The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) to select eligible candidates for officer training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
The UPSC CDS II Examination 2026 was scheduled for 13 September 2026. The application process began on 20 May 2026 and closed on 11 June 2026. Candidates who appeared for the examination can visit the official UPSC website to check the latest result announcements, written examination updates and other important notices.
As of 21 October 2026, the official CDS II 2026 examination page lists the examination details, admit card, timetable and question papers. The written result PDF should be checked on the official UPSC website before being described as released. Candidates should use the official result section to access the correct PDF when available.
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Defence Services Examination II 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 (as stated in the supplied details) |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 June 2026 |
| Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Written Examination, SSB Interview and Medical Examination |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in/ |
The examination schedule and application dates are listed on the official UPSC CDS II 2026 page. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the final vacancy distribution and eligibility conditions.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 3 September 2026 |
| Written Examination | 13 September 2026 |
| Written Result | Check Official UPSC Website |
| SSB Interview | To Be Announced for Qualified Candidates |
The application window and written examination dates have passed. Candidates should check the official website for the latest result and interview-related announcements.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹200 |
| OBC | ₹200 |
| EWS | ₹200 |
| SC | Exempted |
| ST | Exempted |
| Eligible Female Candidates | Exempted |
The applicable fee exemptions and payment instructions should be verified in the official notification.
UPSC CDS II Vacancy Details and Qualification
The CDS examination provides entry to different officer training academies. The educational requirements vary according to the academy selected.
| Academy | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Degree from a recognised university or equivalent |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Engineering degree |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering degree, subject to applicable conditions |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Degree from a recognised university or equivalent |
Candidates must also satisfy the prescribed age, marital status, nationality and other eligibility conditions for their selected academy.
UPSC CDS II 2026 Selection Process
The selection procedure generally includes the following stages:
- Written Examination: Candidates appear for the papers prescribed for their selected academy.
- SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board assessment, subject to the applicable rules.
- Document Verification: Candidates must provide the required educational and personal documents.
- Medical Examination: Candidates undergo medical assessment according to the prescribed armed forces standards.
- Final Merit List: Selection depends on performance, eligibility, medical fitness, vacancies and the applicable service-specific rules.
Qualifying the written examination does not guarantee final selection. Candidates must clear the subsequent stages.
How to Download UPSC CDS II Result 2026 PDF
Candidates can follow these steps to check the written result when it is published:
- Visit the official UPSC website at https://upsc.gov.in/.
- Open the examination or results section.
- Search for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
- Check whether the written result PDF has been published.
- Open the result PDF using the official link.
- Use the search function in the PDF to find your roll number.
- Download and save the PDF for future reference.
Candidates should rely only on the official UPSC result PDF to confirm their written examination status.
Important Documents for CDS II 2026
Candidates should keep the following documents ready for the subsequent selection stages, wherever applicable:
- Matriculation certificate for date-of-birth verification.
- Graduation degree or qualifying educational certificates.
- Valid photo identification.
- Required category certificate, where applicable.
- Documents specified in the SSB call letter.
- Other certificates required under the official instructions.
Candidates should follow the document checklist issued by UPSC and the relevant Services Selection Board. Not every document is required at every stage.
PSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Important Links
| UPSC CDS II Result 2026 | Result |
| UPSC CDS II Answer key 2026 | English General Knowledge Mathematics |
| UPSC CDS II Admit Card 2026 | Admit Card |
| UPSC CDS II Exam Date Notice | Notice |
| UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Notification | Notification |
| UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 Apply Online | Apply Online |
| UPSC Official Website | UPSC |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the UPSC CDS II Result 2026 released?
Candidates should check the official UPSC website for the latest result notice. The written result PDF must be verified on the official portal before confirming its release.
2. When was the UPSC CDS II 2026 examination conducted?
The examination was scheduled for 13 September 2026, according to the official UPSC examination page.
3. How can I download the CDS II 2026 result PDF?
Visit the UPSC website, open the results section, locate the CDS II 2026 entry and download the written result PDF if it has been published.
4. What happens after qualifying the CDS written examination?
Candidates who qualify are considered for the SSB interview. Subsequent stages include document verification and medical examination, subject to the applicable selection rules.
5. What is the educational qualification for UPSC CDS II 2026?
A recognised university degree is generally required for IMA and OTA, an engineering degree for INA, and the prescribed degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering degree for AFA. Additional eligibility conditions apply.
