The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2, 2026 Notification, inviting eligible graduates to apply for 451 vacancies across prestigious defence academies of India. The CDS examination is one of the most sought-after defence recruitment exams for candidates who aspire to become commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
The examination provides an excellent opportunity for graduates to build a stable and respected career in the defence sector while enjoying attractive salary packages, allowances, career advancement opportunities, pension benefits, and various government facilities.
Candidates interested in serving the nation should carefully review the eligibility criteria, vacancy details, selection process, salary structure, and application procedure before submitting their online applications.
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 – Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2, 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Job Category | Defence Services |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Examination Mode | Offline |
| Selection Process | Written Examination, SSB Interview, Medical Test |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Service Type | Permanent Government Service |
| Career Level | Officer Rank |
About UPSC CDS Examination
The Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted twice every year by UPSC to recruit graduates into officer-level positions in India’s defence forces.
Selected candidates receive training at various defence academies and are later commissioned as officers in their respective branches. CDS is considered one of the most prestigious entry routes for graduates who wish to pursue leadership roles in the armed forces.
UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy Details 2026
The vacancies are distributed among different training academies.
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 32 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (Men) | 276 |
| Officers Training Academy (Women) | 11 |
| Total | 451 |
Candidates may choose their preferred academy based on eligibility and career interests.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 2026 |
| Online Registration Begins | Available Now |
| Last Date to Apply | As Per Notification |
| Correction Window | As Scheduled |
| Admit Card Release | Before Examination |
| Written Examination | As Scheduled |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced |
Applicants should complete the registration process well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Educational Qualification
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university.
- Final-year students may apply, subject to eligibility conditions.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Degree in Engineering from a recognised institution.
Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
- OR Bachelor of Engineering degree.
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
- A graduation in any discipline from a recognised university.
Age Limit
Age requirements vary according to the academy selected.
| Academy | Age Criteria |
|---|---|
| IMA | As per the UPSC notification |
| INA | As per the UPSC notification |
| AFA | As per the UPSC notification |
| OTA | As per the UPSC notification |
Candidates should verify the detailed age criteria mentioned in the official recruitment notification before applying.
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | As Prescribed |
| OBC | As Prescribed |
| EWS | As Prescribed |
| SC/ST | Exempted or As Notified |
| Female Candidates | Exempted or As Notified |
The fee can generally be paid through UPI, debit card, credit card, internet banking, and other approved digital payment methods.
Selection Process
The CDS recruitment process consists of multiple stages designed to assess both academic knowledge and leadership potential.
Stage 1: Written Examination
For IMA, INA, and AFA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 |
| Total | 300 |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
Stage 2: SSB Interview
Candidates qualifying the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
The SSB assesses:
- Leadership qualities
- Communication skills
- Psychological fitness
- Teamwork ability
- Decision-making capability
- Officer-like qualities
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a detailed medical fitness examination.
Stage 4: Final Merit List
The final merit list is prepared based on overall performance and medical fitness.
UPSC CDS 2026 Salary Structure
One of the major attractions of the CDS route is the officer-level pay scale.
| Rank | Approximate Pay Level |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 |
| Captain | Level 10B |
| Major | Level 11 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A |
| Colonel | Level 13 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A |
| Major General | Level 14 |
| Lieutenant General | Level 15 |
| General | Level 18 |
Apart from basic salary, officers receive numerous additional benefits and allowances.
Allowances and Benefits
Defence officers are entitled to multiple allowances depending on their posting and responsibilities.
Financial Benefits
- Military Service Pay
- Transport Allowance
- High Altitude Allowance
- Field Area Allowance
- Flying Allowance
- Special Duty Allowance
Family Benefits
- Medical facilities
- Family healthcare support
- Educational support for children
- Housing facilities
Retirement Benefits
- Pension benefits
- Gratuity
- Leave encashment
- Insurance benefits
Career Growth After CDS
The CDS entry provides a structured career path with regular promotions.
| Promotion Level | Career Progression |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Entry Rank |
| Captain | First Promotion |
| Major | Mid-Level Officer |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Senior Leadership |
| Colonel | Command Responsibilities |
| Brigadier and Above | Strategic Leadership |
Promotion opportunities depend on service record, experience, vacancies, and performance.
Training After Selection
Candidates selected through CDS undergo rigorous military training.
Indian Military Academy
- Leadership development
- Combat training
- Tactical operations
Indian Naval Academy
- Maritime warfare
- Navigation systems
- Naval operations
Air Force Academy
- Aviation training
- Air combat studies
- Technical instruction
Officers Training Academy
- Military leadership
- Physical conditioning
- Operational management
Physical Fitness Standards
Candidates should maintain good physical fitness before appearing for the examination.
Recommended Fitness Activities
- Running
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- Swimming
- Strength training
- Endurance exercises
Physical fitness improves performance during the SSB and training period.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature image
- Graduation certificate
- Academic mark sheets
- Class 10 certificate
- Identity proof
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Address proof
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026
Step 1: Registration
- Complete One-Time Registration.
- Create login credentials.
Step 2: Application Form
- Fill in personal details.
- Enter educational information.
- Select preferred academies.
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Upload a photograph and a signature.
- Verify document quality.
Step 4: Payment
- Complete fee payment through available methods.
Step 5: Final Submission
- Review the application form.
- Submit the application.
- Download the confirmation page.
Preparation Strategy for CDS 2026
English Preparation
- Improve grammar concepts.
- Practice comprehension passages.
- Build vocabulary daily.
General Knowledge Preparation
- Follow current affairs.
- Study Indian history and polity.
- Revise geography and economics.
Mathematics Preparation
- Focus on arithmetic.
- Practice algebra.
- Strengthen geometry concepts.
Mock Tests
- Attempt weekly mock tests.
- Analyse mistakes.
- Improve speed and accuracy.
CDS vs NDA vs AFCAT
| Feature | CDS | NDA | AFCAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Graduate | 12th Pass | Graduate |
| Entry Level | Officer | Officer Cadet | Officer |
| Conducting Body | UPSC | UPSC | Indian Air Force |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a Year | Twice a Year | Twice a Year |
| Service Branches | Army, Navy, Air Force | Army, Navy, Air Force | Air Force |
Why Choose a Career Through CDS?
Advantages
- Prestigious officer rank
- Job security
- Attractive salary
- Promotion opportunities
- Pension benefits
- Leadership development
- National service opportunity
- Healthcare facilities
- Housing benefits
- Adventure and travel opportunities
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 presents a golden opportunity for graduates who aspire to serve the nation as defence officers. With 451 vacancies available across various academies, candidates can secure a highly respected career offering excellent salary packages, career growth, leadership opportunities, pension benefits, and long-term job stability. Interested applicants should complete the online application process promptly and begin focused preparation for the written examination and SSB interview to maximise their chances of selection.