UPSC Combined Defence Services Exam (II) 2026
| Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 9 Jun 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 Sept 2026 |
| Result Date | 31 Oct 2026 |
| Total Posts | 451 Posts |
| Post Names | |
| Category | UPSC |
| Location | All India |
| Minimum Pay | ₹56,100/month |
| Maximum Pay | ₹56,100/month |
| Pay Level | Stipend During Training |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| As per recruitment rules — check official notification | |
Age relaxation for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and PwD candidates as per Government of India norms. Ex-Servicemen and other special categories may get additional relaxation.
Graduate
The qualification must be from a recognised university/institution. Candidates in their final year may check if provisional eligibility applies — see official notification for clarity.
Written Examination → SSB Interview → Medical Examination
Candidates must qualify each stage to advance. Final merit is based on combined performance across all qualifying stages as per the official notification.
- GS Paper I: History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Environment, Current Affairs
- CSAT Paper II: Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Basic Mathematics
- Essay Paper — 250 marks
- General Studies Papers I–IV — 1000 marks total
- Optional Subject Paper I & II — 500 marks
- Indian Language & English Papers — Qualifying only
- Assessment of intellectual qualities, mental alertness, ethical integrity, leadership potential, and knowledge of current affairs through a structured conversation with a board of members
Note: The official syllabus is published in the recruitment notification. Always download and refer to the official syllabus document for the most accurate and up-to-date topic list for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
- Visit the official website of Union Public Service Commission using the link provided below
- Download and read the official notification carefully before filling the form
- Register / Login to the recruitment portal using your email and mobile number
- Fill the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details
- Upload scanned documents — photograph, signature, certificates — in the specified format and size
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI
- Review all entries carefully before final submission
- Submit the form and save or print the confirmation/acknowledgement page
Keep the following documents ready in digital form before starting the application. Physical originals are required at document verification after final selection.
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPG format, as per size specified in notification)
- Scanned signature on plain white paper
- Class 10th (Matriculation) certificate — as proof of date of birth
- Educational qualification certificates and all semester/year marksheets
- Caste/Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS — issued by a competent authority (if applicable)
- Persons with Disability (PwD) certificate from a government Medical Board (if applicable)
- Domicile / Residence certificate of the relevant state (if required)
- Aadhaar Card / Photo identity proof
- Experience certificate for posts requiring prior experience
- Any other document specifically mentioned in the official notification
Sponsored
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites applications for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026, offering 451 prestigious vacancies across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This is a golden opportunity for dedicated graduates to serve the nation as commissioned officers. Selected candidates will receive a starting pay of ₹56,100 per month as per the 7th Central Pay Commission. Aspirants must hold a valid graduation degree from a recognized university and meet the specified physical and medical standards. The online application process is now open, with the last date for submission being June 9, 2026. This all-India examination is the primary gateway for direct entry into the officer cadre of India's defence services. Prospective candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification, understand the detailed eligibility criteria, and prepare diligently for the written exam and subsequent Service Selection Board (SSB) interview.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India's apex central recruiting agency established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India. UPSC is responsible for recruitment to the All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) and various Central Services. It conducts the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE), National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), Engineering Services Examination (ESE/IES), and CAPF Assistant Commandant exam, among others. A UPSC posting is considered one of the most coveted and prestigious career outcomes in India, offering immense responsibility, authority, and the opportunity to shape public policy. Officers recruited through UPSC serve at the highest levels of government administration throughout their careers.
Follow these expert preparation tips to maximise your chances of success in Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 and similar UPSC recruitment examinations:
- NCERT Foundation — Read NCERT books from Class 6–12 for History, Geography, Polity, Economics, and Science before moving to advanced references.
- Daily Newspaper — Read The Hindu or Indian Express every day. Make notes on important news, government schemes, international relations, and editorials.
- Optional Subject — Choose your optional wisely based on interest, background, and scoring potential. With 500 marks, it significantly impacts your final rank.
- Answer Writing — Practice writing structured, analytical answers for Mains with examples, data, and balanced arguments. Attempt mock Mains tests regularly.
- Prelims Strategy — Prepare equally for both GS Paper-1 and CSAT. Failure in CSAT is disqualifying. Solve previous year Prelims papers under timed conditions.
- Regular Revision — Create a revision cycle — revise your notes weekly and do comprehensive revision before each stage of the exam.
Consistent preparation, regular revision, and timed mock test practice are the most reliable strategies to crack any government examination. Stay disciplined and trust the process.
A career in UPSC offers a well-defined promotion structure. Here is the typical career progression for officers selected through Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 and similar recruitments:
Promotion timelines and pay scales are indicative based on 7th CPC structure and departmental rules. Actual promotions depend on vacancies, DPC decisions, APAR/ACR grading, and departmental examinations. Benefits include annual increments (3% of basic pay), periodic Dearness Allowance (DA) revisions, LTC, medical, and post-retirement pension under NPS/OPS.
The following books are widely recommended by toppers and coaching experts for UPSC examination preparation. These cover the core subjects tested in Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 and similar recruitments:
In addition to books, subscribe to monthly current affairs magazines (Pratiyogita Darpan, Chronicle, Competition Success Review) and practise on online mock test platforms (Oliveboard, Testbook, Adda247) to improve speed and accuracy. Quality of preparation matters far more than quantity of books — master a few good books thoroughly rather than reading many superficially.
Q1. What is the last date to apply for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 is 9 Jun 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues on the official portal, which often experiences heavy traffic close to the closing date. No applications are accepted after the deadline under any circumstances.
Q2. What is the total number of vacancies in Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026?
A total of 451 Posts vacancies have been announced for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. These positions are distributed across different categories — General (UR), OBC, SC, ST, and EWS — as per the reservation policy of the Government of India. The category-wise breakup is available in the official notification. Candidates belonging to reserved categories should check the relaxation in eligibility criteria available to them.
Q3. What is the salary offered for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026?
Selected candidates for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 will receive a monthly salary of ₹56,100 – ₹56,100 as per the 7th Pay Commission pay structure. Beyond the basic pay, government employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA based on city classification), Transport Allowance (TA), medical reimbursement, and other benefits as per government norms. Additionally, employees receive annual increments, periodic DA revisions, and post-retirement pension, making the total compensation package highly competitive.
Q4. What is the educational qualification required for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026?
The minimum educational qualification required to apply for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 is Graduate. This qualification must have been obtained from a recognised university or institution approved by the relevant regulatory body (UGC, AICTE, etc.). The qualification must be completed on or before the last date of application unless the notification specifically provides otherwise. Candidates who are in the final year of the required qualification may also check if they are eligible to apply provisionally.
Q5. How to apply online for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026?
To apply for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026, follow these steps: First, visit the official website of Union Public Service Commission. Find the active recruitment section and click on the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 notification link. Register yourself using your active email ID and mobile number. Log in with your credentials and carefully fill out the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details. Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and other required documents in the specified format and file size. Pay the applicable application fee online through Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI. Review all entries before final submission. After submitting, download and print the application confirmation page for future reference.
Q6. What is the application fee for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026?
The application fee details for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 will be specified in the official notification released by Union Public Service Commission. Typically, general/OBC/EWS candidates pay a nominal fee while SC/ST/PwD candidates are either exempted or charged a reduced fee as per government policy. Always verify the exact fee structure from the official notification.
Q7. What is the selection process for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026?
The selection for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 is done through the following stages: Written Examination → SSB Interview → Medical Examination. Candidates must qualify each stage to proceed to the next. The final merit list is prepared based on the cumulative performance across all qualifying stages. Physical Standards Test (PST) and Medical Examination may also be part of the selection for certain posts. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the detailed exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme for each stage.
Q8. What documents are required to apply for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026?
The following documents are generally required when applying for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026: (1) Recent passport-size photograph in JPG/JPEG format within the specified file size. (2) Scanned signature on white paper. (3) Class 10th certificate for date of birth proof. (4) Educational qualification certificates and marksheets. (5) Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS — issued by a competent authority (if applicable). (6) PwD certificate from a Medical Board (if applicable). (7) Domicile or Residence Certificate (if required for the post). (8) Experience certificate (for posts requiring prior experience). Documents must be clear, self-attested, and within the specified size. Original documents are required at the time of document verification after selection.
Q9. Is Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 a permanent government job?
Yes, Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 offers regular, permanent government employment with Union Public Service Commission. As a Central Government position, it follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) pay structure with annual increments, biannual Dearness Allowance revisions, pension (NPS/OPS), and retirement benefits. Government employees also enjoy job security, promotions on time scales, medical facilities, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), housing (or HRA), and various other allowances — making this among the most stable and comprehensive career options available in India.
Q10. Where can I find the official notification for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026?
The official notification for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 is published on the official website of Union Public Service Commission. The direct link to the official portal is https://www.freejobalert.com/articles/upsc-cds-2-examination-2026-apply-online-for-451-combined-defence-services-posts-3050029. The notification document contains all critical information including eligibility criteria, vacancy details, exam pattern and syllabus, important dates, application procedure, fee structure, and selection process. Candidates are strongly advised to download and read the complete official notification before filling out the application form to avoid any errors or omissions that may lead to rejection.
Q11. Is there negative marking in Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026?
The negative marking policy for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 depends on the specific exam stage. Most Computer Based Tests (CBTs) conducted by central government bodies like SSC, UPSC, and RRB carry a penalty of 0.25 or 0.50 marks per wrong answer. State-level police and teaching exams typically have no negative marking. For banking exams, 0.25 marks are deducted per wrong answer. The exact negative marking scheme for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 is mentioned in the official notification and admit card. Candidates should always verify the marking scheme before the exam and avoid random guessing when negative marking is applicable — instead, attempt only questions you are reasonably confident about.
Q12. Can final year students apply for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026?
As per standard government recruitment rules, candidates applying for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 must have completed the required qualification of Graduate by the last date of application, unless the official notification specifically permits final year students to apply provisionally. In many central government recruitments (SSC, UPSC, PSUs), final year students are allowed to apply and appear in the exam provisionally — but they must submit proof of completing the qualification at the time of document verification or before joining. State government recruitments vary in this regard. Always read the Eligibility Criteria section of the official notification carefully to confirm whether provisional applications are accepted for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
Q13. Is the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 exam conducted online (Computer Based Test) or offline (OMR-based)?
The examination mode for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 is specified in the official notification. Most major central government recruitments — including SSC, UPSC, RRB, IBPS, and SBI — now conduct all stages as Computer Based Tests (CBTs) at NIELIT-empanelled test centres across India. Candidates log in to the test centre system, read questions on screen, and mark answers using the mouse — no pen or OMR sheet is required. State-level recruitments — particularly state police, state PSC preliminary exams, and some state teacher recruitments — may still conduct exams in the traditional OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) pen-and-paper mode. The specific mode (CBT/Online or OMR/Offline) for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 will be clearly mentioned in the official admit card and notification. Candidates must carry a valid photo ID on the day of examination regardless of the exam mode.
Q14. What is the probation / training period after selection in Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026?
After selection in Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026, newly appointed candidates undergo a mandatory probation and training period before they are confirmed in service. For central government posts recruited through SSC, the probation period is typically 2 years. For UPSC-recruited civil servants (IAS, IPS, IFS), the Foundation Course at LBSNAA lasts 2 years. Banking probationary officers serve a 2-year probation. Defence officers complete 1-year training at their respective academies (IMA, AFA, INA). Teaching posts generally carry 1-2 year probation at DIET or SCERT. During the probation period, candidates receive full pay and allowances as per their pay scale. They may also be required to pass departmental examinations and practical training assessments before their service is confirmed. Failure to satisfactorily complete the probation period can lead to extension or termination of service.
Q15. When will the admit card for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 be released?
The admit card (also called Hall Ticket or Call Letter) for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 is typically released 10–15 days before the scheduled examination date on the official website of Union Public Service Commission. For SSC exams, admit cards are available on the SSC regional websites 1-3 weeks before the exam. For UPSC, it is released about 3 weeks before. For RRB, it is available approximately 4 days before the CBT date. For banking exams (IBPS, SBI), call letters are available on the official banking portal about 7-14 days before. Candidates are required to download their admit card from the official website — it is NOT sent by post. You will need your registration number and date of birth to download it. Always download and take 2-3 colour printouts of your admit card. Carrying a valid government-issued photo ID alongside the admit card is compulsory at the examination centre.
Q16. What is the age calculation cutoff date for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026?
The age of a candidate for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 is calculated as on the cutoff date mentioned in the official notification — this is usually the last date of application or the 1st of January of the recruitment year, depending on the recruiting body. For SSC exams, age is calculated as on 1st January of the year. For UPSC Civil Services, it is 1st August. For RRB, it is the date of notification. For Banking (IBPS/SBI), it is the first day of the month of the notification. For state police and state PSC, it is typically 1st January or the last date of application as specified. Candidates must calculate their age accurately as on the specified cutoff date and ensure they are within the age limit before applying.