UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026 – Notification, Eligibility, Exam Date, Apply Online
The UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026 has become one of the most searched topics among candidates preparing for defence jobs in India. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination twice every year for recruitment into prestigious defence academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Candidates who dream of serving the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces can apply through the UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 online application form. In this article, you will get complete information regarding the UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification, eligibility criteria, important dates, application fee, selection process, salary, and how to apply online.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Overview
Union Public Service Commission conducts the CDS exam to recruit eligible candidates for various defence academies across India.
Important Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | UPSC CDS II Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | UPSC |
| Post Name | Lieutenant / Defence Officer |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Category | Defence Jobs |
| Official Website | UPSC Official Website |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should regularly check the official notification to avoid missing any important event.
| Event | Expected Date |
| Notification Release Date | May/June 2026 |
| Online Application Start | June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | July 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | August 2026 |
| CDS II Exam Date | September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | October 2026 |
UPSC CDS II 2026 Vacancy Details
The exact number of vacancies will be announced in the official notification. Vacancies are usually distributed among the following academies:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Every year, thousands of aspirants apply for the CDS II Vacancy 2026 due to the attractive salary, respect, and career growth opportunities in the defence sector.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS II 2026
Before filling out the UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026, candidates must check the eligibility conditions carefully.
Educational Qualification
For Indian Military Academy (IMA) & OTA
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
For Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Engineering Degree from a recognized institution.
For Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering Degree.
Age Limit
| Academy | Age Limit |
| IMA | 19 to 24 Years |
| INA | 19 to 24 Years |
| AFA | 20 to 24 Years |
| OTA | 19 to 25 Years |
Age relaxation details will be mentioned in the official UPSC CDS II notification.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / OBC | ₹200 |
| SC / ST | Nil |
| Female Candidates | Nil |
Candidates can pay the application fee through:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
Selection Process
The UPSC CDS II Selection Process 2026 consists of multiple stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Candidates who clear all stages successfully will receive final training at their respective defence academies.
CDS II 2026 Exam Pattern
Written Exam Pattern
| Subject | Marks |
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 |
For OTA:
- English – 100 Marks
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks
The exam will be conducted in offline mode with objective-type questions.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Salary
Selected candidates receive excellent salary packages along with several government benefits.
| Rank | Salary |
| Lieutenant | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
Additional benefits include:
- Military Service Pay
- Free Medical Facilities
- Pension Benefits
- Housing Allowance
- Travel Allowance
How to Apply for UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026
Follow these simple steps to apply online:
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Click on the CDS II 2026 notification link.
- Complete the registration process.
- Fill out the online application form carefully.
- Upload required documents including photo and signature.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Direct Application Portal:
UPSC Online Application Portal
Why Choose CDS After Graduation?
Joining the Indian Armed Forces through CDS offers:
- Respectable government job
- High salary package
- Adventure and leadership opportunities
- Job security
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Opportunity to serve the nation
The UPSC CDS II 2026 Recruitment is one of the best career opportunities for graduates who wish to build a prestigious career in defence services.
FAQs – UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The expected last date to submit the UPSC CDS II online application form is July 2026.
Q2. Who can apply for CDS II 2026?
Graduates from recognized universities can apply. Engineering graduates are eligible for INA and AFA posts.
Q3. What is the application fee for CDS II 2026?
General and OBC candidates need to pay ₹200, while SC/ST and female candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Q4. Is there negative marking in the CDS exam?
Yes, UPSC CDS exams include negative marking for incorrect answers.
Q5. What is the salary after selection in CDS?
Selected candidates can receive starting salaries above ₹56,000 per month along with allowances.
Q6. How can I apply for UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website.
Q7. Is CDS conducted twice a year?
Yes, the CDS examination is conducted twice every year as CDS I and CDS II.
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026 is an excellent opportunity for candidates who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers. Interested applicants should carefully read the official notification, check eligibility, and apply before the deadline. Start your preparation early to secure success in one of India’s most prestigious defence examinations.
For latest updates and notifications, visit:
Jobsgro.com & UPSC Official Portal