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UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026 application deadline extended to 11 June 2026. Check 451 vacancies, eligibility, age limit, exam date, and apply online details.
UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026 – Apply for 451 Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission has extended the registration deadline for Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026, giving eligible graduates additional time to complete their applications. Candidates planning to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, or Officers Training Academy can now submit their forms until 11 June 2026. Every year, CDS attracts thousands of aspirants looking for a respected defence career, making it one of the most competitive government jobs in India.
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Defence Services Examination II 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Job Category | Defence Jobs |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Pay Scale / Salary | As Per Defence Service Rules |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Examination |
| Official Website | UPSC |
For graduates interested in serving the nation as commissioned officers, CDS remains one of the most direct and prestigious entry routes into the armed forces.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 11 June 2026 (Extended) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 11 June 2026 |
| Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Availability | Before Examination |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced |
Applicants should complete their registration process before the extended deadline to avoid technical issues during the final days.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| General | ₹200 |
| OBC | ₹200 |
| SC | ₹0 |
| ST | ₹0 |
| Female Candidates | ₹0 |
| Payment Mode | Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, IMPS, UPI, Wallet |
Fee exemption has been provided to female candidates and reserved category applicants according to UPSC recruitment rules.
Age Limit
Candidates applying for UPSC CDS II 2026 must have been born not earlier than 01 July 2003 and not later than 01 July 2008. Age eligibility will be calculated according to UPSC guidelines applicable to the respective academies. Additional relaxation provisions, where applicable, will be governed by official examination rules.
Vacancy Details
| Academy | Vacancies |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 293 |
| Total | 451 |
The Officers Training Academy accounts for the largest share of vacancies, offering opportunities to a significant number of eligible graduates.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
For admission to the Indian Military Academy and Officers Training Academy, candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Applicants interested in the Indian Naval Academy must hold a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from a recognized institution.
For Air Force Academy admission, candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree and should have studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
Candidates appearing in the final year of their qualifying degree may also apply, subject to fulfillment of all eligibility conditions.
Nationality
Applicants must satisfy nationality requirements prescribed by UPSC for admission into the defence academies covered under CDS II 2026.
Selection Process
The CDS recruitment process evaluates candidates through multiple stages designed to assess academic ability, leadership qualities, communication skills, and overall fitness.
| Selection Stage | Details |
| Written Examination | Objective and Subject-Based Papers |
| SSB Interview | Personality and Leadership Assessment |
| Medical Examination | Physical and Medical Fitness Test |
| Final Merit List | Based on Overall Performance |
Candidates must qualify each stage separately to progress toward final selection.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS II 2026
- Visit the UPSC recruitment portal and open the CDS II 2026 application section.
- Carefully review the eligibility requirements before starting the registration process.
- Complete the online registration using a valid mobile number and email address.
- Fill in personal, educational, and communication details accurately.
- Upload your photograph, signature, and required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the applicable application fee using the available online payment methods.
- Verify all entered information before final submission.
- Download and save the completed application form for future reference.
Documents Required During Application
| Document | Purpose |
| Passport Size Photograph | Identity Verification |
| Signature | Application Authentication |
| Graduation Certificate / Marksheet | Educational Qualification |
| Class 10 Certificate | Date of Birth Verification |
| Aadhaar Card / Valid Photo ID | Identity Proof |
| Category Certificate | Reserved Category Benefits |
| Additional Documents | If Applicable |
Ensuring document accuracy during application can help prevent issues during later stages of recruitment.
Why UPSC CDS II 2026 Is Important
CDS provides graduates with an opportunity to join some of India's most respected defence institutions. Successful candidates undergo professional military training before receiving commissions as officers in the armed forces. Apart from career stability, the services offer leadership development, structured career progression, national service, and attractive benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the extended last date for UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026?
The application deadline has been extended to 11 June 2026. Candidates who have not yet registered can use this additional time to complete the online application process.
Q2: How many vacancies are available in UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The highest number of seats has been allocated to the Officers Training Academy.
Q3: What qualification is required for UPSC CDS II 2026?
Eligibility depends on the academy selected. While IMA and OTA require a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline, INA requires an Engineering Degree and AFA requires graduation with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
Q4: What is the examination date for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The written examination is scheduled to be conducted on 13 September 2026. Admit cards are expected to be released before the examination.
Q5: Is there any fee exemption in UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
Yes. Female candidates and applicants belonging to SC and ST categories are exempt from paying the application fee. General and OBC candidates need to pay ₹200.
Q6: What is the age eligibility for UPSC CDS II 2026?
Candidates must be born between 01 July 2003 and 01 July 2008 according to the eligibility conditions prescribed by UPSC for CDS II 2026.
Q7: What are the stages involved in the UPSC CDS II Selection Process 2026?
The selection process consists of a written examination, SSB interview, medical examination, and final merit list preparation. Performance in all stages is important for final selection.
Q8: Can final-year graduation students apply for UPSC CDS II 2026?
Yes. Candidates appearing in the final year of their qualifying degree can apply, provided they submit proof of qualification within the timeline specified by UPSC.