DefenceAll IndiaChecked 14 Jul 2026

UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 – IMA, INA, AFA, OTA Recruitment 2026

UPSC Combined Defence Services II 2026 for entry into Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA Chennai). CDS is the premier UPSC written exam for aspiring commissioned defence officers. Written test is followed by SSB Interview at one of the Service Selection Boards.

Official NotificationApply Online (Official Site)UPSC Website

Recruitment Summary

Organization
UPSC
Post Name
Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2026 – IMA, INA, AFA, OTA
Total Vacancies
459
Qualification
Graduate for IMA/OTA; B.Sc/B.Tech (AFA); B.Sc or Graduate with Physics+Maths (INA). Female candidates eligible for OTA only.
Last Date
22-07-2026
Location
All India
Age Limit
IMA: 19–24 years. INA: 19–22 years. AFA: 20–24 years. OTA Male/Female: 19–25 years. Age limits as per official UPSC CDS II 2026 notification.
Salary / Pay
Commissioned Officer pay: Level 10 (Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500) + Military Service Pay (Rs. 15,500) + DA, HRA, ration allowance, and other defence service benefits.
Application Fee
Rs. 200 for General/OBC/EWS. Nil for SC/ST/Female candidates.

Vacancy Details

PostVacancies
Indian Military Academy (IMA)100
Indian Naval Academy (INA)32
Air Force Academy (AFA)32
Officers' Training Academy OTA (Male)275
Officers' Training Academy OTA (Female)20

Exam / Selection Pattern

  • IMA / INA / AFA: English (100 marks, 2 hrs), General Knowledge (100 marks, 2 hrs), Elementary Mathematics (100 marks, 2 hrs). Total 300 marks.
  • OTA (Male/Female): English (100 marks, 2 hrs), General Knowledge (100 marks, 2 hrs). Total 200 marks.
  • Negative marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer.
  • SSB Interview: 5-day assessment covering psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview by army/navy/air force assessors.

Selection Process

  1. 1UPSC Written Exam (Objective) – 2–3 papers depending on academy
  2. 2Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview – 5 days
  3. 3Medical Examination
  4. 4Final merit list: Written + SSB score

How to Apply

  1. 1.Visit upsconline.nic.in and complete OTR if not done.
  2. 2.Open CDS II 2026 application and fill educational and personal details.
  3. 3.Pay fee and submit before 22 July 2026.

Important Notes

  • SSB Interview is the critical differentiator — only a small fraction of written qualifiers are finally recommended.
  • Physical fitness and all-round personality (leadership, communication, teamwork) matter immensely at SSB.