UPSC CDS II OTA Final Result 2026 Out @ upsc.gov.in, Download Merit List PDF, Check 483 Recommended Candidates

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published the OTA Final Result of the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025, recommending 483 candidates for admission to the 124th Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) Courses at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. The final list includes 455 male candidates and 28 female candidates who successfully cleared both the written examination and the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.

Unlike the earlier written result, the OTA Final Result represents the final stage of the selection process before candidates proceed to medical examination formalities, document verification, and joining instructions.

UPSC CDS II OTA Final Result 2026: Key Highlights

UPSC CDS II OTA Final Result 2026 PDF

UPSC has released the OTA Final Merit List in PDF format containing the roll numbers and names of all recommended candidates. The result is available publicly, and candidates do not require any login credentials to access it.

The final merit list has been prepared solely based on performance in the CDS (II) 2025 Written Examination and the SSB Interview conducted by the Ministry of Defence.

UPSC CDS OTA Final Merit List PDF

How to Download UPSC CDS II OTA Final Result 2026

Candidates can download the merit list by following these steps:

1. Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
2. Click on the “What’s New” section.
3. Open the CDS II OTA Final Result 2026 notification.
4. Download the PDF file.
5. Press Ctrl + F.
6. Enter your Roll Number or Name.
7. If your details appear in the PDF, you have been recommended.
8. Save the PDF for future reference.

Number of Candidates Selected

The official UPSC notification states that:

The men’s merit list also includes candidates who were earlier recommended for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA) under the same examination.

What Does the OTA Final Result Mean?

Many candidates confuse the Written Result, Final Result, and OTA Final Result.

Here’s the difference:

The OTA Final Result means the candidate has successfully cleared the two most competitive stages of the recruitment process—the written examination and the SSB interview. However, the recommendation remains provisional until medical fitness and document verification are completed.

About Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai

The Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai is one of India’s premier military training institutions responsible for training Short Service Commission (SSC) officers for the Indian Army.

Successful candidates undergo approximately 49 weeks of rigorous military training, covering:

• Physical conditioning
• Leadership development
• Weapon handling
• Tactical operations
• Military ethics
• Outdoor exercises
• Character building

After successfully completing training, candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army.

UPSC CDS II OTA 2026 Merit List Explained

The UPSC has arranged the selected candidates strictly in order of merit.

The published PDF contains:

• Roll Number
• Candidate Name
• Merit Position

The OTA Men’s merit list also includes candidates who had already been recommended for IMA, INA, and AFA through the same examination.

Why Are 483 Candidates Recommended Against Only 295 OTA Posts?

This is one of the most searched questions every year.

The answer is simple:

The OTA recruitment process does not recommend candidates equal to the advertised vacancies alone.

UPSC prepares a broader merit list because:

• Some candidates may fail the medical examination.
• Some may withdraw their candidature.
• Some candidates may already join IMA, INA, or AFA.
• The Government prepares a reserve pool to fill vacancies efficiently.

The official notification also shows that the Government had intimated 276 vacancies for Men and 19 for Women, while the merit list contains a higher number of recommended candidates.

What Should Selected Candidates Do Next?

Candidates whose names appear in the merit list should:

1. Download and save the final result PDF.
2. Keep original educational certificates ready.
3. Ensure all identity documents are valid.
4. Wait for communication from Army Headquarters.
5. Complete medical examination formalities.
6. Monitor UPSC and Join Indian Army websites for joining instructions.

Medical Examination After Final Result

Selection is not completely finalized until candidates are declared medically fit.

The medical examination generally evaluates:

• Vision standards
• Hearing ability
• Height and weight
• Blood investigations
• Orthopedic fitness
• Cardiovascular health
• Overall physical fitness

UPSC has clearly stated that medical examination results have not been considered while preparing the merit list.

Documents Required After Selection

Candidates should keep the following documents ready:

• Class 10 Certificate (Date of Birth proof)
• Graduation Degree/Provisional Certificate
• Mark Sheets
• Aadhaar Card
• Identity Proof
• Passport-size Photographs
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• NCC Certificate (if applicable)

UPSC CDS II OTA Previous Year Selection Trends

The number of recommended candidates generally varies depending on vacancies, SSB performance, and service requirements.

Important Instructions Issued by UPSC

Candidates should carefully note the following instructions:

• Recommendation is purely provisional.
• Educational qualification and age documents will be verified by Army Headquarters.
• UPSC will upload candidates’ marks within 15 days.
• Marks will remain available for 30 days.
• Candidates can contact the UPSC Facilitation Counter for assistance during working hours.

Why This Result is Important

The CDS examination is one of India’s most prestigious defence recruitment examinations, offering graduates an opportunity to become commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The OTA entry is particularly popular because it allows both men and women graduates to join the Army through the Short Service Commission, providing a pathway to military leadership without requiring a permanent commission at entry.

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