UPSC CDS II 2026 offers entry to IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA for defence careers, with applications opening soon. Unlike Agniveer, it gives you permanent commission, good pay and respect in the market. This happens two times a year. We have given the details of this exam in the following article
UPSC CDS II Key Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 20-May-26 |
| Application Start | 20-May-26 |
| Application Deadline | 09 June 2026 (23:59 hrs) |
| Form Correction | 10-16 June 2026 |
| Admit Card | 06-Sep-26 |
| Exam Date | 13-Sep-26 |
Eligibility Summary
- IMA/OTA: Graduation (any stream), Age 19-24/25 years
- INA: B.E./B.Tech, Age 19-22 years
- AFA: Graduation (Physics+Maths) or Engineering, Age 19-23 years
- Unmarried males for IMA/INA/AFA; OTA open to females too.
Apply via upsconline.nic.in. Check upsc.gov.in for official notification.
CDS II 2026 Vacancies Breakdown
UPSC CDS II 2026 announces approximately 453 vacancies across academies for officer training courses commencing in 2027, subject to change.
Vacancy Details
Official notification releases May 20, 2026, on upsc.gov.in. Vacancies are tentative and include NCC reservations.
Academy/Course Vacancies Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – 163rd DE Course (July 2027) 100 Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – Executive/Hydro (July 2027) 26 Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – 222 F(P) Course (July 2027) 32 Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 126th SSC Men (NT) (Oct 2027) 276 Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 39th SSC Women (NT) (Oct 2027) 19 Total 453
Graduates often prefer CDS over NDA for direct officer entry after college, shorter training, and broader eligibility. Both lead to similar defence careers but suit different stages.
CDS vs NDA Comparison
| Aspect | CDS (Choose If…) | NDA (Choose If…) |
| Eligibility | Graduate (any stream for most), age 19-25 | 10+2, age 16.5-19.5 |
| Training | Shorter (11-24 months post-grad) | Longer (3 years at NDA + service) |
| Exam Level | Graduate topics, easier written but tougher SSB | Class 12 level, includes Maths |
| Flexibility | Apply post-degree, SSC/Permanent options | Commit early after school |
| Vacancies | More (e.g., 453 in CDS II 2026), OTA for women | Fewer, joint academy focus |
| Career Start | Faster as officer after graduation | Early entry but extended cadet phase |
Opt for CDS if you’re a graduate seeking quicker commissioning without restarting at cadet level. NDA suits school leavers wanting comprehensive early training.
Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2025 Cut-Off Marks
CDS Exam 1 Cut off marks:
Academy Written Exam Cut-Off Final Exam Cut-Off Aggregate Marks of Last Recommended Candidate IMA 120 (Out of 300) 243 (Out of 600) 243 INA 104 (Out of 300) 230 (Out of 600) 230 AFA 128 (Out of 300) 253 (Out of 600) 253 OTA (Men) 81 (Out of 200) 163 (Out of 400) 163 OTA (Women) 81 (Out of 200) 171 (Out of 400) 171
UPSC CDS II Admit card
The CDS admit card 2026 is out little early befor the exam day, the practice is to release the admit card 2 weeks before the exam date
UPSC CDS II Answer key 2026
The CDS answer key 2026 will be out after UPSC holds the UPSC CDS II exam. Candidates have choice to challenge the answer key
FAQs UPSC CDS II Exam 2026
1. What is CDS II 2025?
CDS II 2025 is the Combined Defence Services Examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission for recruitment into IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA academies.
2. What is the exam date for CDS II 2025?
The CDS II 2025 examination is expected to be conducted on 14 September 2025.
3. Which academies are covered under CDS II?
The exam provides admission to:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA Men & Women)
4. What is the mode of the CDS II exam?
The CDS II exam is conducted in offline mode using pen and paper.
5. What is the age limit for CDS II 2026?
The age limit varies according to academy. Candidates applying for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA must generally be between 19 to 25 years.
6. Who can apply for CDS II 2026?
Graduates from recognized universities can apply for CDS II 2026. Engineering degree is required for INA and AFA courses.
7. Is CDS II conducted two times in a year?
Yes, UPSC conducts CDS examination two times every year as CDS I and CDS II for defence academy admissions.
8. When will CDS II 2026 admit card be released?
The CDS II 2026 admit card is expected to be released around 2 weeks before the examination date.
9. What is the selection process for CDS II 2026?
The selection process includes written examination, SSB interview, medical examination, and final merit list preparation.
Also Read : UPSC CSE Mains Admit Card 2026
