UPSC CDS II 2026 - 451 Officer Vacancies in Army, Navy, Air Force

What Job Just Opened?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opened applications for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2026. This is your chance to become a trainee officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. A total of 451 positions are available across four military academies.

Vacancy Breakdown - Where You Can Apply

The 451 vacancies are spread across different branches and courses:

• Indian Military Academy, Dehradun: 100 vacancies (161st DE Course starting July 2027). This includes 13 spots reserved for NCC Certificate holders.
• Naval Academy, Ezhimala: 26 vacancies (Executive and Hydro positions, July 2027). 6 spots are for NCC Certificate holders.
• Air Force Academy, Hyderabad: 32 vacancies (Pre-Flying Training Course, July 2027). 3 spots reserved for NCC Certificate holders.
• Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Men): 275 vacancies (126th SSC Course, October 2027).
• Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Women): 18 vacancies (126th SSC Women Course, October 2027).

Who Can Apply - Eligibility Requirements

Age Limits

Age rules are different for each academy. Check your birth date carefully:

• Indian Military Academy and Naval Academy: 19 to 24 years old. Must be born between 1st July 2003 and 1st July 2008.
• Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years old as on 1st July 2027. Born between 1st July 2003 and 1st July 2007. If you have a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) from DGCA, upper age can go up to 26 years.
• Officers Training Academy (Men's Course): 19 to 25 years old.

Other Important Rules

• For Army, Navy, and Air Force academies: Only unmarried male candidates are eligible.
• You must be an Indian citizen.
• Educational qualification: Check the official notification for subject requirements.

Some positions have special entry for NCC Certificate holders. If you hold an NCC 'C' Certificate, you may have reserved spots.

Important Dates - Mark Your Calendar

Application Fee

The application fee details are not mentioned in the available information. Check the official UPSC website for fee structure.

How to Apply - Step by Step

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to www.upsc.gov.in (the official UPSC website).

Step 2: Find the CDS II 2026 Notification

Look for the advertisement number UPSC Advt. No. 11/2026.CDS-II. This will have the complete notification with all details.

Step 3: Read the Full Eligibility

Before applying, read the entire eligibility section carefully. Make sure you meet all requirements for your chosen academy.

Step 4: Fill the Online Form

Fill out the application form in the prescribed format. Double-check all information before submitting.

Step 5: Submit and Save

Submit your application and save a copy for your records.

Selection Process

The CDS examination is a competitive exam. After passing the written exam, selected candidates go through medical tests, physical fitness tests, and an interview process conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

Key Points to Remember

• This is an all-India exam. Thousands of candidates apply.
• Marital status matters for most positions - you must be unmarried.
• Age is calculated as on specific dates given in the notification.
• NCC Certificate holders have some reserved spots.
• Read the complete official notification before applying.

Where to Get More Information

For complete details, visit the official UPSC website or download the full notification using advertisement number UPSC Advt. No. 11/2026.CDS-II.