UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026: Apply for 451 Vacancies
📅 Posted: 20/05/2026 📝 Updated: 20/05/2026
Total Vacancy451
SalaryLevel-10 (₹56,100–₹1,77,500) + MSP ₹15,500/month [Approx. ₹80,000–₹1,00,000+/Month in Peace Posting]
LocationAll India
Last Date09/06/2026
Short Information: If you have a graduate degree and dream of wearing an officer's uniform, UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 is one of the most structured and prestigious entry points into the Indian Armed Forces. The Union Public Service Commission has announced 451 vacancies across five prestigious academies — Indian Military Academy (100 posts), Indian Naval Academy (26 posts), Air Force Academy (32 posts), and Officers' Training Academy Chennai for both Men (275 posts) and Women (18 posts). The application window runs from 20 May 2026 to 09 June 2026 with the written exam scheduled on 13 September 2026. During the training period itself, cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month — equivalent to a Level-10 pay scale. After commissioning, a Lieutenant earns Level-10 basic pay of ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500/month fixed, DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, and free ration — making the gross package well above ₹80,000/month in peace postings. Age eligibility differs by academy: IMA and INA require 19–24 years; AFA requires 20–24 years; and OTA accepts 19–25 years. All male candidates must be unmarried. Women can apply only for the OTA SSC Women course. This is a central government recruitment open to graduates across India — one of the few pathways to a Permanent Commission in the Indian Army via UPSC.
Application Ends In:
Calculating...
Quick Navigation:
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 2026Important Dates
| Notification Released | 20/05/2026 |
| Application Begin | 20/05/2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09/06/2026 (06:00 PM) |
| Pay Exam Fee Last Date | 09/06/2026 |
| Date of Examination | 13/09/2026 |
| Written Result Declaration (Expected) | October 2026 (Tentative) |
| SSB Interview (IMA/INA/AFA) | February–March 2027 (Tentative) |
| SSB Interview (OTA) | April–June 2027 (Tentative) |
| Course Commencement — IMA/INA/AFA | July 2027 |
| Course Commencement — OTA | October 2027 |
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 2026Application Fee
| Gen / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
| SC / ST | ₹0 |
| All Female Candidates | ₹0 |
Payment: Online (Net Banking / Visa / Master / RuPay Credit or Debit Card / UPI)
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026: Apply for 451 VacanciesVacancy Details & Age Limit
Age Limit: 19–25 Years (varies by course; as per birth date criteria — see eligibility)
(IMA & INA: 19–24 years (Born 01/07/2003 to 01/07/2008), AFA: 20–24 years as on 01/07/2027 (Born 01/07/2003 to 01/07/2007); CPL holders: up to 26 years, OTA (SSC Men): 19–25 years (Born 01/07/2002 to 01/07/2008), OTA (SSC Women): 19–25 years (Born 01/07/2002 to 01/07/2008), No age relaxation for OBC/EWS candidates)
| Course / Academy | Total Vacancy | NCC Reserved (Included) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA Dehradun — 163rd (DE) Course (July 2027) | 100 | 13 (Army NCC 'C') | Graduate (any discipline). Unmarried Male. Age 19–24 yrs. |
| Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala — Executive Branch/Hydro (July 2027) | 26 | 06 (Naval NCC 'C') + 01 Hydro | B.E./B.Sc. with Physics (core/elective); Physics & Maths at 10+2. Unmarried Male. Age 19–24 yrs. |
| Air Force Academy Hyderabad — 222 F(P) Course (July 2027) | 32 | 03 (Air Wing NCC 'C') | Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2, or B.E. Unmarried Male. Age 20–24 yrs. |
| OTA Chennai — 126th SSC (Men) NT Course (October 2027) | 275 | None | Graduate (any discipline). Unmarried Male. Age 19–25 yrs. |
| OTA Chennai — 126th SSC Women NT Course (October 2027) | 18 | None | Graduate (any discipline). Unmarried Women / Issueless Widow / Issueless Divorcee. Age 19–25 yrs. |
| Total Vacancy | 451 | ||
| Note: Vacancies are tentative and may be changed at any stage by Services HQ. NCC quota is included within total, not in addition. | |||
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Must be a Citizen of India (or eligible subject/person as per UPSC norms with certificate of eligibility from Govt of India).
- IMA (Permanent Commission — Army): Graduate degree from a recognised University. Unmarried male only. Age 19–24 years. Born 01/07/2003 to 01/07/2008.
- Indian Naval Academy (Permanent Commission — Navy): Degree in Engineering OR B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective subject; Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level. Unmarried male only. Age 19–24 years. Born 01/07/2003 to 01/07/2008.
- Air Force Academy (Permanent Commission — Air Force): Degree of a recognised University with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering. AFA MUST be first preference. Unmarried male. Age 20–24 years as on 01/07/2027 (Born 01/07/2003 – 01/07/2007). Candidates with valid DGCA CPL: upper age relaxed to 26 years.
- OTA SSC Men (Short Service Commission — Army): Graduate degree. Unmarried male. Age 19–25 years. Born 01/07/2002 to 01/07/2008.
- OTA SSC Women (Short Service Commission — Army): Graduate degree. Unmarried women, issueless widows (not remarried), issueless divorcees (not remarried, divorce documents required). Age 19–25 years. Born 01/07/2002 to 01/07/2008.
- Final year degree students are eligible to apply; must submit proof of passing degree by course commencement date.
- Male divorcees/widowers are NOT eligible (cannot be treated as unmarried for IMA/INA/AFA/OTA purposes).
- Candidates debarred by Ministry of Defence from holding any type of commission are NOT eligible.
- Candidates previously removed from NDA/IMA/INA/AFA/OTA on disciplinary grounds are NOT eligible.
- Permanent body tattoos permitted only on inner forearm (elbow to wrist) and back/dorsal side of hand. Tattoos elsewhere disqualify the candidate.
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026Pay Scale / Salary Structure
| Post Name | Salary Level |
|---|---|
| Stipend during Training (All Academies) | ₹56,100/month fixed (Level-10 starting pay) |
| Lieutenant (on commissioning) | Level-10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) + MSP ₹15,500/month |
| Captain | Level-10B (₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900) + MSP ₹15,500/month |
| Major | Level-11 (₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200) + MSP ₹15,500/month |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level-12A (₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400) + MSP ₹15,500/month |
| Colonel | Level-13 (₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900) |
| Brigadier | Level-13A (₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600) |
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026Selection Process Steps
- Stage 1: Written Examination conducted by UPSC on 13/09/2026 (Objective Type OMR-based)
- Stage 2: SSB (Services Selection Board) — Intelligence & Personality Test (2-stage process)
- SSB Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test + Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT)
- SSB Stage II (only for Stage I qualifiers): Interview + Group Testing Officer Tasks + Psychology Tests + Conference (4 days)
- Medical Examination by appropriate medical establishment (as per Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces)
- Final Merit List prepared based on combined written + SSB marks, subject to medical fitness
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026Detailed Exam Pattern
Recruitment Details: Exam Overview
- Mode: Offline — OMR (Objective Type) only. Candidates must use Black Ball Pen.
- Negative Marking: Yes — 1/3 (0.33) marks deducted for each wrong answer. (Explicitly stated in official notification under Appendix-II, Para 3).
- Unattempted Questions: No penalty for leaving a question blank.
- Multiple Answers: Treated as wrong — same 0.33 penalty applies.
- Calculator: Not permitted inside the examination hall.
- Scribe: Not allowed under any circumstances.
- Language: GK and Elementary Mathematics papers are set bilingually (Hindi + English). English paper is in English only.
- Metric System: Questions involving weights/measures use the metric system only.
Recruitment Table: Written Exam — IMA, INA & AFA (Permanent Commission Courses)
| Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 11 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 12 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 13 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 300 |
Recruitment Table: Written Exam — OTA Chennai (SSC Men & Women)
| Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 11 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 12 | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
Recruitment Table: Maximum Marks — Written + SSB Interview
| Course | Written Exam Marks | SSB Interview Marks | Grand Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA (Permanent Commission — Army) | 300 | 300 | 600 |
| INA (Permanent Commission — Navy) | 300 | 300 | 600 |
| AFA (Permanent Commission — Air Force) | 300 | 300 | 600 |
| OTA SSC Men/Women (Short Service Commission) | 200 | 200 | 400 |
Recruitment Details: Tie-Breaking Rules
- IMA/INA/AFA Tie: Higher aggregate (Final Marks) ranks first. If still tied → more marks in written total (English + GK + Maths combined). If still tied → more marks in GK. If still tied → senior in age ranks higher.
- OTA Tie: Higher aggregate ranks first. If still tied → more marks in written total (English + GK combined). If still tied → more marks in GK. If still tied → senior in age ranks higher.
- Persistent ties resolved at Commission's discretion.
- Marks rounded off to two decimal places at all stages using standard rounding.
Recruitment Table: Minimum Physical Standards on Arrival at IMA & OTA
| Activity | Officer Cadet (Men) | Officer Cadet (Women) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 Km Run | 10 min 30 sec | 13 min |
| Push Up | 40 | 15 |
| Pull Up | 06 | 02 |
| Sit Up | 30 | 25 |
| Squats | 2 Sets of 30 Reps | 2 Sets of 30 Reps |
| Lunges | 2 Sets of 10 Reps | 2 Sets of 10 Reps |
| Swimming | Must know fundamentals | Must know fundamentals |
| Note:These are minimum physical standards expected ON ARRIVAL at IMA/OTA. Candidates should be in good physical condition before joining. | ||
Recruitment Details: Medical & Tattoo Standards
- Medical standards governed by the 'Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces (1st Edition)' — available on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
- Tattoo Policy: Permanent body tattoos permitted ONLY on inner forearm (inside of elbow to wrist) and dorsal (back) side of hand. Tattoos on any other body part result in disqualification.
- Tribal tattoos on face/body as per custom permitted on case-by-case basis — Commandant Selection Centre is the competent authority.
- Candidates who have failed Indian Navy Selection Board CPSS and/or PABT earlier, and those who habitually wear spectacles, are NOT eligible for Air Force Academy.
- Air Force: Every candidate is given Pilot Aptitude Test (CPSS/PABT) only ONCE. Grade from first test is final and holds for all subsequent attempts.
Recruitment Table: Job Profile by Course — Nature of Commission & Duration
| Academy / Course | Commission Type | Training Duration | Starting Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA Dehradun | Permanent Commission (PC) — Army | ~18 months | Lieutenant |
| Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala | Permanent Commission (PC) — Navy | ~18 months (NOC 44 wks + sea training + sub-lt courses) | Sub-Lieutenant |
| Air Force Academy Hyderabad | Permanent Commission (PC) — Air Force | ~74 weeks | Flying Officer |
| OTA Chennai (Men & Women) | Short Service Commission (SSC) — Army (14 years; PC possible in 10th year) | ~49 weeks | Lieutenant |
Recruitment Table: 84 Exam Centres — Pan-India
| S. No. | Centre |
|---|---|
| 1 | Agartala |
| 2 | Agra |
| 3 | Ahmedabad |
| 4 | Aizawl |
| 5 | Ajmer |
| 6 | Aligarh |
| 7 | Almora (Uttarakhand) |
| 8 | Alwar |
| 9 | Ananthapuramu (AP) |
| 10 | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) |
| 11 | Bareilly |
| 12 | Bengaluru |
| 13 | Bhopal |
| 14 | Bhubaneswar |
| 15 | Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) |
| 16 | Chandigarh |
| 17 | Chennai |
| 18 | Coimbatore |
| 19 | Cuttack |
| 20 | Dehradun |
| 21 | Delhi |
| 22 | Dharamshala |
| 23 | Dharwad |
| 24 | Dispur |
| 25 | Faridabad |
| 26 | Gangtok |
| 27 | Gautam Buddh Nagar |
| 28 | Gaya |
| 29 | Ghaziabad |
| 30 | Gorakhpur |
| 31 | Gurugram |
| 32 | Gwalior |
| 33 | Hyderabad |
| 34 | Imphal |
| 35 | Indore |
| 36 | Itanagar |
| 37 | Jabalpur |
| 38 | Jaipur |
| 39 | Jammu |
| 40 | Jodhpur |
| 41 | Jorhat |
| 42 | Kanpur |
| 43 | Kargil |
| 44 | Kochi |
| 45 | Kohima |
| 46 | Kolkata |
| 47 | Kozhikode (Calicut) |
| 48 | Leh |
| 49 | Lucknow |
| 50 | Ludhiana |
| 51 | Madurai |
| 52 | Mandi (HP) |
| 53 | Meerut |
| 54 | Mumbai |
| 55 | Mysuru |
| 56 | Nagpur |
| 57 | Nasik |
| 58 | Navi Mumbai |
| 59 | Panaji (Goa) |
| 60 | Patna |
| 61 | Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) |
| 62 | Prayagraj (Allahabad) |
| 63 | Puducherry |
| 64 | Pune |
| 65 | Raipur |
| 66 | Rajkot |
| 67 | Ranchi |
| 68 | Sambalpur |
| 69 | Shillong |
| 70 | Shimla |
| 71 | Siliguri |
| 72 | Srinagar |
| 73 | Srinagar (Uttarakhand) |
| 74 | Surat |
| 75 | Thane |
| 76 | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 77 | Tiruchirapalli |
| 78 | Tirupati |
| 79 | Udaipur |
| 80 | Varanasi |
| 81 | Vellore |
| 82 | Vijayawada |
| 83 | Visakhapatnam |
| 84 | Hanumakonda (Warangal Urban) |
| Note:Allotment is on first-apply-first-allot basis. Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, Nagpur have no ceiling. Apply early for preferred centre. | |
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026Subject-wise Syllabus Topics
Standard of Elementary Mathematics is Matriculation level. English and General Knowledge papers are approximately at graduation level of an Indian University.
📚 English (Code 11)
- Understanding of English language and workmanlike use of words
- Comprehension and correct usage
- Vocabulary and grammar
📚 General Knowledge (Code 12)
- Current Events and General Awareness
- Everyday Science and scientific aspects of common observation
- History of India
- Geography of India
- No special study of any scientific subject required
📚 Elementary Mathematics — Arithmetic (Code 13)
- Number System: Natural numbers, Integers, Rational & Real numbers
- Fundamental operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square roots, decimal fractions
- Unitary method, time & distance, time & work, percentages
- Simple and compound interest, profit & loss, ratio & proportion, variation
- Elementary Number Theory: prime & composite numbers, divisibility tests, HCF, LCM, Euclidean algorithm
- Logarithms to base 10, laws of logarithms, use of logarithmic tables
📚 Elementary Mathematics — Algebra
- Basic operations, simple factors, Remainder Theorem, HCF, LCM
- Theory of polynomials, solutions of quadratic equations
- Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns (analytical and graphical)
- Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables
- Set language and set notation, rational expressions, conditional identities, laws of indices
📚 Elementary Mathematics — Trigonometry
- Sine, cosine, tangent for 0°–90°; values at 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°
- Simple trigonometric identities
- Use of trigonometric tables
- Simple heights and distances problems
📚 Elementary Mathematics — Geometry
- Lines and angles, plane figures
- Properties of angles, parallel lines, triangles (sides, angles, congruency, similarity)
- Concurrence of medians and altitudes
- Properties of parallelogram, rectangle, square
- Circles — properties, tangents, normals; Loci
📚 Elementary Mathematics — Mensuration
- Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangles, circles
- Surface area and volume of cuboids
- Lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders
- Surface area and volume of spheres
📚 Elementary Mathematics — Statistics
- Collection and tabulation of statistical data
- Graphical representation: frequency polygons, histograms, bar charts, pie charts
- Measures of central tendency
📚 SSB — Intelligence & Personality Test
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test + Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT)
- Stage II: Interview, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Psychology Tests, Conference (4 days)
- Assessment by three independent assessors: Interviewing Officer (IO), GTO, Psychologist
- All assessors have equal weightage; holistic performance considered
- Tests designed to identify Officer Like Qualities (OLQ) and trainability
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026How to Apply
- Visit the UPSC online application portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One-Time Universal Registration (URN) if not already registered — URN is valid for lifetime and common for all UPSC exams.
- Fill in the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal details, educational qualifications, and date of birth.
- Upload your photograph (as per instructions) AND capture a live photograph during CAF filling.
- Sign three times one below the other on plain white paper using black ink — upload this signature image.
- Fill in the Examination Specific Module — indicate your course preferences in order of priority.
- Important: For Air Force Academy, AFA MUST be your FIRST preference. Any other position makes the AFA choice invalid.
- Pay the application fee of ₹200 via Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI (Female and SC/ST candidates are exempt).
- Submit the application before 09/06/2026 at 6:00 PM. No modifications are allowed after submission.
- Download and save your Application Number (distinct from URN) for future reference.
- After written results (expected October 2026), Army first-choice candidates MUST register on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in to receive SSB call-up letters.
- Helpdesk: Call 011-24041001 / 011-40303444 or email upscsoap@nic.in (operational 10 AM–5:30 PM on working days during application window).
Recruitment Note: About Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India's premier central recruiting agency, established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India. Set up in 1926 during the British era as the Public Service Commission and later reconstituted as UPSC post-independence in 1950, it functions as an independent constitutional body operating from its headquarters in New Delhi. UPSC conducts over 14 major competitive examinations annually, including the Civil Services Examination, Engineering Services Examination, National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination, and the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination. The Commission is responsible for recruitment to Group A and Group B central government posts, as well as advising the government on service matters. UPSC's CDS examination is one of the most reputed gateways to officer-level commission in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, drawing lakhs of applicants each year. The Commission's hallmark is its transparent, merit-based selection with minimal scope for error or partiality, making a UPSC-recommended commission one of the most credible officer entry pathways in India.
Recruitment Note: Job Profile — Defence Services Officer (CDS Entry)
Officers commissioned through UPSC CDS are responsible for leading, motivating, and managing troops across diverse operational environments ranging from high-altitude terrain and counter-insurgency zones to naval operations and aerial missions. An Army officer at the Lieutenant level commands a platoon of 30–40 soldiers and is responsible for their training, discipline, welfare, and operational readiness. Naval officers in the Executive Branch handle ship navigation, weapons systems, and maritime operations, while Air Force pilots are responsible for flying missions including air defence, tactical support, and transport. The role involves frequent transfers across India and potential deployment abroad. Career progression from Lieutenant to Colonel (time-scale) happens over 26 years, with higher ranks (Brigadier, Major General, Lieutenant General) based on selection. Short Service Commission (OTA) officers serve for 14 years with an option for Permanent Commission from the 10th year, and they earn the University of Madras-awarded 'Post Graduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies' on commissioning from OTA.
Recruitment Note: Benefits & Perks Beyond Salary
Officers commissioned through the CDS route receive a comprehensive benefits package that goes well beyond the monthly salary. Key benefits include: Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500/month fixed for ranks up to Brigadier; Dearness Allowance (DA) applicable at the same rates as civilian central government employees; Dress/Uniform Allowance of ₹20,000/year; Free ration in kind (both peace and field areas); Transport Allowance of ₹7,200+DA (Higher Transport Allowance Cities) or ₹3,600+DA (Other Places) for Level-10 and above; Children's Education Allowance of ₹2,250/month per child (at 25% enhanced rate as DA has crossed 50% w.e.f. 01/01/2024); Risk and Hardship Allowance as per the 7th CPC matrix; Annual Leave of 60 days + Casual Leave of 20 days; Leave Travel Concession (LTC) every alternate year to any place in India; Free medical aid for self and family; Accommodation on concessional rent or HRA; Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF) cover of ₹1.25 Crore for IMA cadets; Canteen (CSD) facilities; Group Housing Scheme; and full Government-funded training (accommodation, books, uniform, boarding, medical) during the entire academy period.
Recruitment Note: Important Application Rules & Restrictions
Several critical rules apply that can cause instant rejection: (1) Applications cannot be withdrawn or modified after submission — exercise extreme care while filling. (2) Date of birth must exactly match your Matriculation certificate — any discrepancy triggers disciplinary action. (3) Course preferences once submitted cannot be changed. (4) Candidates already in Government Service (including Armed Forces) must inform their Head of Department/Commanding Officer in writing and submit NOC at SSB interview. (5) If an employer writes to UPSC withholding permission, the application will be rejected. (6) Mobile phones and all electronic devices are strictly banned at exam venues — even in switched-off mode; violation leads to a ban from future UPSC examinations. (7) Face authentication is mandatory at the examination venue. (8) Entry to exam hall closes 30 minutes before exam commencement — late arrivals are not admitted. (9) Representation on question papers or provisional answer keys can be submitted online within 5 days of the exam — no email/post representations accepted.
Recruitment Note: Pratibha Setu Portal — Career Data Sharing
Candidates who appear at the final stage (SSB/Personality Test) but are not recommended by UPSC will have their shortbiodata (educational qualifications, contact details, percentile ranking) shared on the Pratibha Setu Portal with registered private companies, PSUs, and statutory/autonomous organizations of the Government of India. This is meant to help SSB-appeared candidates secure private sector employment. Candidates must give their consent at the time of filling the Examination Specific Module. Opting out is permitted, in which case data will not be published. Notably, absolute or percentage marks are not shared — only percentile rankings.
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026Important Official Links
| Apply Online Application Window: 20/05/2026 to 09/06/2026 (06:00 PM) | Click Here ↗ |
| Download Notification Advt No. 11/2026-CDS-II | Click Here ↗ |
| Download e-Admit Card Available from last working day of preceding week before 13/09/2026 | Inactive 🔒 |
| Army SSB Registration Portal Mandatory registration for Army (IMA/OTA) first-choice candidates after written result | Click Here ↗ |
| Navy SSB Information Navy candidates can download call letters from naval website | Click Here ↗ |
| Official Website | Click Here ↗ |
Disclaimer Information provided here is for quick reference. Verify all details on the official website before taking action.
Quick Overview
🚀 Recruitment Overview
Quick Summary of the Notification
| Organization |  UPSC |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Defence Services Officer (CDS II) |
| Total Vacancy | 451 |
| Salary | Level-10 (₹56,100–₹1,77,500) + MSP ₹15,500/month [Approx. ₹80,000–₹1,00,000+/Month in Peace Posting] |
| Job Location | All India |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 09/06/2026 |
| Official Website | Visit Website ↗ |
💡 Expert Tip
For Air Force Academy, you MUST mark AFA as your FIRST preference — choices given as second or third are treated as invalid. Candidates who have failed CPSS (Computer Pilot Selection System) even once are permanently ineligible for Air Force flying branch, regardless of written exam score. For IMA/OTA first-choice male candidates, register on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in immediately after written results are declared in October 2026 to receive SSB call-up letters — without this registration, your call letter won't be dispatched. Also note: your application cannot be modified or withdrawn after submission. Enter your date of birth exactly as it appears in your Matriculation certificate — any mismatch triggers disqualification. Final-year degree students may apply but must submit proof of passing by the course commencement date.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 What is the in-hand salary for a CDS officer after commissioning? ▼
Ans: On commissioning as a Lieutenant (Level-10), the basic pay starts at ₹56,100/month. Adding Military Service Pay of ₹15,500/month, DA (currently ~50% of basic), Transport Allowance of ₹7,200+DA, and other allowances, the gross in-hand salary in a peace posting is approximately ₹85,000 to ₹1,05,000 per month. During training, cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100/month itself.
Q.2 What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II 2026? ▼
Ans: The last date to fill the online application form is 09 June 2026 at 6:00 PM. After this, the application link will be disabled permanently. No application corrections or withdrawals are permitted after submission, so candidates must fill all details carefully before the deadline.
Q.3 Is there any negative marking in UPSC CDS II 2026 exam? ▼
Ans: Yes, there is negative marking. As explicitly stated in Appendix-II of the official notification, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each wrong answer. If a candidate marks more than one answer, it counts as wrong and the same 0.33 penalty applies. No penalty for unattempted questions.
Q.4 What is the age limit for UPSC CDS II 2026? ▼
Ans: Age limits vary by course: IMA and INA — 19 to 24 years (born 01/07/2003 to 01/07/2008); Air Force Academy — 20 to 24 years as on 01/07/2027, relaxed to 26 years for candidates holding a valid DGCA CPL; OTA SSC (Men and Women) — 19 to 25 years (born 01/07/2002 to 01/07/2008). No age relaxation is applicable for OBC or EWS candidates.
Q.5 How to download the UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification PDF? ▼
Ans: The official notification PDF (Advt No. 11/2026-CDS-II) is available on the UPSC official website https://upsc.gov.in. Navigate to 'Examination Notices' or 'What's New' section and search for CDS II 2026. The document covers all exam rules, syllabus, medical standards, pay scales, and appendices in detail.
Q.6 What is the educational qualification required for UPSC CDS II? ▼
Ans: It differs by academy: IMA and OTA (both Men and Women) — any graduate degree from a recognised university; Indian Naval Academy — degree in Engineering or B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective, with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level; Air Force Academy — graduate degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or Bachelor of Engineering. Final-year students awaiting results may also apply.
Q.7 What is the selection process for UPSC CDS II 2026? ▼
Ans: The process has three stages: (1) Written Examination by UPSC on 13/09/2026 — objective type OMR-based; (2) SSB Interview — a 5-day two-stage process at Services Selection Boards covering Officer Intelligence Rating, Group Tests, Psychology Tests, Interview, and Conference; (3) Medical Examination by the armed forces' medical establishment. Final merit is based on combined written + SSB marks, subject to medical fitness and available vacancies.
Q.8 Can women apply for all courses in UPSC CDS II 2026? ▼
Ans: No. Women candidates are eligible ONLY for the OTA Chennai SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course — 18 vacancies. They must indicate OTA as their only preference. IMA, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy are open only to male candidates. Eligible women include unmarried females, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried.
More Related Updates
👉 NFL Management Trainee Recruitment 2026
📅 Posted: 13/05/2026
👉 PNB SO Specialist Officer Recruitment 2026
📅 Posted: 20/04/2026
👉 MCL Technician Electrician Recruitment 2026
📅 Posted: 16/04/2026
👉 BTSC ITI Instructor Recruitment 2026
📅 Posted: 13/04/2026
👉 SSC Phase 14 Recruitment 2026
📅 Posted: 10/04/2026
👉 UPSSSC Assistant Boring Technician 2026
📅 Posted: 16/03/2026