Age Limit
Application Fee
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services Examination II (CDS II) 2026 notification for a total of 451 Posts across Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Eligible graduate candidates can apply online from 20 May 2026 to 09 June 2026 at upsconline.nic.in. The written examination is scheduled on 13 September 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for graduates aspiring to become commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
🎯 Selection Process for UPSC CDS II 2026
The selection for UPSC CDS II 2026 is conducted in the following stages:
Stage 1 – Written Examination
- Conducted by UPSC on 13 September 2026
- Objective type paper covering English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics (for IMA / Naval / AFA)
- Shortlisted candidates based on written exam merit are called for SSB Interview
Stage 2 – SSB Interview / Intelligence & Personality Test
- Conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB)
- 5-day process including Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR), Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT), Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO), Psychology Tests, and Personal Interview
- Held at SSB centers across India
- Marks: 200 marks for SSB Interview
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
- Comprehensive medical and physical fitness tests at designated military hospitals
- Candidates must meet the prescribed medical standards for their chosen academy
Stage 4 – Final Merit List & Allocation
- Final merit list prepared based on Written Exam + SSB Interview marks
- Candidates allocated to respective academies based on merit and preference
📊 Post-Wise Vacancy Details
| Post Name / Academy | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 293 |
| Total | 451 |
📋 Documents Required for Application
- UPSC OTR Registration ID and Password
- Valid Email ID and Mobile Number (for OTP and communications)
- Scanned Passport-size Photograph (recent, white background, JPG format)
- Scanned Signature (black ink on white paper, JPG format)
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate / Provisional Certificate (for eligibility verification)
- Engineering Degree Certificate (for Naval Academy applicants)
- 10+2 Marksheet showing Physics and Mathematics (for Air Force Academy applicants)
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhar Card / Voter ID / PAN Card / Passport)
- Category Certificate (SC / ST — for fee exemption)
📚 Syllabus Overview for UPSC CDS II 2026
English:
- Reading comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Ordering of Words in a Sentence, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Synonyms & Antonyms, Para Jumbles
General Knowledge:
- Current Events (National & International), History of India, Geography, Indian Polity & Constitution, Economy, Science & Technology, Defence & Security News
Elementary Mathematics (for IMA / Naval Academy / AFA only):
- Arithmetic (Number Systems, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time & Distance)
- Algebra (Basic Algebraic identities, Linear equations)
- Trigonometry (Sine, Cosine, Tangent)
- Geometry (Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles)
- Statistics (Tabulation, Mean, Median, Mode)
- Mensuration (Areas and volumes)
📝 UPSC CDS II 2026 Exam Pattern
For IMA, Indian Naval Academy & Air Force Academy:
| Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 300 | 6 Hours |
For OTA (Officers Training Academy):
| Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 200 | 4 Hours |
- Exam Type: Objective / Multiple Choice Questions
- Negative Marking: Yes — 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer
- Medium: English only