UPSC CDS II 2026 (Combined Defence Services)

📋About this Recruitment

India's Armed Forces — Army, Navy, and Air Force — offer officer and soldier/sailor/airman posts through multiple recruitment streams. The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination, conducted twice a year by UPSC, is the gateway for unmarried candidates (both male and female since 2022) aged 16.5–19.5 years to join the Armed Forces after completing 10+2. For graduates, the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination conducted by UPSC recruits into Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. The Agnipath Scheme recruits Agniveers — a four-year contractual tour of duty in the Army, Navy, or Air Force with a Seva Nidhi corpus of ₹11.71 lakh on exit. Officer positions in the Indian Armed Forces carry Pay Level 10 starting salary (₹56,100/month) plus Military Service Pay (₹5,200–₹9,000/month), Grade Pay, and various operational allowances, resulting in in-hand salary of ₹80,000–₹1,20,000/month for a freshly commissioned Lieutenant/Sub-Lieutenant/Flying Officer.

✅Eligibility Criteria

• IMA/INA/AFA: Unmarried male; OTA: Male & Female

💳Application Fee

Payment mode: Online

📝How to Apply Online — Step by Step

1. 1For NDA: Apply at upsc.gov.in during the NDA notification window (typically February and July). Complete the online form with academic details and pay ₹100 fee (SC/ST/Female exempt).
2. 2For CDS: Apply at upsc.gov.in during the CDS notification. Fill the form with your graduation details and preferred academy.
3. 3For Agnipath/Agniveer: Apply at joinindianarmy.nic.in, joinindiannavy.gov.in, or careerindianairforce.cdac.in as applicable.
4. 4Fill personal details, educational qualification, and physical measurements accurately — these are verified at the SSB stage.
5. 5Pay the application fee as specified. Download the admit card from the official website closer to the exam date.
6. 6After clearing the written exam, attend the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview — a 5-day personality and intelligence assessment at designated SSB centres.

📁Required Documents Checklist

• Class 10 and 12 certificates (for NDA/Agniveer)
• Graduation certificate (for CDS/AFCAT)
• School leaving certificate as domicile proof
• Medical fitness certificate (Arms Forces medical standards apply)
• Character certificate from school/college principal or district magistrate
• Sports/NCC certificate for bonus marks

Always carry originals + 2 self-attested photocopies to exam/interview/document verification.

🔗Important Links

❓Frequently Asked Questions

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