The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites online applications for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II), 2026, for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy. A total of 451 vacancies are available for graduates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. This is a premier route to an officer-level career in the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Post Details

  • Examination: Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II), 2026.
  • Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
  • Academies: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
  • Application Mode: Online.

Vacancy Details

  • Total Vacancies: 451 posts.
  • Indian Military Academy (IMA): 100.
  • Indian Naval Academy (INA): 26.
  • Air Force Academy (AFA): 32.
  • Officers Training Academy (Men): 275.
  • Officers Training Academy (Women): 18.

Educational Qualification

  • Indian Military Academy (IMA): Bachelor's Degree from a recognised university.
  • Indian Naval Academy (INA): Engineering Degree, OR B.Sc. with Physics and Mathematics.
  • Air Force Academy (AFA): Bachelor's Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR an Engineering Degree.
  • Officers Training Academy (OTA): Bachelor's Degree from a recognised university.

Age Limit

  • Age limit varies by academy (IMA, INA, AFA and OTA) as specified in the official notification.
  • Only unmarried candidates are eligible for IMA, INA and AFA; OTA conditions are as per the notification.
  • Candidates must satisfy the date-of-birth and other eligibility conditions in the official UPSC CDS notification.

Application Fee

  • As per the official UPSC notification.
  • Fee to be paid online through the prescribed mode (female candidates and SC/ST exempted as per notification).

Salary

  • Salary as per Defence Services rules after successful training and commissioning.
  • Cadets receive a stipend during training as per the prevailing rules.

Selection Process

  • Written Examination conducted by UPSC.
  • SSB Interview (Services Selection Board) including intelligence and personality tests.
  • Medical Examination.
  • Final Merit List based on the written examination and SSB Interview.

Important Dates

  • Notification Date: 20 May 2026.
  • Last Date to Apply: 09 June 2026.
  • Examination Date: 13 September 2026.

Important Instructions

  • Apply only through the official UPSC online portal at upsconline.nic.in.
  • Read the official notification carefully before applying.
  • Ensure all personal, educational and category details are correct.
  • Upload the photograph, signature and documents in the prescribed format.
  • Keep a printout of the submitted application for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How many vacancies are available? A total of 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA and OTA (men and women).
  • What is the last date to apply? 09 June 2026.
  • When will the written examination be held? 13 September 2026.
  • Who is eligible to apply? Graduates meeting the academy-wise qualifications (IMA/OTA: degree; INA: engineering or B.Sc. with Physics and Mathematics; AFA: degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 or engineering).
  • What is the mode of application? Online, through the official UPSC portal at upsconline.nic.in.