The Union Public Service Commission has released the official notification for CDS 2 2026, announcing 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. Applications are being accepted from May 20 to June 9, 2026, on the UPSC official portal. In this article, we will cover all important details like eligibility criteria, application process, selection process, and other key details.
CDS 2 Notification 2026
| Organization | The Union Public Service Commission |
| Posts | 451 |
| Exam Name | CDS 2 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Various Stages |
| Last Date To Apply | June 9, 2026 |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
Eligibility Criteria
| ACADEMY | GENDER | EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION | AGE (AS ON JAN 1, 2027) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA | Male | Degree from recognised university | 19–24 years |
| INA | Male | B.E./B.Tech (any discipline) | 19–24 years |
| AFA | Male | Degree with Physics/Maths at 10+2 orB.E./B.Tech | 19–24 years |
| OTA | Male & Female | Degree from recognised university | 19–25 years |
Selection Process
The selection process consists of the following stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
Detailed Vacancy Breakdown
Check the detailed vacancy breakdown on various stages:
| Academy | Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 163rd (DE) Course | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | Executive Branch | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 222 F(P) Course | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 126th SSC Men (NT) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 126th SSC Women (NT) | 18 |
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 2026
Follow below steps to complete your application process:
- Go to the official website upsconline.nic and create your OTR profile using your basic personal details.
- Log in using your OTR credentials, click on the CDS 2 2026 link under “Latest Notifications,” and fill in your educational details and academy preferences.
- Upload your scanned documents, such as photo, signature, and educational documents.
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 200.
- Choose your preferred examination center, and review all your details carefully.
- Submit the final form, and download the confirmation page for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the UPSC CDS 2 2026 exam?
Any unmarried graduate between the ages of 19 and 24 (up to 25 for OTA) can apply.
2. Can final-year graduation students apply for CDS 2 2026?
Yes, final-year students are entirely eligible to apply for the examination.
3. Is there any application fee for the CDS 2 exam?
The application fee is ₹200 for General and OBC male candidates.
4. When is the UPSC CDS 2 2026 written examination scheduled?
The offline, OMR-based written examination will be conducted by UPSC on Sunday, September 13, 2026, across various centers in India.
Important Links
| Notification | Check Here |
| Apply Link | Check Here |
