UPSC CDS II Recruitment Online Form 2026

Sarkari Job, Sarkari; Mumbai; On-site; INR 569,729 - 682,422; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fixed Cadet Stipend

DA (Enhanced to 60% effective Jan 2026)

HRA

Medical and Travel Allowance

Military Service Pay (MSP of ₹15,500/- per month)

Job summary

Sarkari Job, Sarkari is inviting applications for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. The examination includes various entries like IMA, INA, and AFA. Candidates must be between the ages of 19-24 years depending on the position.

The selected candidates will receive a fixed stipend during training, along with several benefits including DA and other allowances. The examination will take place across major cities in India, with candidates required to select three preferred centers during the application process.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 19 years for IMA/INA/AFA; 19-25 years for OTA.
• B.E./B.Tech or Graduation with Physics & Mathematics for INA/AFA.
• Must meet physical eligibility standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for Combined Defence Services Examination.
• Maintain physical fitness as per standards.
• Understand exam pattern and syllabus.

Skills

Graduation Degree from recognized University

B.E./B.Tech Degree or Graduation with Physics & Mathematics

Height: 157.5 cm (IMA/OTA), 162.5 cm (INA/AFA)

Weight corresponding to height as per standards

Chest (Unexpanded) 81 cm (minimum)

Education

Graduation Degree

Job description

Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026

• Last Date for Apply Online: 09 June 2026 upto 11:59 PM
• Last Date Pay Exam Fee: 09 June 2026
• Admit Card Available: To be announced
• Result Announced: To be announced

Application Fee

• SC / ST / Female: No Fee
• Pay the Exam Fee Through Online Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking Only.

Age Limits

• Minimum 19 years and Maximum 24 years (as on 01 July 2027) for IMA/INA/AFA; 19-25 years for OTA

Vacancy Details

• Indian Military Academy (IMA) - 100
  • Graduation Degree from recognized University
  • Age 19-24 Years
• Indian Naval Academy (INA) - 26
  • B.E./B.Tech Degree or Graduation with Physics & Mathematics
  • Age 19-24 Years
• Air Force Academy (AFA) - 32
  • Graduation Degree with Physics & Mathematics or B.E./B.Tech
  • Age 19-24 Years
• Officers Training Academy (OTA) - Men 275
  • Graduation Degree from recognized University
  • Age 19-25 Years
• Officers Training Academy (OTA) - Women (Non-Technical) 18
  • Graduation Degree from recognized University
  • Age 19-25 Years

Physical Eligibility Standards

• Height: 157.5 cm (IMA/OTA), 162.5 cm (INA/AFA); 152 cm (OTA Women)
• Weight: Corresponding to height as per standards
• Chest (Unexpanded) 81 cm (minimum)
• Chest (Expanded) 05 cm (minimum)

Salary & Pay Scale Details

• During Training Phase: Fixed Cadet Stipend of ₹56,100/- per month (7th Pay Commission)
• Additional Benefits: DA (Enhanced to 60% effective Jan 2026), HRA, Medical, Travel Allowance, Group Insurance, Free Ration, Military Service Pay (MSP of ₹15,500/- per month)
• Job Security: Defence Services Employee Benefits with Promotion Opportunities
• Career Growth: Regular promotions up to General/Admiral/Air Marshal rank based on performance and departmental examinations
  • Indian Army Promotion Path: Lieutenant → Captain (After 2 Years) → Major (After 6 Years) → Lieutenant Colonel (After 13 Years) → Colonel → Brigadier → Major General → Lieutenant General → General
  • Indian Navy Promotion Path: Sub Lieutenant → Lieutenant (After 2 Years) → Lieutenant Commander (After 6 Years) → Commander (After 13 Years) → Captain → Commodore → Rear Admiral → Vice Admiral → Admiral
  • Indian Air Force Promotion Path: Flying Officer → Flight Lieutenant (After 2 Years) → Squadron Leader (After 6 Years) → Wing Commander (After 13 Years) → Group Captain → Air Commodore → Air Vice Marshal → Air Marshal → Air Chief Marshal

Exam Pattern

• For IMA, INA, and AFA Entry (300 Marks Total)
  • English: 120 Questions | 100 Marks | 2 Hours
  • General Knowledge: 120 Questions | 100 Marks | 2 Hours
  • Elementary Mathematics: 100 Questions | 100 Marks | 2 Hours
• For Officers' Training Academy (OTA) Entry (200 Marks Total)
  • English: 120 Questions | 100 Marks | 2 Hours
  • General Knowledge: 120 Questions | 100 Marks | 2 Hours
  • Note: OTA candidates are completely exempted from taking the Mathematics paper.
• There is a penalty of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect objective answer across all papers.

Examination Centers

• All India: Major cities across India including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, etc.
• Center Allocation: Based on candidate's preference and availability.
• Candidates must choose three preferred centers during application.

Interested Candidates Can Read the Full Notification Before Apply Online.