CDS Exam Notification 2026: Recruitment, Vacancies, Apply Online

CDS Exam Notification 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026, inviting applications for Officer Cadets across various prestigious academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). This notification outlines the recruitment process for 451 tentative vacancies. Interested candidates can apply online, with the application window open from May 20, 2026, to June 09, 2026. The examination date for CDS 2026 is September 13, 2026.

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CDS Exam Notification 2026 Overview

The Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026 is a significant opportunity for aspiring candidates to join the Indian Armed Forces as Officer Cadets. This examination is conducted by the UPSC to select suitable individuals for various courses commencing in 2027. Below is an overview of the key details regarding the CDS Exam Notification 2026.

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CDS Exam Notification 2026 PDF 

The official notification, identified as EXAMINATION NOTICE NO.11/2026-CDS-II, dated 20.05.2026, contains comprehensive details about the examination. This includes information on the application process, eligibility criteria, examination pattern, syllabus, and important instructions for candidates. It is crucial for all applicants to review this document thoroughly to understand all requirements and guidelines.

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official UPSC website for any updates or further announcements.

CDS Exam 2026 Apply Now

CDS Exam Notification 2026 has been released by the  Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for Officer Cadets, with 451 tentative vacancies. Keeping track of important dates is essential for candidates planning to apply for the Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026. Application starts from 20 May, 2026 and the last date to apply is 9 June, 2026. Click the b button below to apply-

CDS Exam Notification 2026 Vacancy

The UPSC has announced a total of 451 tentative vacancies for the Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026. These vacancies are distributed across various training academies for Officer Cadets, including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy (for both men and women).Here is a detailed breakdown of the approximate vacancies:

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CDS Exam Notification 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026, candidates must meet specific criteria related to nationality, age, and educational qualifications. It is imperative to review these requirements carefully before submitting an application for the cds exam 2026.

Nationality

A candidate must satisfy one of the following nationality conditions:

• Be a Citizen of India.
• Be a subject of Nepal.
• Be a person of Indian origin who has migrated from countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Candidates belonging to categories (ii) and (iii) must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. However, Gorkha subjects of Nepal are exempt from this certificate requirement.

Age Limit

The age limits and marital status requirements vary for different academies. Below is a summary of the age criteria for the cds 2026 application form:

Candidates below 25 years must be unmarried. Married candidates aged 25 or above are eligible but will not be provided married accommodation during training.

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Educational Qualification

The educational requirements for the combined defence services exam 2026 are specific to each academy:

• For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai: A degree from a recognised University or equivalent is required.
• For Indian Naval Academy: Candidates must hold a degree in Engineering or a B.Sc. with Physics as a core or elective subject from a recognised University/Institution. Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level are mandatory.
• For Air Force Academy: A degree from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering degree is necessary.

Candidates in their final year/semester of a degree course are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing the degree examination by the specified dates for the commencement of their respective courses.

CDS Exam Notification 2026 Application Process

Applying for the CDS Exam 2026 is an online process, and candidates must submit their applications through the Commission’s dedicated website. It is crucial to follow the steps meticulously to ensure a successful application.

Steps to Apply Online

• Visit the Commission’s online application portal: https://unexonline-gis.in
• The portal has four modules: Account creation, Universal Registration, Common Application Form, and Examination Specific.
• Fill out the Universal Registration Number (URN) profile, which generates a URN common for all UPSC exams.
• Complete the Common Application Form (CAF).
• Proceed to the Examination Specific module for the CDS-II 2026, ensuring all required information is provided and documents uploaded.
• Upload a live photograph and a scanned signature as per the guidelines.
• Select your preferred examination centre.
• Pay the application fee online, if applicable.
• Review all details before final submission.
• An Application Number will be generated upon successful submission.
• For clarification or assistance, contact the helpline at 011-24041001 / 011-40303444 or email upscsoap@nic.in during working hours (10:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.) from 20.05.2026 to 09.06.2026.

Application Fee

Candidates are required to pay an application fee, with certain exemptions.

The fee can be paid using net banking, Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, or UPI Payment. Fees paid are non-refundable.

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CDS Exam Notification 2026 Selection Process

The selection process for the Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2026 is comprehensive, designed to assess candidates’ intellectual capabilities, personality traits, and physical fitness. It involves multiple stages, ensuring that only the most suitable individuals are chosen to become Officer Cadets.

1. Written Examination: Candidates first appear for a written exam comprising objective-type questions. The papers for General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics are bilingual (Hindi and English). There is a penalty of one-third (0.33) of the marks for each incorrect answer. The syllabus and standard vary by academy, with Elementary Mathematics at Matriculation level and other subjects at approximately Graduate level.
2. Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB): Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. This is a two-stage process:
   • Stage I: Includes Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT), leading to shortlisting.
   • Stage II: Consists of an Interview, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Psychology Tests, and a Conference, conducted over four days.
3. Medical Examination: Successful candidates undergo a stringent medical examination to ensure they meet the physical standards required for entry into the Armed Forces. This includes face authentication at the examination venue.
4. Final Selection: The final selection is based on the merit order, determined by the combined scores in the written examination and SSB tests, subject to medical fitness.

CDS Exam Notification 2026 Salary & Job Profile

Upon successful completion of training, Officer Cadets are commissioned into the Indian Armed Forces and are entitled to a competitive salary package along with various allowances and benefits. During training, candidates receive a fixed stipend.

Pay Scale of Army Officers (and equivalent ranks in Air Force and Navy):

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Job Profile Overview:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): Officer Cadets undergo 18 months of intensive military training. Upon commissioning, they are granted a Permanent Commission as a Lieutenant.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): Selected candidates are appointed as Cadets and undergo approximately 18 months of training, including Naval Orientation and Sea Training, before being commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): Training for the Flying Branch (Pilots) lasts approximately 74 weeks. Cadets are commissioned as Flying Officers.
• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai: Training lasts around 49 weeks. Officer Cadets receive a Short Service Commission (SSC) as a Lieutenant. SSC is for 10 years, extendable by 4 years, with opportunities for Permanent Commission.

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