UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 for 451 Posts

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the 2026 CDS II Answer Key for 451 posts. Candidates eligible had the opportunity to apply between 20 May and 11 June 2026.

Important: Always verify details on the official website. Dates, vacancies, and eligibility criteria may change. We collect data from various sources for informational purposes.

UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 for 451 Posts – Overview

Exam NameCDS II
Selection ProcedureUPSC CDS II Salary / Pay Scale / Selection Procedure information is available in the notification.
Application ModeOnline
Official Websitehttps://upsc.gov.in/

About the UPSC CDS II Examination

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has conducted the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II for 2026, offering 451 posts across various academies. The application period was from 20 May to 11 June 2026. This recruitment is for roles in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Candidates needed to meet specific educational and age criteria to apply.

Eligibility Explained

To apply for the UPSC CDS II 2026, candidates must meet certain educational qualifications and age limits. For the IMA and OTA, a bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university is needed. The INA requires an engineering degree, and for the AFA, a bachelor's degree with physics and mathematics at the 10+2 level or an engineering degree is required. Age limits vary: a minimum of 19 years for IMA, OTA, and INA, and 20 years for the Air Force, with upper limits ranging from 24 to 25 years depending on the academy.

Application Process

Candidates interested in applying for the UPSC CDS II were required to submit their applications online through the official UPSC website. The process involved registering on the portal, completing the application form, uploading necessary documents, and paying a fee if applicable—Rs. 200 for General/OBC/EWS categories, with no fee for SC/ST candidates. It was crucial to submit the application by 11 June 2026, including a payment if required, and to keep a printed copy of the application for future reference.

Important Dates

Apply Online Start Date20/05/2026
Apply Online Last Date11/06/2026 (06:00 PM)
Last Date Pay Fees11/06/2026 (06:00 PM)
Admit Card Released DateAs Per Schedule
Exam Date13/09/2026
Result Declared DateAs Per Schedule

Application Fee

General / OBC / EWSRs. 200/-
SC / STRs. 0/- No Fee Required
Payment ModeOnline Payment

Age Limit

Age as on01/07/2027
Minimum Age19 Years for IMA, OTA & INA / 20 Years for Air Force
Maximum Age24 Years for IMA, Air Force & INA / 25 Years for OTA
NotesKindly Read Notification

Vacancy Details

Post NameTotal PostsEligibility
IMA (Indian Military Academy)100 PostBachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India.
INA (Indian Naval Academy)26 PostEngineering Degree from Any Recognized University in India.
AFA (Air Force Academy)32 PostBachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Math at 10+2 Intermediate Level OR Engineering Degree
OTA (Officers’ Training Academy)293 PostBachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India.

Important Links

Answer KeyClick Here ↗
Admit CardClick Here ↗
Download Exam ScheduleClick Here ↗
Apply OnlineClick Here ↗
Download Date Extended NoticeClick Here ↗
Download Full Notification PDFClick Here ↗
Official WebsiteClick Here ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
The deadline to submit the online application for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 was 11 June 2026. It's advisable to apply within the due date to prevent any last-minute issues.
Q: How many vacancies are there in UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 had 451 posts available across different military academies.
Q: What is the starting date for UPSC CDS II Online Form 2026?
The online application process for the UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 began on 20 May 2026.
Q: What are the application fees for UPSC CDS II 2026?
For General, OBC, and EWS categories, the application fee was Rs. 200. SC/ST candidates were exempted from the fee.
Q: How can I apply online for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
To apply online, candidates needed to visit the official UPSC website, register, fill out the application form, upload documents, and pay any applicable fees before the deadline.
Q: Who is eligible for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
Candidates who met the educational qualifications and age limits as specified in the UPSC notification were eligible to apply for CDS II 2026.