UPSC CDS II Notification 2026 Releasing Today; Registration Starts at upsc.gov.in

The Union Public Service Commission is set to release the UPSC CDS II Notification 2026 today, May 20, 2026. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces through prestigious defence academies will be able to apply online once the notification is activated on the official UPSC website.

UPSC CDS II Notification 2026 To Be Released Today; Registration Begins on May 20

Interested applicants can complete the registration process through:

• UPSC Official Website - upsc.gov.in

The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is one of India's most prestigious defence recruitment examinations conducted for entry into various military training academies.

UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification Release Date

According to the official examination calendar issued by Union Public Service Commission, the CDS II 2026 notification will be released on:

• May 20, 2026

The online application process will begin on the same day and continue until:

• June 9, 2026

Candidates are advised to complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid technical issues during the final days of registration.

UPSC CDS II 2026 Exam Date

The written examination for CDS II 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on:

• September 13, 2026

The examination will be held across multiple examination centres throughout India.

Defence Academies Covered Under CDS Examination

Through the CDS examination, candidates can secure admission into prestigious defence training institutions including:

Indian Military Academy (IMA)

Indian Military Academy prepares candidates for permanent commission in the Indian Army.

Indian Naval Academy (INA)

Indian Naval Academy trains officers for the Indian Navy.

Air Force Academy (AFA)

Air Force Academy provides training for future officers of the Indian Air Force.

Officers Training Academy (OTA)

Officers Training Academy offers Short Service Commission training opportunities.

CDS II 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for the examination must satisfy educational and age requirements prescribed by the commission.

Educational Qualification

• Graduation degree from a recognized university
• Engineering qualification for specific technical entries
• Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level for Air Force Academy

Age Criteria

• Age limits vary according to the academy and type of commission offered.

Candidates should carefully review the detailed notification once released.

UPSC CDS II 2026 Selection Process

The CDS recruitment process includes multiple stages:

1. Written Examination

Candidates must first clear the written examination consisting of:

• English
• General Knowledge
• Elementary Mathematics

The examination pattern differs slightly for OTA candidates.

2. SSB Interview

Candidates qualifying the written test are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.

The SSB process evaluates:

• Leadership qualities
• Communication skills
• Psychological aptitude
• Decision-making ability
• Officer-like qualities

3. Medical Examination

• Candidates clearing the SSB interview must undergo detailed medical fitness tests.

4. Final Merit List

Final selection is based on:

• Written examination marks
• SSB interview performance
• Medical fitness

Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission

Successful candidates may join the armed forces through:

• Permanent Commission
• Short Service Commission

Permanent Commission officers serve until retirement, while Short Service Commission officers serve for a fixed tenure with extension opportunities.

How to Apply for UPSC CDS II 2026

Candidates can follow these steps to apply online:

1. Visit the official website - UPSC Portal

2. Open the CDS II 2026 notification link

3. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR), if required

4. Fill in personal and educational details

5. Upload photograph and signature

6. Pay the application fee online

7. Submit the application form

8. Download and print the confirmation page

Candidates should carefully verify all details before final submission.

Importance of the CDS Examination

The Combined Defence Services Examination is considered one of the most respected defence entry routes in India. It offers:

• Officer-level career opportunities
• Leadership training
• National service
• Prestigious defence careers

Thousands of graduates appear for the examination every year seeking entry into the armed forces.

Conclusion

The Union Public Service Commission will release the UPSC CDS II Notification 2026 today, May 20, with the online application process remaining open until June 9, 2026. The written examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026.

Candidates aspiring to join prestigious institutions like Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy should regularly monitor the official UPSC website for the detailed notification and application updates.