UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) Recruitment 2026: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued a fresh notification to recruit 394 Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 posts. All interested and eligible candidates can use this job opportunity and submit their applications before the closing date. Candidates who have completed Any Degree, B.E/B.Tech or B.Sc with required subjects can register for the UPSC CDS II Notification 2026. The selection procedure for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 will be based on Written Examination followed by Intelligence and Personality Test. The online registration window opens on 20.05.2026 and remains active till 09.06.2026 through the official site.
Quick overview below, go through the important details, eligibility norms, age, salary, fee and application process for UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) Online Application Form 2026.
UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) Recruitment 2026
| UPSC Eligibility & Vacancy 2026 details |
| Organization Name |
Union Public Service Commission |
| Vacancy |
394 Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 Posts |
| Post name |
Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Starting date |
20.05.2026 |
| Ending date |
09.06.2026 |
| Qualification |
Any Degree, B.E/B.Tech, B.Sc with required subjects |
| Salary |
Lieutenant Level 10 Rs.56,100 – 1,77,500/- |
| Job Location |
All Over India |
| Apply Mode |
Online |
| Official Website |
https://upsconline.nic.in/ |
Vacancy details for UPSC Recruitment 2026
| Name of the Posts |
No. of Posts |
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 163rd (DE) Course commencing in July 2027 (including NCC ‘C’ Certificate Army Wing) |
100 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – Course commencing in July 2027 Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro (including NCC ‘C’ Certificate Naval Wing and Hydro) |
26 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in July 2027 i.e. 222 F(P) Course (including NCC ‘C’ Certificate Air Wing) |
32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – 126th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in October 2027 |
275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – 126th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in October 2027 |
18 |
| Total |
394 Posts |
Eligibility details for UPSC Recruitment 2026
Qualification details for UPSC Recruitment 2026
| Name of the Posts |
Qualification |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai |
Degree from a recognised University or equivalent |
| Indian Naval Academy |
Degree in Engineering or B.Sc with Physics as core or elective subject from recognised University/Institution with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level |
| Air Force Academy |
Degree from a recognised University with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering |
Age limits for UPSC Recruitment 2026
| Name of the Posts |
Age limit |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) |
19 to 24 years; unmarried male candidates born between 01.07.2003 and 01.07.2008 |
| Indian Naval Academy |
19 to 24 years; unmarried male candidates born between 01.07.2003 and 01.07.2008 |
| Air Force Academy |
20 to 24 years as on 01.07.2027; born between 01.07.2003 and 01.07.2007; upper age limit up to 26 years for CPL holders born between 01.07.2001 and 01.07.2007; candidates below 25 years must be unmarried |
| Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for Men) |
19 to 25 years; unmarried male candidates born between 01.07.2002 and 01.07.2008 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) |
19 to 25 years; unmarried women, issueless widows not remarried and issueless divorcees not remarried born between 01.07.2002 and 01.07.2008 |
Salary details for UPSC Recruitment 2026
| Name of the Posts |
Salary Details |
| Lieutenant (Entry level) |
Level 10 Rs.56,100 – 1,77,500/- |
UPSC Recruitment 2026 Selection process
- Written Exam
- Intelligence and Personality Test
UPSC Notification 2026 Application Fee
| Category |
Fee |
| Gen / OBC / EWS |
Rs.200/- |
| SC / ST / PwD / Female |
Nil |
Important Dates for the UPSC Notification 2026:
| Notification Published |
20.05.2026 |
| Application Start Date |
20.05.2026 |
| Last Date to Apply |
09.06.2026 |
| Date of Examination |
13.09.2026 |
Notification PDF and Application form, details
FAQs – UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) Recruitment 2026
Education Qualification Details
For IMA and OTA, any Degree from a recognised University is required. For Naval Academy, Engineering Degree or B.Sc with Physics and 10+2 level Physics and Mathematics is needed. For Air Force Academy, Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 or Bachelor of Engineering is essential.
Age Limit
Age for IMA and Naval Academy is 19–24 years, Air Force Academy 20–24 years (up to 26 years for CPL holders), and OTA 19–25 years with specific marital status conditions.
How to Apply Online for UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026
Applications accepted online through https://upsconline.nic.in/ from 20.05.2026 to 09.06.2026. Candidates should register, fill details carefully, upload documents, pay fee if applicable and submit the form.
What is the selection process for UPSC CDS II 2026
Candidates have to clear the written examination first and then appear for Intelligence and Personality Test conducted by the Services Selection Board.
Is UPSC CDS II 2026 a permanent Government job
Selected candidates will be appointed in regular defence services posts with permanent nature of appointment as per rules.
