UPSC Recruitment 2026 – 451 Combined Defence Services Posts
The Union Public Service Commission has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026, inviting applications for 451 vacancies. Eligible male and female candidates can apply for prestigious roles in the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The application window remains open until June 9, 2026, with the written examination scheduled for September 13, 2026.
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Last Date | |
| Qualification | Degree from a recognized University; Engineering degree for INA; Degree with Physics/Maths at 10+2 for AFA. |
| Salary / Pay Scale | As per 7th CPC Pay Matrix |
| Category | Central Government Jobs·Defence Jobs |
| District | All Districts |
Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 Vacancy Details
The UPSC has announced a total of 451 vacancies across various prestigious defence academies:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 100 posts
- Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala: 26 posts
- Air Force Academy, Hyderabad: 32 posts
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men): 275 posts
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women): 18 posts
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet specific educational requirements based on the academy they are applying for:
- IMA & OTA: A degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Indian Naval Academy: A degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
- Air Force Academy: A degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
Age Limit & Relaxation
- IMA & INA: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2007.
- AFA: 20 to 24 years as of 1st July 2026 (born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2006). CPL holders are eligible up to 26 years.
- OTA (Men): Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2007.
- OTA (Women): Unmarried women, issueless widows, and divorcees born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2007.
Application Fee
General, OBC, and EWS candidates are required to pay an application fee of Rs. 200/-. Candidates belonging to SC/ST categories, sons of JCOs/ORs, and all female candidates are exempted from the application fee.
Salary & Pay Scale
Selected candidates will be commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces and will receive a salary package as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix, which includes various allowances, medical benefits, and pensionary benefits.
Selection Process
The selection process is rigorous and consists of four stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (Intelligence and Personality Test)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
About Union Public Service Commission
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) stands as India’s premier central recruiting agency, established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India. Headquartered at Dholpur House in New Delhi, the commission is responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to the services of the Union and All India Services. Since its inception, the UPSC has maintained a reputation for absolute integrity and impartiality in selecting the nation’s future civil servants and military leaders. The commission operates under the mandate of the Department of Personnel and Training, ensuring that the selection process remains transparent and merit-based. Beyond civil services, the UPSC plays a critical role in national security by conducting the Combined Defence Services (CDS) and National Defence Academy (NDA) examinations. These exams serve as the gateway for young graduates and undergraduates to join the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. The geographic coverage of UPSC recruitment is nationwide, attracting lakhs of aspirants from every corner of India, including the diverse districts of Maharashtra. Career prospects within the defence services, facilitated by the UPSC, are unparalleled, offering candidates a life of honor, discipline, and service to the nation. Officers commissioned through these exams receive comprehensive training, competitive salary structures, and extensive growth opportunities within the Indian Armed Forces. By maintaining rigorous standards for physical fitness, intellectual capability, and psychological aptitude, the UPSC ensures that only the most qualified individuals are entrusted with the defense and administration of the country. As an autonomous constitutional body, the UPSC continues to evolve its examination patterns to meet the changing requirements of modern governance and national security, remaining a cornerstone of India’s democratic framework.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must visit the official UPSC website at https://www.upsc.gov.in/. Ensure you read the detailed advertisement (PDF) thoroughly before filling out the online application form. Submit the form before the deadline of 6:00 PM on June 9, 2026.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 20-May-2026
- Last Date for Application: 09-Jun-2026 (up to 6:00 PM)
- Exam Date: 13-Sep-2026
Free Tools for Maharashtra Government Job Application
Prepare your documents before filling the application form. These free browser-based tools require no signup and process everything locally — no files are uploaded to any server.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Passport Photo Resize | Resize to exact pixel dimensions and file size (20KB–100KB) as required by the MPSC or Maharashtra govt application portal |
| Signature Crop & Resize | Crop your scanned signature to the portal’s exact width × height in pixels without distortion |
| PDF Compress | Shrink your PDF to fit the 1MB or 2MB upload limit enforced by government portals |
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Our App | Click Here |
| Best MPSC Books | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Online Apply | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Union Public Service Commission CDS 2026?
Candidates holding a recognized degree can apply for IMA and OTA. Engineering graduates are eligible for the Naval Academy, while those with Physics and Math at 10+2 level are eligible for the Air Force Academy.
What is the salary for officers selected through UPSC CDS?
The salary is structured according to the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix. Officers also receive various military allowances and benefits commensurate with their rank.
What is the selection process for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The selection process involves a written examination followed by an SSB interview, which includes intelligence and personality tests. Successful candidates must also pass document verification and a medical examination.
Is UPSC a Central or State Government organisation?
The Union Public Service Commission is a Central Government constitutional body. It is responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to the services of the Union and All India Services.