Official Notification
UPSC CDS (II) Examination 2026: Apply Online for 459 Defence Officer Posts at upsc.gov.in
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Union Public Service Commission Notification: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially issued the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 for admission into IMA Dehradun, Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala, Air Force Academy Hyderabad, and Officers Training Academy Chennai for 459 commissioned officer posts.
Quick Overview
| Conducting Commission | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Total Commissioned Vacancies | 459 Posts (IMA: 100, INA: 32, AFA: 32, OTA Men: 275, OTA Women: 20) |
| Training Academies | IMA Dehradun, INA Ezhimala, AFA Hyderabad, OTA Chennai |
| Officer Rank on Commissioning | Lieutenant (Army) / Sub Lieutenant (Navy) / Flying Officer (Air Force) |
| Pay Level | Level 10 (Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500) + MSP Rs. 15,500/month |
Important Dates & Schedule
| Event / Milestone | Official Schedule |
|---|---|
| Online Application Opening Date | September 15, 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | October 08, 2026 (18:00 Hrs) |
| Modification Window for Application | October 09 to October 15, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | Late October 2026 |
| Date of UPSC CDS Written Exam | November 2026 |
Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown
| Post Designation | Pay Matrix / Scale | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 161st (DE) Course | 100 Posts |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 122nd SSC Course (Men) & 36th SSC Women | 295 Posts |
| Indian Naval Academy & Air Force Academy | Executive Branch & Flying Courses | 64 Posts |
Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications
| For IMA & OTA | Degree of a recognized University or equivalent. Final year appearing candidates are eligible. |
| For Naval Academy & Air Force Academy | INA: Degree in Engineering. AFA: Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering. |
| Age Threshold | IMA & INA: 19 to 24 years (unmarried). AFA: 20 to 24 years. OTA (Men & Women): 19 to 25 years. |
Pay Scale & Allowances
Commissioned officers are placed in Pay Level 10 of the 7th CPC (Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500). In addition, officers receive Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500/- per month, Flying Allowance (Rs. 25,000/month for aviators), High Altitude Allowance, Dearness Allowance, and free medical and residential privileges. Starting monthly gross remuneration approximates Rs. 95,000/- to Rs. 1,15,000/-.
Selection Process & Examination Pattern
- Stage 1: UPSC Written Examination: For IMA/INA/AFA: English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks), Elementary Mathematics (100 marks) — 2 hours each. For OTA: English (100 marks) and General Knowledge (100 marks).
- Stage 2: SSB Interview & Personality Evaluation: Conducted over 5 days at Service Selection Boards evaluating psychological traits, group tasks, and personal interview (300 marks for IMA/INA/AFA; 200 marks for OTA).
- Stage 3: Special Medical Examination: Comprehensive medical tests at designated Armed Forces hospitals to confirm complete combat fitness.
How to Apply Online
- Visit
upsconline.nic.inand complete the One-Time Registration (OTR). - Log in and access ‘Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026’.
- Fill in service preferences (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) and personal details.
- Upload photograph, signature, and government photo ID document (Aadhaar / Voter ID).
- Pay examination fee of Rs. 200/- (Female, SC, and ST candidates are exempt).
- Confirm choice of examination center and submit the application.
- Print out the completed application receipt.
Official Links & Direct Actions
| Document / Action Link | Direct URL / Action |
|---|---|
| Official UPSC Portal | upsc.gov.in → |
| Download CDS II Notification PDF | Download Advertisement PDF → |
| Direct OTR & Online Application Gateway | Apply Online at upsconline.nic.in → |