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Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026 451 Posts – Just Announced – India – 2026

UPSC Service Commission
Domain: Defense & Security
Employment Type: Full time
Stage: Announcement - Official Advertisement

Posted: 4 days ago

Posts: 451

Location: CENTRAL

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Job Details

The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. The examination is held twice a year and is a gateway for candidates aspiring to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. The CDS-II, 2026 examination will assess candidates on various subjects, including English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, and will be followed by an interview process conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

Level:
central
Cities:
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Patna, Jaipur, Ahmedabad
Other Information:
  • Service Allocation: Candidates may be posted in any state or union territory of India as per the service requirements.
Exam Centers:
  • Examination Centers: Exams will be conducted in major cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and regional centers.

Job Summary

The Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for candidates to join the Indian Armed Forces. The examination process involves a written test followed by an SSB interview. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria and apply online within the specified application period.

Important Dates

#EventDate
1Notification Release DateMay 20, 2026
2Application Start DateMay 20, 2026
3Application End DateJune 9, 2026
4Examination DateSeptember 13, 2026

Fee Structure

Application Fee

1. General/OBC:
₹200
2. SC/ST/Female:
Exempted

Payment Methods

1. Accepted Payment Methods:
Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking

Other Information

1. Refund Policy:
Application fees are non-refundable.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualifications

CriteriaDetails
Any GraduateRequired

2. Other Educational Qualifications

CriteriaDetails
Final Year StudentsCandidates in their final year of graduation may apply, provided they can submit proof of passing the examination at the time of the SSB interview.

3. Age Limit

CriteriaDetails
Age Range19 - 25 years
Age Limit As On1 Jul 2026
Indian Military Academy19 to 24 years
Indian Naval Academy19 to 24 years
Air Force Academy20 to 24 years
Officers' Training Academy19 to 25 years

4. Citizenship

CriteriaDetails
NationalityMust be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intent of permanent settlement.

5. Language Requirements

CriteriaDetails
Official LanguagesProficiency in Hindi and English is desirable for roles in the Indian Armed Forces.

6. Physical Requirements

CriteriaDetails
Physical StandardsCandidates must meet specific physical standards as set by UPSC for admission to the Combined Defence Services Examination.

7. Other Eligibility

CriteriaDetails
Marital StatusUnmarried candidates are eligible for IMA, INA, and AFA. Unmarried women, issueless widows, and issueless divorcees are eligible for OTA.

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Post Details

Total Posts: 451

1. Indian Military Academy

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
  • Age Criteria: 19 to 24 years as on July 1, 2026.

Age Limitations:

  • General Category: 19 to 24 years

Category Wise Vacancy:

CategoryReserved SeatsOther Eligibility
General87
  • NCC 'C' Certificate: 13 vacancies reserved for NCC 'C' Certificate (Army Wing) holders.

2. Indian Naval Academy

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A degree in Engineering or B.Sc. with Physics as core or elective subject from a recognized University/Institution.
  • Age Criteria: 19 to 24 years as on July 1, 2026.

Age Limitations:

  • General Category: 19 to 24 years

Category Wise Vacancy:

CategoryReserved SeatsOther Eligibility
General19
  • NCC 'C' Certificate: 6 vacancies reserved for NCC 'C' Certificate (Naval Wing) holders.

3. Air Force Academy

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
  • Age Criteria: 20 to 24 years as on July 1, 2027.

Age Limitations:

  • General Category: 20 to 24 years

Category Wise Vacancy:

CategoryReserved SeatsOther Eligibility
General29
  • NCC 'C' Certificate: 3 vacancies reserved for NCC 'C' Certificate (Air Wing) holders.

4. Officers’ Training Academy (Men)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
  • Age Criteria: 19 to 25 years as on July 1, 2026.

Age Limitations:

  • General Category: 19 to 25 years

5. Officers’ Training Academy (Women)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
  • Age Criteria: 19 to 25 years as on July 1, 2026.

Age Limitations:

  • General Category: 19 to 25 years

Additional Information

  • Service Allocation: Depends on rank in CDS examination and preferences given by the candidate.

Salary Details

> Salary Range: 56,100 - ₹177,500 Monthly

> Allowances: Military Service Pay, Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other applicable allowances.

Other Information

  • Annual Increment: Increment based on performance and years of service, in accordance with government pay scales.

Cut Off Marks

1. Written Examination:
Cut-off marks for the written examination will be released after the results are declared.
2. SSB Interview:
Cut-off marks for the SSB interview will be determined based on performance and announced accordingly.

How to Apply

1. Step 1:
Register on the UPSC online portal and complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process.
2. Step 2:
Fill out the application form and provide necessary details accurately.
3. Step 3:
Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and ID proof as per guidelines.
4. Step 4:
Submit the application fee and review the filled form before final submission.

Exam Pattern

1. Written Examination:
Consists of objective-type questions in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for IMA, INA, and AFA. For OTA, the exam includes English and General Knowledge.
2. SSB Interview:
Candidates who qualify the written examination will be called for an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB) to assess their suitability for a career in the armed forces.

Syllabus Details

1. English:
The paper is designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
2. General Knowledge:
Includes knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person.
3. Elementary Mathematics:
Covers topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.

Selection Process

1. Selection Stages:
The selection process consists of a written examination followed by an SSB interview. Candidates must qualify in both stages to be considered for final selection.
2. Written Examination:
The written exam assesses candidates on English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for IMA, INA, and AFA. OTA candidates are assessed on English and General Knowledge.
3. SSB Interview:
The SSB interview evaluates candidates' intelligence, personality, and suitability for a career in the armed forces.

Admit Card Details

1. Admit Card Release:
Admit cards will be available on the UPSC website approximately three weeks before the exam date. Candidates must download and print their admit cards.
2. Admit Card Requirements:
Candidates should carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the examination center. Failure to produce these documents may result in disqualification.
3. Admit Card Corrections:
In case of discrepancies in the admit card details, candidates should immediately contact UPSC for necessary corrections.

Reservation Details

1. Reservation Policy:
Reservations apply for SC, ST, OBC, and NCC 'C' Certificate holders according to the latest government policies.
2. SC/ST Reservation:
15% of seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.
3. OBC Reservation:
27% of seats are reserved for Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates.
4. NCC 'C' Certificate Reservation:
Certain vacancies are reserved for NCC 'C' Certificate holders in the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.

Document Requirements

1. Required Documents:
Candidates must submit scanned copies of their graduation degree certificate, valid ID proof, and relevant category certificates as specified.
2. ID Proof:
Acceptable ID proofs include Passport, Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Driving License.
3. Category Certificates:
SC/ST/OBC candidates must submit their respective caste certificates, issued by a competent authority.
4. Proof of Date of Birth:
Candidates must provide a Matriculation or equivalent certificate as proof of date of birth.

Preparation Tips

1. Preparation Strategy:
Candidates should focus on understanding the syllabus, practicing previous years' question papers, and taking regular mock tests to evaluate their preparation levels.
2. Time Management:
Effective time management is crucial. Candidates should allocate adequate time to each subject and balance between different sections of the exam.
3. Stay Updated:
Regularly reading newspapers and current affairs is essential, as a significant portion of the exam is based on current events.
4. Mock Tests:
Practicing with mock tests improves speed and accuracy, helping candidates become familiar with the exam pattern and identify weak areas.

Important Instructions

1. Exam Guidelines:
Candidates must bring a valid photo ID, their admit card, and adhere to the dress code and other instructions on the exam day.
2. Use of Electronic Devices:
Electronic devices such as mobile phones, calculators, and digital watches are strictly prohibited in the examination hall.
3. COVID-19 Precautions:
Candidates are advised to follow COVID-19 guidelines, including wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and sanitizing hands frequently.
4. Answer Sheet Instructions:
Use only blue or black ballpoint pens for marking answers. Answers marked with any other writing instrument will not be evaluated.

Interview Details

1. Interview Process:
The SSB interview assesses a candidate’s mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, and clear and logical exposition.
2. Interview Panel:
The interview panel consists of board members who evaluate the candidate's suitability for a career in the armed forces.
3. Topics Covered:
Questions may cover a wide range of topics, including the candidate's educational background, work experience, and understanding of current affairs.
4. Interview Preparation:
Candidates should focus on honing communication skills, staying updated on current affairs, and having a clear understanding of their chosen subjects.

Training Details

1. Training Period:
Selected candidates undergo rigorous training at their respective academies, including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.
2. Training Content:
Training includes foundational courses in military tactics, leadership skills, and physical fitness, preparing candidates for their responsibilities in the armed forces.
3. Field Training:
Candidates also participate in field training exercises to gain practical experience in military operations and leadership.
4. Evaluation:
Trainees are evaluated periodically on their performance, including assessments of leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability.

Bond or Service Agreement

1. Service Bond:
Selected candidates may be required to sign a service bond committing to a minimum tenure in the armed forces.
2. Bond Amount:
The bond amount varies depending on the service and is meant to cover training costs in case the candidate exits prematurely.
3. Minimum Service Duration:
The bond typically requires a minimum service duration of 5 years from the date of joining.
4. Bond Terms:
The bond terms are binding, and breaking the bond prematurely may lead to financial penalties as outlined in the service agreement.

Disqualification Criteria

1. Disqualification Conditions:
False information, misconduct, or violation of exam guidelines will result in disqualification.
2. Use of Unfair Means:
Any candidate found using unfair means during the examination will be disqualified and barred from future exams.
3. Incomplete Applications:
Applications that are incomplete or contain inaccurate information will be rejected without further consideration.
4. Breach of Conduct:
Any breach of conduct, such as misbehavior with examination staff, may lead to disqualification and future exam restrictions.

Probation Period

1. Probation Terms:
The probation period for selected candidates is two years, during which performance and conduct are closely monitored.
2. Probation Review:
Candidates’ performance is evaluated periodically, and successful completion of probation is mandatory for confirmation in service.
3. Termination of Service:
Failure to meet performance standards or misconduct during the probation period may lead to termination from the service.
4. Permanent Appointment:
After satisfactory completion of the probation period, candidates are confirmed in their respective services and granted permanent appointment status.

Other Information

1. Helpline:
Additional information and FAQs are available on the official UPSC website.

Contact Details

Address: UPSC Facilitation Counter, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069

Other Information

  • Helpline: For any queries, contact UPSC at 011-24041001 during working hours.

FAQ

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