UPSC CDS (II) Examination 2026: Combined Defence Services Notification Out!

Quick Summary: Attention all defence aspirants! The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has just unfurled the highly anticipated notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II) 2026. This is your golden ticket to embark on a distinguished career as a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, including the esteemed Officers' Training Academy (OTA). With 457 vacancies up for grabs across various academies, this is an incredible opportunity to serve the nation. The online application window is now open from September 30, 2026, and will close on October 20, 2026. Don't miss this chance to shape your future and wear the uniform with pride!

### How to Apply Aspiring candidates for the prestigious UPSC CDS (II) Examination 2026 must navigate a two-stage application process: first, the One-Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC portal, followed by the detailed application for the CDS (II) exam itself. Please read the official notification meticulously before proceeding. **Stage 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)** 1. **Visit the Official UPSC Website:** Navigate to https://upsc.gov.in and click on the 'One-Time Registration (OTR) for Examinations' link. 2. **New Registration:** If you are a first-time applicant, click on 'New Registration'. You will need to provide basic details like your Name, Father's Name, Mother's Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Mobile Number, Email ID, and Class 10th Roll Number. 3. **Verification:** An OTP (One Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number and email ID for verification. Enter these OTPs to validate your registration. 4. **Create Password:** Set a strong password for your OTR profile and note down your OTR ID. This ID will be crucial for all future applications with UPSC. 5. **Profile Completion:** Log in using your OTR ID and password. Complete your profile by filling in educational qualifications, address, and other personal details. Ensure all information is accurate, as changes to OTR details are limited and may require specific procedures. **Stage 2: Online Application for CDS (II) 2026** 1. **Access Application Link:** Once your OTR profile is complete, log in to the OTR portal again. On the dashboard, locate the active 'Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026' notification and click on the 'Apply Online' link. 2. **Part I Registration:** This section will pre-fill most of your details from your OTR profile. Verify all information. You will then need to select your preferred examination centre. Read the declaration carefully and click 'I Agree' to proceed. 3. **Part II Registration:** Here, you will upload your scanned photograph, signature, and Photo Identity Card (PIC). Ensure they adhere to the specified dimensions and file sizes (JPG/JPEG for photo/signature, PDF for PIC, max 300 KB each). 4. **Fee Payment:** Pay the application fee (₹200 for General/OBC male candidates; NIL for SC/ST/Female candidates) through online modes like Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or via SBI Bank Challan. Keep the transaction receipt for future reference. 5. **Preference for Academies:** Carefully select your preferences for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) for men and women. Understand the eligibility criteria for each before setting preferences. 6. **Final Submission:** Review all entered details thoroughly before final submission. No changes will be allowed after final submission. Take a printout of the completed application form for your records. ### Detailed Exam Syllabus The UPSC CDS (II) Examination 2026 comprises three papers for IMA, INA, AFA candidates, and two papers for OTA candidates. Each paper is of 2 hours duration. **For IMA, INA, AFA:** 1. **English (100 Marks):** The questions in this paper are designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English and workman-like use of words. Topics include Spotting Errors, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Arrangement, Synonyms & Antonyms, Cloze Test, Idioms & Phrases, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Improvement. 2. **General Knowledge (100 Marks):** This paper includes questions on current events, history of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, Indian Polity and Economy, General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology up to matriculation level), and basic reasoning and analytical ability. Emphasis on knowledge of recent events and developments in various fields. 3. **Elementary Mathematics (100 Marks):** The standard of the paper will be of Matriculation level. Topics include: * **Arithmetic:** Number System, Natural Numbers, Integers, Rational and Real Numbers. Fundamental operations, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Square roots, Decimal fractions. Unitary method, time and distance, time and work, percentages, simple and compound interest, profit and loss. * **Algebra:** Basic operations, Simple factors, Remainder Theorem, H.C.F., L.C.M., Polynomials, Quadratic equations, simultaneous linear equations, logarithms. * **Trigonometry:** Sine, Cosine, Tangent of an angle. Values of sin, cos, tan for 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°. Simple trigonometric identities. Use of trigonometric tables. Simple problems on heights and distances. * **Geometry:** Lines and angles, Plane and plane figures, Theorems on properties of angles at a point, parallel lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles and their properties. * **Mensuration:** Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangles, circles. Surface areas and volumes of cuboids, cylinders, cones, and spheres. * **Statistics:** Collection and tabulation of statistical data, Graphical representation, Frequency polygons, Histograms, Bar charts, Pie charts, Measures of central tendency. **For OTA (Officers’ Training Academy):** 1. **English (100 Marks):** Same syllabus as above. 2. **General Knowledge (100 Marks):** Same syllabus as above. **Negative Marking:** There will be negative marking for incorrect answers. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each wrong answer. ### Preparation Tips Cracking the CDS exam requires a disciplined approach and smart strategy. Here's how you can prepare effectively: 1. **Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly:** Go through the detailed syllabus for each subject. Don't leave any topic untouched, especially in Elementary Mathematics, which is often a scoring section if prepared well. 2. **Prioritize Current Affairs:** For General Knowledge, dedicate significant time to current affairs. Read daily newspapers (like The Hindu or Indian Express), follow reputable news channels, and monthly current affairs magazines. Focus on national and international events, defence news, government policies, and awards. 3. **Strengthen Fundamentals in Maths:** For Elementary Mathematics, revisit your 9th and 10th-grade NCERT textbooks. Practice each topic rigorously. Focus on accuracy and speed. R.S. Aggarwal's 'Quantitative Aptitude' can be a good supplementary book. 4. **Master English Grammar and Vocabulary:** Improve your English by reading diverse articles, novels, and editorials. Practice grammar rules diligently. Build vocabulary using apps or flashcards. Previous year's papers are excellent for understanding typical question patterns. 5. **Practice Previous Year Papers:** This is non-negotiable! Solve at least the last 5-7 years' CDS question papers. This will help you understand the exam pattern, time management, and identify your weak areas. 6. **Take Mock Tests Regularly:** Once you have covered a significant portion of the syllabus, start taking full-length mock tests under timed conditions. Analyze your performance after each test to identify areas for improvement and refine your strategy. 7. **Maintain Physical Fitness:** Remember, CDS also involves a rigorous SSB interview and medical examination. Start working on your physical fitness and general awareness now. Engage in regular exercise and stay updated on group discussion topics. 8. **Recommended Books:** * **English:** Wren & Martin (for Grammar), Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi. * **General Knowledge:** Lucent's General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook, NCERT textbooks for History, Geography, Polity (Class 6-12). * **Elementary Mathematics:** R.S. Aggarwal (Quantitative Aptitude), NCERT Mathematics (Class 9 & 10). Stay consistent, stay motivated, and believe in your abilities. Your uniform awaits!