UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 | 451 Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission has announced 451 vacancies under UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026. Admissions to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy for defence jobs are now open. The official notification of the UPSC CDS Exam was released on May 20th, 2026. The online application for UPSC CDS Defence jobs 2026 is open from May 20th to June 09th, 2026. Only online applications are valid for this UPSC CDS 2 exam 2026. In this official notification of UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026, Sept 13, 2026, is the UPSC CDS exam date for 2026. The official notification includes vacancy details, eligibility conditions, syllabus, selection process, exam centers, application process, and application fee for each course. Candidates are strongly advised to read the notification carefully before applying.

Interested applicants must fulfill all the eligibility criteria before applying. 1) Nationality: Citizen of India / Subject of Nepal / person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam - with an eligibility certificate from the Government of India, where applicable. Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not need such certificates. 2) Educational Qualification - IMA & OTA: Degree from a recognized university or equivalent. 3) Educational Qualification - Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering OR B.Sc. with Physics as core or elective from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at a 10+2 level). 4) Educational Qualification - Indian Air Force Academy: Degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering. 5) Final Year Students: Candidates in the final year/semester of their degree may apply, but must submit proof of passing the degree examination by the prescribed date. A bona fide certificate from a college/University is required at the time of the SSB interview. 6) Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit as per the 'Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces (1st edition)' available at www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. Permanent body tattoos are allowed only on the inner forearm (inside elbow to wrist) and back of palm; not allowed on any other body part. 7) Debarment: Candidates debarred by the Ministry of Defence from holding any type of commission in the Defence services are not eligible.

Only an online application is acceptable. Candidates can apply online from the online portal at the official website. The online application portal has four modules: account creation, universal registration (URN), common application form (CAF), and examination module. Candidates in Government Service/Armed Forces must inform their Head of Office/Commanding Officer in writing that they have applied. Armed Forces candidates must also submit an NOC at the time of the SSB Interview. Application fee for UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 is as follows: 1. General / EWS / OBC (Male) - Rs. 200 (non-refundable) 2. Female Candidates (all categories) - NIL (exempted) 3. SC / ST Candidates - NIL (exempted)