Overview
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi has released a recruitment notification for the post of CDS 2 Examination (451 (subject to change by Services HQ) vacancies). Eligible candidates can apply online only via https://upsconline.nic.in as per the official notification.
Key Details
- Organization
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi
- Qualification
- Candidates must fulfill all eligibility conditions before the date of application. Their admission at all stages is purely provisional subject to satisfying eligibility conditions. Verification of eligibility with reference to original documents will be taken up only after the candidate qualifies for SSB/Personality Test. Criteria: Details Nationality: Citizen of India / Subject of Nepal / Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam - with eligibility certificate from Govt. of India where applicable. Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not need such certificate. Educational Qualification – IMA & OTA: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent. Educational Qualification – Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering OR B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective subject from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level). Educational Qualification – Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognised University with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR Bachelor of Engineering. Final Year Students: Candidates in the final year/semester of their Degree course may apply but must submit proof of passing the degree examination by the prescribed date (IMA/INA by 01-07-2027; AFA by 13-05-2027; OTA by 01-10-2027). A bonafide certificate from College/University is required at the time of SSB interview. Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit as per the "Joint Order…
- Vacancies
- 451 (subject to change by Services HQ)
- Last date to apply
- 09-06-2026 (up to 6:00 PM)
Important Dates
| Date of Examination | 13.09.2026 |
| Date of Notification | 20/05/2026 |
| Opening of Online Application | 20-05-2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 09-06-2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Extended Last Date for Online Application | 11-06-2026 |
| Helpline Active Period | 20-05-2026 to 11-06-2026 (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, working days) |
| e-Admit Card Download | Last working day of the preceding week of the examination date |
| Date of Written Examination | 13-09-2026 |
| Representation Window for Answer Keys | 3rd day to 7th day (up to 6:00 PM) after examination |
| Written Result (Tentative) | October 2026 |
| SSB Interview (IMA/INA/AFA candidates) | February – March 2027 (tentative) |
| SSB Interview (OTA candidates) | April – June 2027 (tentative) |
| Course Commencement (IMA / INA / AFA) | July 2027 |
| Course Commencement (OTA) | October 2027 |
Important Links
Vacancy Details
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced across 5 courses. The number of vacancies is tentative and may be changed at any stage of the selection process by Services HQ. NCC 'C' Certificate holders have reserved vacancies in IMA, INA, and AFA. Women candidates are eligible only for the OTA SSC Women (NT) course. S. No.: Course | Academy | Commencement | Total Vacancies 1: 163rd (DE) Course | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | July 2027 | 100 2: Executive Branch (General Service) / Hydro | Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | July 2027 | 26 3: 222 F(P) Course (Pre-Flying Training) | Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | July 2027 | 32 4: 126th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course | Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | October 2027 | 275 5: 126th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course | Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | October 2027 | 18 Total: 451 Note: SSC(NT) Men and SSC(NT) Women are separate entries. Written result and final merit lists for SSC(NT) Men and SSC(NT) Women will be prepared separately as per vacancies notified. Left-over finally qualified IMA/INA/AFA candidates who could not be inducted due to lack of vacancies may be considered for SSC(NT) even without indicating that preference, subject to conditions.
Eligibility
Candidates must fulfill all eligibility conditions before the date of application. Their admission at all stages is purely provisional subject to satisfying eligibility conditions. Verification of eligibility with reference to original documents will be taken up only after the candidate qualifies for SSB/Personality Test. Criteria: Details Nationality: Citizen of India / Subject of Nepal / Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam - with eligibility certificate from Govt. of India where applicable. Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not need such certificate. Educational Qualification – IMA & OTA: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent. Educational Qualification – Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering OR B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective subject from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level). Educational Qualification – Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognised University with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR Bachelor of Engineering. Final Year Students: Candidates in the final year/semester of their Degree course may apply but must submit proof of passing the degree examination by the prescribed date (IMA/INA by 01-07-2027; AFA by 13-05-2027; OTA by 01-10-2027). A bonafide certificate from College/University is required at the time of SSB interview. Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit as per the "Joint Order…
Age Limit
Age is calculated based on date of birth as recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate only. No other document (horoscope, affidavit, birth extract, etc.) will be accepted. Once a date of birth is submitted, no change will be allowed subsequently. Course: Age Limit | Gender & Marital Status | Date of Birth Range Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19 to 24 years | Unmarried Male only | Born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19 to 24 years | Unmarried Male only | Born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) Air Force Academy (AFA): 20 to 24 years (as on 01-07-2027) | Male; below 25 years must be unmarried; married candidates aged 25+ eligible but no married accommodation during training | Born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2007; CPL holders: up to 26 years (born not earlier than 01-07-2001) OTA – SSC Men (NT): 19 to 25 years | Unmarried Male only | Born between 02-07-2002 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) OTA – SSC Women (NT): 19 to 25 years | Unmarried women, issueless widows (not remarried), issueless divorcees with divorce documents (not remarried) | Born between 02-07-2002 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) Note: Male divorcees/widowers cannot be treated as unmarried male and are not eligible for IMA/INA/AFA/OTA courses. Marriage is not permitted during training at any academy; a candidate who marries after applying will not be selected and a candidate marrying during training shall be discharged and …
Application Fee
Fee is payable through online mode only (Net Banking / Visa / Master / Rupay Credit / Debit Card / UPI). Payment through any other mode is not valid. Fee once paid shall not be refunded under any circumstances nor can it be held in reserve for any other examination. Category: Fee General / OBC / EWS (Male): Rs. 200/- (Non-Refundable) Female Candidates (All categories): NIL (Exempted) SC / ST Candidates: NIL (Exempted) Note: No fee exemption is available to OBC/EWS male candidates; they must pay the full prescribed fee.
Syllabus
Subject: Standard | Key Topics English: Graduate level | Understanding of English and workmanlike use of words General Knowledge: Graduate level | Current events, everyday science, History of India, Geography Elementary Mathematics: Matriculation (Class X) | Arithmetic (Number System, fractions, percentages, ratio, S.I./C.I.), Algebra (polynomials, quadratic equations, simultaneous equations), Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics
Selection Process
Selection consists of a Written Examination conducted by UPSC followed by Intelligence and Personality Test at the Services Selection Board (SSB), and finally Medical Examination. Success at the written examination confers no right of admission to any academy; final selection is made in order of merit subject to medical fitness and number of vacancies available. Stage 1 - Written Examination (Objective Type) For IMA, INA, and Air Force Academy: Sl.: Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks 1: English | 11 | 2 Hours | 100 2: General Knowledge | 12 | 2 Hours | 100 3: Elementary Mathematics | 13 | 2 Hours | 100 Total (Written): 300 SSB / Interview Marks: 300 For Officers' Training Academy (OTA): Sl.: Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks 1: English | 11 | 2 Hours | 100 2: General Knowledge | 12 | 2 Hours | 100 Total (Written): 200 SSB / Interview Marks: 200 All papers are objective type only. General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers are set bilingually in Hindi and English. Negative marking applies: 1/3 (0.33) marks deducted for each wrong answer. Calculators are not permitted. Candidates must use Black Ball Pen only for writing and marking in OMR Answer Sheet. Face authentication is mandatory at the examination venue. Stage 2 - SSB Intelligence & Personality Test Candidates who qualify the written examination will be called for SSB test by the respective Services HQ based on preference. The SSB follows a two-stage process: • Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating …
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online only through https://upsconline.nic.in. No other mode of application is accepted. The Online Application Portal has four modules: Account Creation, Universal Registration (URN - one-time for lifetime), Common Application Form (CAF), and Examination Specific Module. The URN generated is common for all UPSC examinations; the Application Number generated is examination-specific and must be retained. Candidates in Government Service / Armed Forces must inform their Head of Office / Commanding Officer in writing that they have applied. Armed Forces candidates must also submit NOC at the time of SSB interview. Candidates should also give their consent for the Pratibha Setu Portal (Public Disclosure Scheme) at the time of filling the Examination Specific Module if they wish their details to be shared with registered organisations for employment purposes after final result. Documents / Details Required While Applying: • Date of Birth as per Matriculation / Secondary School Examination Certificate • Educational qualification details and supporting documents • Aadhaar Card (strongly advised as primary ID; other options: Voter Card/EPIC, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, or any Photo ID issued by State/Central Government) • Passport-size photograph (uploaded) and live photograph captured via webcam • Signature: signed three times (one below the other) on plain white paper with black ink, scanned and uploaded • URN (Universal Registration Number) - generat…
Important Instructions
• Applications once submitted cannot be withdrawn. No correction/alteration/modification in any field of the application is allowed after submission under any circumstances. • The URN Profile provides a one-time edit facility; changes to URN profile do not reflect in applications already submitted and apply only to future applications. • Candidates must indicate course preferences carefully; no addition/alteration in preferences is entertained after submission. When first choice is offered and a candidate declines, candidature is cancelled for all other choices for regular commission. • AFA must compulsorily be indicated as first choice if the candidate wishes to join the Air Force Academy; choice for AFA as second/third etc. is invalid. • OTA must always be the last preference for male candidates competing for both Permanent Commission (IMA/INA/AFA) and Short Service Commission (OTA) courses. • e-Admit Cards are available only on the Commission's website for download. No admit card is sent by post or email. Candidates must enter the venue at least 30 minutes before commencement; entry is closed 30 minutes prior. • Face authentication is mandatory at the examination venue for all candidates. • Use Black Ball Pen only for all writing/marking in OMR sheets. Any omission/mistake in encoding Roll Number or Test Booklet Series Code will render the answer sheet liable for rejection. • Negative marking applies: 1/3rd of marks deducted for each wrong answer. Marking more than one ans…
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important dates for UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 Last Date Extended - Apply Online for 451 Combined Defence Services Posts?
Date of Examination: 13.09.2026; Date of Notification: 20/05/2026; Opening of Online Application: 20-05-2026; Last Date for Online Application: 09-06-2026 (up to 6:00 PM); Extended Last Date for Online Application: 11-06-2026; Helpline Active Period: 20-05-2026 to 11-06-2026 (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, working days); e-Admit Card Download: Last working day of the preceding week of the examination date; Date of Written Examination: 13-09-2026; Representation Window for Answer Keys: 3rd day to 7th day (up to 6:00 PM) after examination; Written Result (Tentative): October 2026; SSB Interview (IMA/INA/AFA candidates): February – March 2027 (tentative); SSB Interview (OTA candidates): April – June 2027 (tentative); Course Commencement (IMA / INA / AFA): July 2027; Course Commencement (OTA): October 2027
What is the application fee?
Fee is payable through online mode only (Net Banking / Visa / Master / Rupay Credit / Debit Card / UPI). Payment through any other mode is not valid. Fee once paid shall not be refunded under any circumstances nor can it be held in reserve for any other examination. Category: Fee General / OBC / EWS (Male): Rs. 200/- (Non-Refundable) Female Candidates (All categories): NIL (Exempted) SC / ST Candidates: NIL (Exempted) Note: No fee exemption is available to OBC/EWS male candidates; they must pay the full prescribed fee.
What is the age limit?
Age is calculated based on date of birth as recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate only. No other document (horoscope, affidavit, birth extract, etc.) will be accepted. Once a date of birth is submitted, no change will be allowed subsequently. Course: Age Limit | Gender & Marital Status | Date of Birth Range Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19 to 24 years | Unmarried Male only | Born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19 to 24 years | Unmarried Male only | Born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) Air Force Academy (AFA): 20 to 24 years (as on 01-07-2027) | Male; below 25 years must be unmarried; married candidates aged 25+ eligible but no married accommodation during training | Born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2007; CPL holders: up to 26 years (born not earlier than 01-07-2001) OTA – SSC Men (NT)…
What is the selection process?
Selection consists of a Written Examination conducted by UPSC followed by Intelligence and Personality Test at the Services Selection Board (SSB), and finally Medical Examination. Success at the written examination confers no right of admission to any academy; final selection is made in order of merit subject to medical fitness and number of vacancies available. Stage 1 - Written Examination (Objective Type) For IMA, INA, and Air Force Academy: Sl.: Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks 1: English | 11 | 2 Hours | 100 2: General Knowledge | 12 | 2 Hours | 100 3: Elementary Mathematics | 13 | 2 Hours | 100 Total (Written): 300 SSB / Interview Marks: 300 For Officers' Training Academy (OTA): Sl.: Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks 1: English | 11 | 2 Hours | 100 2: General Knowledge | 12 | 2 Hours | 100 Total (Written): 200 SSB / Interview Marks: 200 All papers are objective …