UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Apply Online for 451 Posts

The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Notification for 451 vacancies under the Combined Defence Services Examination. Candidates aspiring for army officer recruitment, navy officer recruitment, and air force officer recruitment can now complete the CDS 2 apply online process through the official UPSC portal.

The CDS exam is one of the most prestigious UPSC defence exams for graduates seeking a defence career after graduation in the Indian Armed Forces.

CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Overview

UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy 2026 Course Wise Details

IMA, INA, AFA & OTA Vacancy Details

UPSC CDS exam provides opportunities in:

• Recruitment to Indian Military Academy 

• Indian Naval Academy (CDS) • Air Force Academy, CDS 

• Chennai OTA Recruitment 

This test is perfect for the candidates who are looking for jobs in Indian defence academy and armed forces officer recruitment .

UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

CDS 2 Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must satisfy all conditions related to educational qualification, eligibility criteria, age, Nationality, Physical standards and Marital status 

Lets have an in detail look at them:

Educational Qualification for CDS 2 Exam

The CDS exam for graduates is among the best defence exams in India for graduates.

UPSC CDS 2 Age Limit & Marital Status

The marital status conditions vary as per the academy rules mentioned in the official notification.

UPSC CDS 2 Nationality Criteria

Candidates must be:

• An Indian citizens, or 

• Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan under UPSC rules. 

UPSC CDS 2 Physical Standards & Medical Fitness

Candidates applying for CDS OTA recruitment, CDS INA recruitment or CDS AFA recruitment should fulfil the defence medical standards and physical fitness criteria. Important criteria include:

• Height/weight criteria 

• Vision standards 

• Medical fitness 

• Physical fitness 

UPSC CDS 2 Selection Process Explained

The CDS selection process includes:

1. CDS Written Exam 

2. SSB Interview Process 

3. Medical Examination 

4. Final Merit List 

The final selection is made on the basis of aggregate performance in CDS written exam and SSB interview.

CDS 2 Written Exam Pattern 2026

For IMA, INA & AFA

For OTA

CDS 2 Negative Marking Details

Rules for CDS exam negative marking:

• For every incorrect answer 1/3 marks are deducted. 

UPSC CDS 2 Application Fee Details

The application fee for CDS can be paid online or through the branches of SBI.

How to Apply Online for CDS 2 Recruitment 2026

How to do CDS online registration? Follow these steps:

1. Go to the UPSC online application portal. 

2. Complete the One Time Registration (OTR). 

3. Fill out the CDS 2 form online carefully. 

4. Upload necessary documents. 

5. Pay the fees for the CDS exam 

6. Apply and Download Application Form. 

Documents Required for CDS 2 Online Form

• Passport-size photograph 

• Signature 

• Graduation certificate/mark sheets 

• ID proof 

• Category certificate (if applicable) 

UPSC CDS 2 Exam Centres List

Across the country there various locations for the exam centres. Lets have a look across major Indian cities:

• Hyderabad 

• Delhi 

• Chennai 

• Mumbai 

• Bengaluru 

• Kolkata 

• Jaipur 

• Lucknow 

• Pune 

Exam centre allotment is done on a first-apply-first-allot basis.

CDS 2 Admit Card & Exam Date Updates

The CDS admit card 2026 will be released online before the examination date. Candidates can download the admit card from the UPSC portal using registration details.

SSB Interview Process for CDS 2 Candidates

The SSB interview process includes:

• Psychological Tests 

• Group Discussion 

• Personal Interview 

• Outdoor Tasks 

• Officer Intelligence Rating Tests 

SSB interview tips:

• Improve communication skills 

• Practice leadership activities 

• Stay updated with current affairs 

• Maintain physical fitness 

CDS 2 Salary, Training & Career Growth

Selected candidates receive:

• Excellent officer salary packages 

• Military allowances 

• Medical facilities 

• Training benefits 

• Career growth opportunities 

CDS offers one of the best government defence jobs in India.

Best Preparation Tips for UPSC CDS 2 Exam

• Know the CDS exam pattern well 

• CDS previous year papers study 

• Regularly practice CDS mock test 

• Boost Mathematics and General Knowledge preparation 

• Read current affairs on daily basis 

• Maintain CDS physical fitness 

• If required, join the best CDS coaching institute 

Candidates for army navy air force jobs should be consistent and disciplined.

Official Notification PDF: UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2026 PDF

Apply Online: UPSC Online Application Portal

Conclusion

The UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 is an excellent chance for graduates to get recruited as defence officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Before filling the CDS 2 apply online process, candidates must check CDS eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, physical standards and important dates carefully.

Candidates can also follow Career Mitra for trusted career guidance and recruitment updates for the latest updates on government jobs, defence jobs 2026, UPSC defence exams, CDS preparation tips and army navy air force jobs.

FAQs on UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026

What is the total CDS 2 vacancy 2026?

A total of 451 posts have been announced.

What is the CDS age limit?

The age limit varies according to academy and course.

Is graduation mandatory for CDS exam?

Yes, graduation is mandatory for CDS defence exam.

What is the CDS selection process?

Written Exam, followed by SSB Interview, and then the Medical Examination.

Is there negative marking in CDS exam?

Yes, 1/3 marks are deducted for incorrect answers.

Can women apply for CDS 2 Exam 2026?

Yes, female candidates can apply for OTA Women entry.