Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Defence Services (CDS) - II Examination 2026 (451 Vacancies)

Qualification Details

• Indian Military Academy (IMA) : Bachelor Degree.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA) : 12th Passed in Physics, Maths and B.Tech OR B.Sc. with Physics as Core/ Elective Subject.
• Air Force Academy : 12th Passed in Physics, Maths with Degree in Any Stream OR B.E. / B.Tech Degree.
• Officers Training Academy (Men) : Bachelor Degree.
• Officers Training Academy (Women) : Bachelor Degree.

Negative Marking : 1/3rd

Negative Marking : 1/3rd

How to Apply?

• Online Registration Portal : Access the official UPSC online application website at $\text{[https://upsconline.nic.in](https://upsconline.nic.in)}$ to begin the process.

• Universal Registration Number (URN) : Create a one-time lifetime profile on the portal to generate your URN, which remains constant for all UPSC examinations.

• Common Application Form (CAF) : Fill out the CAF module, upload a clear signature signed in black ink on white paper, upload a photograph, and capture a live photo as instructed.

• Examination-Specific Module : Select the CDS-II examination, specify your service preferences in order, choose your examination centre, and complete the module.

• Fee Payment : Pay the required fee of Rs. 200/- online using net banking, UPI, or a Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit card (Female, SC, and ST candidates are fully exempt from fee payment).

• Final Submission & Retention : Submit the fully completed application before 06:00 P.M. on 9th June 2026, and securely retain your generated Application Number and URN for future reference.

Selection Process

• Online Application : Submit the application online through the official UPSC portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.

• Written Examination : Appear for the objective-type written examination comprising subjects like English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (and English & General Knowledge for OTA).

• SSB Interview : Shortlisted candidates based on written exam performance undergo a two-stage Services Selection Board (SSB) interview assessing intelligence, psychology, and personality.

• Medical Examination : Recommended candidates undergo a thorough medical examination as per the standards for entry into the Armed Forces. 

• Final Merit & Training : Final selection is made in order of merit based on total scores, subject to medical fitness and availability of vacancies, followed by induction into the respective academy training courses.