CDS 2 Notification 2026 OUT: Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam date and Apply Online

UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2026 has been released on the official website at upsc.gov.in for recruitment into Indian Armed Forces. A total of 451 vacancies have been notified for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Candidates can submit CDS Application form online from 20th May 2026 to 9th June 2026 through UPSC Portal. The exam will be conducted on 13th September 2026 across various examination centres. Read below to know more about notification, exam date, CDS Age Limit, vacancy, syllabus and more​

UPSC CDS Exam 2026: Overview

The UPSC CDS 2 2026 Notification has been officially released on the UPSC website. It provides key details such as application dates, eligibility & selection process. Refer to the table below for a concise overview of the UPSC CDS 2026 exam.

📚 Exclusive Top Most Important Questions Asked in All CDS Exam in Past Years

UPSC CDS 2 Notification Date Download PDF

CDS Exam Date 2026

CDS 2026 Exam Date has been announced by UPSC on the official website. The written examination will be conducted on 13th September 2026. Candidates appearing for the exam should start preparation according to the latest syllabus and exam pattern. The examination will be conducted at various exam centres across the country. CDS 2 2026 offers candidates an opportunity to join the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force through a prestigious examination. Candidates can download the exam date notice PDF from below.

UPSC CDS Vacancy 2026

The CDS Vacancy 2 2026 has been announced along with the official notification on 20th May 2026. A total of 451 vacancies have been announced for CDS 2 across the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. Candidates can check the table below to know the details about the vacancy.

How to Apply for CDS 2 Online Form 2026?

Completing the CDS 2 Application process is the first step to applying for recruitment by the Combined Defence Services. Go through the step-by-step procedure given below to be able to apply it smoothly. 

UPSC CDS 2 Online Application Link

Step 1: Go to official UPSC website and open CDS 2 Application link

Step 2: Complete registration process by filing basic details carefully

Step 3: Check eligibility criteria and choose academy you want to apply

Step 4: After registration note down the generated registration ID and continue the form

Step 5: Cthe apture a live photo and upload a recently taken photograph during the application process.

Step 6: Pay application fee and select exam centre

Step 7: Review all details before submitting application form

Step 8: Submit form and download final application form for future reference

CDS Application Fees 2026

The CDS 2026 Application Form will only be completed if you pay the application fee along with the application form. Remember the following pointers for clarity.

• The application fee is Rs. 200/- for all categories.
• The SC/ST/females do not have to pay any fees as they are exempted.
• You can pay via depositing money in SBI Bank by cash, Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or by using the internet banking facility of any Bank.
• You can pay offline at any branch of the State Bank Of India.

CDS 2 Apply Online Last Date

The last date to apply online for CDS 2 (2026) through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is 9th June 2026 (up to 6:00 PM). The application window opened on 20th May 2026 on the official UPSC website upsconline.nic.in and upsc.gov.in, and eligible candidates must complete their online registration before this deadline to be considered for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II). Aspirants are advised to apply early to avoid any last-minute issues. 

UPSC CDS Eligibility 2026

The CDS Eligibility Criteria, including the age limit and educational qualifications, varies for posts under the IMA, AFA, Navy, INA, SSC(M) and SSC(W).

UPSC CDS Educational Qualification:

Candidates applying for the CDS examination must fulfil the educational qualification prescribed for their respective academies. The educational qualification for IMA, OTA, Naval Academy is as follows:

• For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy, a degree from a recognised University or equivalent.
• For the Indian Naval Academy, a degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution
• For the Air Force Academy, a degree from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

UPSC CDS Age Limit:

Candidates applying for the CDS examination must also satisfy the prescribed age limit and marital status conditions for their respective academies. The age for all these academics is as follow:

• IMA/INA: Unmarried males born between 2nd July 2003 and 1st July 2008.
• AFA: 20 to 24 years (Born between 2nd July 2003 and 1st July 2007). Relaxable up to 26 years for CPL holders.
• OTA (Men/Women): Born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2008.

CDS 2 2026 Selection Process

The CDS selection process involves a few stages that the candidates have to clear with flying colors to go a step closer to obtaining their desired post in their desired academy like AFA, IMA, etc. The various selection stages include

Written Examination

The first phase in the CDS 2 2026 selection procedure is the written exam. It comprises 2-hour papers. Candidates will just have to attempt the English and General Knowledge sections of the examination for admission to the officer training academy. Candidates for the Indian Naval Academy, Indian Maritime Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy must pass all three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. 

SSB Interview or Personality Test

The personality exam or SSB interview is the second phase in the CDS selection process. Stage I and Stage II of the SSB technique are two-stage selection processes. Only those applicants who have passed Stage I are eligible to take Stage II.

Medical Examination

All of the shortlisted candidates will undergo a medical examination to determine whether or not they are medically fit. A Board of Service Medical Officers conducts a medical examination of the applicants nominated by the Services Selection Board. Women applicants are examined by a Medical Board made up of male and female doctors, specialists, and gynaecologists. The medical standards and procedures for the medical examination of candidates for entry as officers into the Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) shall be governed by the “Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces (1st Edition)”.

Note: A final merit list will be prepared for the shortlisted candidates who clear all these stages successfully.

CDS 2 Syllabus 2026

CDS 2 Syllabus is designed to evaluate candidates' aptitude in key areas essential for military training. It includes three main subjects: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The English section tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills, while the General Knowledge paper covers current affairs, history, geography, and general science. The Elementary Mathematics section is based on topics up to the 10th standard, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and mensuration. Understanding the detailed syllabus helps candidates prepare effectively for the written examination stage of the selection process.

CDS 2026 Exam Pattern

The candidates who are applying to these respectable academies as mentioned above should be well aware of the latest examination pattern to have a well-informed idea about the important topics and sub-topics from an examination point of view. The table below shows the CDS exam pattern for Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy & Indian Airforce Academy.

CDS Exam Pattern For INA, IMA, Indian Airforce Academy

CDS exam for INA, IMA and Air Force Academy has three subjects. The subjects are English, General Knowledge & Elementary Mathematics. Candidates can refer to the table below.

CDS Exam Pattern For Officers Training Academy

The written exam pattern for the CDS Examination varies in the case of the OTA or Officer Training Academy. Let us look at the tabulated forms below for a better idea.

Note: There will be negative marking of 0.33 marks for wrong answer.

CDS Exam Salary

CDS Exam Books

The UPSC CDS Books are important resources for the aspirants. These books provide thorough coverage of the exam syllabus, aiding in effective preparation and proficiency enhancement. Additionally, practice sets and sample papers provided in these books allow candidates to gauge their progress and identify areas for improvement. Therefore the books help develop concept clarity and provide tips, and strategies for the exam. 

CDS Exam Preparation Tips

Given below are some UPSC CDS Preparation Tips which can help you prepare for the written test.

• Start by thoroughly understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. Familiarise
• yourself with the sections, topics, and marking scheme. This will help you create a structured study plan.
• Solve Previous Year Question Papers. This will not only familiarise you with the exam pattern but also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus more on areas where you face difficulty and work on improving them.
• Take regular mock tests to simulate the exam environment and assess your preparation level. Analyse your performance in these tests and identify areas that need improvement. Additionally, mock tests will help you manage your time effectively during the exam.
• Allocate dedicated time for revision in your study schedule. Make concise notes of important points, formulas, and concepts to aid in quick revision.

CDS Exam 2026 Cut Off

The UPSC CDS 2 Cut Off is announced online in a few days after the exam. The cut-off marks determine the selection of candidates for the further selection process. The cut off marks are influenced by various factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, number of vacancies available, and the overall performance of the candidates.

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