UPSC CDS 2 2026

UPSC CDS 2 2026 Notification Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. A total of 451 vacancies are available across various defence academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA).

Vacancy Distribution

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 100 Posts
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: 26 Posts
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: 32 Posts
• Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men): 275 Posts
• Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women): 18 Posts

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

• IMA & OTA: Degree of a recognized university or equivalent.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): Degree in Engineering OR B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective subject (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level).
• Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree of a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR Bachelor of Engineering.

Age Limit & Marital Status

• IMA: Unmarried males born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2008 (19-24 years).
• INA: Unmarried males born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2008 (19-24 years).
• AFA: Born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2007 (20-24 years).
• OTA (Men & Women): Born between 02-07-2002 and 01-07-2008 (19-25 years).

Selection Process

The selection process is highly rigorous and consists of three main stages:

• Stage 1: Written Examination: Objective type test conducted offline.
• Stage 2: SSB Interview: A 5-day intelligence and personality assessment test.
• Stage 3: Medical Examination: Comprehensive physical and mental fitness evaluation.