The Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 for candidates who want to build a career in the Indian Armed Forces. Through this recruitment drive, UPSC will select eligible candidates for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Moreover, the recruitment offers a golden opportunity for aspirants who dream of serving the nation as commissioned officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Since CDS remains one of the most prestigious defence examinations in India, thousands of candidates prepare for it every year to secure a position in the defence services.
In this article, candidates can check complete details of UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 such as eligibility criteria, age limit, application dates, vacancy details, selection process, salary, and how to apply.
Eligibility Details
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- Applicants from any stream can apply for IMA posts.
- Final-year graduation students can also apply provisionally.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Candidates must possess an Engineering degree from a recognized university.
- Applicants with a B.Sc degree can also apply if they studied Physics as a core or elective subject.
- Candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- Applicants must have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.
- Candidates with a Bachelor of Engineering degree are also eligible.
- Final-year students can apply if they complete the degree within the prescribed timeline.
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
- Candidates must possess a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Both male and female candidates can apply for OTA courses.
- Final-year students can also submit applications provisionally.
Salary Details
- During the training period, selected candidates will receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month.
- After completing training successfully, candidates will receive salary under Pay Level 10 of the Defence Pay Matrix.
- The starting basic pay after training will be ₹56,100 per month (Level 10) along with applicable allowances.
- In addition, officers will receive benefits such as Military Service Pay (MSP), Dearness Allowance (DA), Transport Allowance, medical facilities, accommodation, and insurance coverage.
- Moreover, salary and benefits increase with promotions, higher ranks, and years of service in the Indian Armed Forces.
Age limit
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Candidates must be between 19 to 24 years of age.
- Applicants must be born between 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2008.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Candidates must be between 19 to 24 years of age.
- Applicants must be born between 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2008.
Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years of age as on 01 July 2027.
- Applicants must be born between 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007.
- Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) can apply up to 26 years of age.
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
- Candidates must be between 19 to 25 years of age.
- Applicants must be born between 02 July 2002 to 01 July 2008.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | Nil |
| SC/ST | Nil |
| Ex-Servicemen | Nil |
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 200/- |
| SC / ST | Nil |
| All Female Candidates | Nil |
Selection Process
Written Examination
- Candidates first appear for a written objective-type exam conducted by UPSC.
- The exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, and AFA).
- For OTA, the exam includes English and General Knowledge only.
SSB Interview
- Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
- This stage assesses personality, leadership qualities, intelligence, and officer-like traits.
- It includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
Medical Examination
- Candidates who clear the SSB interview undergo a detailed medical examination.
- Medical fitness is mandatory as per Defence medical standards.
Final Merit List
- The final selection is based on combined performance in the written exam and SSB interview.
- Medical fitness is compulsory for final appointment in the Indian Armed For
Important Dates
| Application Starts | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Total Post | 451 Vacancies |
| Admit Card Release Date | 06 September 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
How to Apply
- Candidates must apply only through online mode via the official UPSC portal.
- First, visit the UPSC online application website and complete the registration process by creating a profile.
- After registration, fill in the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal, educational, and contact details.
- Next, complete the exam-specific application form for CDS 2 2026 and select the preferred academies carefully.
- Upload required documents such as photograph, signature, and identity proof in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online (if applicable) using available payment methods.
- Finally, submit the application form and download/print the confirmation page for future reference.
Important links
| UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 (All Details) | Watch Video |
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply |
| Official Notification | View Notification |
| Official Website | Check Official Website |
| Homepage | Click Here |
| Subscribe Youtube Channel | Click Here |
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