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.
UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 for 451 Posts – Overview
| Exam Name | CDS II |
|---|---|
| Selection Procedure | UPSC CDS II Salary / Pay Scale / Selection Procedure information is available in the notification. |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://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 Date | 20/05/2026 |
|---|---|
| Apply Online Last Date | 11/06/2026 (06:00 PM) |
| Last Date Pay Fees | 11/06/2026 (06:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Released Date | As Per Schedule |
| Exam Date | 13/09/2026 |
| Result Declared Date | As Per Schedule |
Application Fee
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 200/- |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | Rs. 0/- No Fee Required |
| Payment Mode | Online Payment |
Age Limit
| Age as on | 01/07/2027 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 19 Years for IMA, OTA & INA / 20 Years for Air Force |
| Maximum Age | 24 Years for IMA, Air Force & INA / 25 Years for OTA |
| Notes | Kindly Read Notification |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Posts | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) | 100 Post | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India. |
| INA (Indian Naval Academy) | 26 Post | Engineering Degree from Any Recognized University in India. |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) | 32 Post | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Math at 10+2 Intermediate Level OR Engineering Degree |
| OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) | 293 Post | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream from Any Recognized University in India. |
Important Links
| Answer Key | Click Here ↗ |
|---|---|
| Admit Card | Click Here ↗ |
| Download Exam Schedule | Click Here ↗ |
| Apply Online | Click Here ↗ |
| Download Date Extended Notice | Click Here ↗ |
| Download Full Notification PDF | Click Here ↗ |
| Official Website | Click Here ↗ |