy job security, promotions on time scales, medical facilities, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), housing (or HRA), and various other allowances — making this among the most stable and comprehensive career options available in India.
Q11. Where can I find the official notification for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
The official notification for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services is published on the official website of Union Public Service Commission. The direct link to the official portal is https://upsc.gov.in. The notification document contains all critical information including eligibility criteria, vacancy details, exam pattern and syllabus, important dates, application procedure, fee structure, and selection process. Candidates are strongly advised to download and read the complete official notification before filling out the application form to avoid any errors or omissions that may lead to rejection.
Q12. Is there negative marking in UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
The negative marking policy for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services depends on the specific exam stage. Most Computer Based Tests (CBTs) conducted by central government bodies like SSC, UPSC, and RRB carry a penalty of 0.25 or 0.50 marks per wrong answer. State-level police and teaching exams typically have no negative marking. For banking exams, 0.25 marks are deducted per wrong answer. The exact negative marking scheme for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services is mentioned in the official notification and admit card. Candidates should always verify the marking scheme before the exam and avoid random guessing when negative marking is applicable — instead, attempt only questions you are reasonably confident about.
Q13. Can final year students apply for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
As per standard government recruitment rules, candidates applying for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services must have completed the required qualification of Bachelor's Degree (IMA/OTA) or B.E/B.Tech (NA/AFA) by the last date of application, unless the official notification specifically permits final year students to apply provisionally. In many central government recruitments (SSC, UPSC, PSUs), final year students are allowed to apply and appear in the exam provisionally — but they must submit proof of completing the qualification at the time of document verification or before joining. State government recruitments vary in this regard. Always read the Eligibility Criteria section of the official notification carefully to confirm whether provisional applications are accepted for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services.
Q14. Is the UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services exam conducted online (Computer Based Test) or offline (OMR-based)?
The examination mode for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services is specified in the official notification. Most major central government recruitments — including SSC, UPSC, RRB, IBPS, and SBI — now conduct all stages as Computer Based Tests (CBTs) at NIELIT-empanelled test centres across India. Candidates log in to the test centre system, read questions on screen, and mark answers using the mouse — no pen or OMR sheet is required. State-level recruitments — particularly state police, state PSC preliminary exams, and some state teacher recruitments — may still conduct exams in the traditional OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) pen-and-paper mode. The specific mode (CBT/Online or OMR/Offline) for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services will be clearly mentioned in the official admit card and notification. Candidates must carry a valid photo ID on the day of examination regardless of the exam mode.
Q15. What is the probation / training period after selection in UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
After selection in UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services, newly appointed candidates undergo a mandatory probation and training period before they are confirmed in service. For central government posts recruited through SSC, the probation period is typically 2 years. For UPSC-recruited civil servants (IAS, IPS, IFS), the Foundation Course at LBSNAA lasts 2 years. Banking probationary officers serve a 2-year probation. Defence officers complete 1-year training at their respective academies (IMA, AFA, INA). Teaching posts generally carry 1-2 year probation at DIET or SCERT. During the probation period, candidates receive full pay and allowances as per their pay scale. They may also be required to pass departmental examinations and practical training assessments before their service is confirmed. Failure to satisfactorily complete the probation period can lead to extension or termination of service.
Q16. When will the admit card for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services be released?
The admit card (also called Hall Ticket or Call Letter) for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services is typically released 10–15 days before the scheduled examination date on the official website of Union Public Service Commission. For SSC exams, admit cards are available on the SSC regional websites 1-3 weeks before the exam. For UPSC, it is released about 3 weeks before. For RRB, it is available approximately 4 days before the CBT date. For banking exams (IBPS, SBI), call letters are available on the official banking portal about 7-14 days before. Candidates are required to download their admit card from the official website — it is NOT sent by post. You will need your registration number and date of birth to download it. Always download and take 2-3 colour printouts of your admit card. Carrying a valid government-issued photo ID alongside the admit card is compulsory at the examination centre.
Q17. What is the age calculation cutoff date for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services?
The age of a candidate for UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services is calculated as on the cutoff date mentioned in the official notification — this is usually the last date of application or the 1st of January of the recruitment year, depending on the recruiting body. For SSC exams, age is calculated as on 1st January of the year. For UPSC Civil Services, it is 1st August. For RRB, it is the date of notification. For Banking (IBPS/SBI), it is the first day of the month of the notification. For state police and state PSC, it is typically 1st January or the last date of application as specified. For UPSC CDS Examination (II) 2026 — Combined Defence Services, the maximum age is 24 years, with relaxation available as: As per service-specific notification. Candidates must calculate their age accurately as on the specified cutoff date and ensure they are within the age limit before applying.