CDS 2 2026 notification — UPSC is expected to release the CDS 2 2026 notification soon, and aspirants need to stay ahead with complete information about exam dates, vacancies, eligibility criteria, and the application process. This definitive CDS 2 2026 notification guide covers everything from age limits to how to apply step-by-step. Prepared by NCA Academy Chandigarh, India’s oldest defence coaching.
Table of Contents — CDS 2 2026 Notification
The UPSC CDS 2 2026 notification is one of the most anticipated announcements for defence aspirants across India. The Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 offers graduates a direct pathway to become commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. If you have been preparing for this exam or are planning to start, this guide covers everything — from the expected exam date and vacancies to the application process and key preparation tips.
For a broader overview of the exam, refer to our Complete Guide to CDS 2026 which covers the full examination framework.
CDS 2 2026 Exam: Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| CDS 2 2026 Notification Release | May 20, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 9, 2026 |
| CDS 2 2026 Admit Card | August/September 2026 |
| CDS 2 2026 Written Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| CDS 2 2026 Result | November/December 2026 |
| SSB Interview | January–April 2027 |
Note: These dates are based on the official UPSC calendar. Always verify from the UPSC official website for final confirmation.
What is the CDS Exam?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted by UPSC twice every year — CDS 1 (usually in April) and CDS 2 (usually in September). It is the primary entry route for graduates who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. Through CDS, candidates can get admission to four prestigious training academies:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun — for Indian Army
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala — for Indian Navy
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal — for Indian Air Force
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai — for Army (Short Service Commission)
If you missed CDS 1 2026 or want another attempt, CDS 2 2026 is your next opportunity. Check the CDS 1 2026 notification details if you applied for the earlier cycle.
CDS 2 2026 Expected Vacancies
UPSC announces the total number of vacancies along with the official notification. Based on recent trends, here are the expected vacancies for CDS 2 2026:
| Academy | Expected Vacancies (CDS 2 2026) | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| IMA, Dehradun | 100–115 | Male only |
| INA, Ezhimala | 32–40 | Male only |
| AFA, Dundigal | 32–40 | Male only |
| OTA (Men), Chennai | 175–200 | Male |
| OTA (Women), Chennai | 25–30 | Female |
OTA accepts both male and female candidates, making CDS one of the few defence exams where women graduates can directly apply for a commissioned officer role.
CDS 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. For a detailed breakdown of all criteria including physical standards, read our dedicated CDS Eligibility 2026 page. Here is a quick summary:
Nationality
Indian citizen, subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee settled in India before January 1, 1962.
Age Limits (as on January 1, 2027 for CDS 2 2026)
| Academy | Age Range | Born Between |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | 19–24 years | Jan 2, 2003 – Jan 1, 2008 |
| INA | 19–22 years | Jan 2, 2005 – Jan 1, 2008 |
| AFA | 20–24 years | Jan 2, 2003 – Jan 1, 2007 |
| OTA | 19–25 years | Jan 2, 2002 – Jan 1, 2008 |
Educational Qualifications
- IMA & OTA: Graduation from a recognised university (any stream)
- INA: Engineering degree from a recognised institution
- AFA: Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or a B.E./B.Tech degree
Final year students who are expecting their results can also apply, provided they meet the degree requirement before joining the academy.
CDS 2 2026 Exam Pattern
The CDS written examination tests candidates on three core areas. Here is the paper-wise breakdown:
For IMA, INA, and AFA
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total | 300 | 6 hours |
For OTA
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total | 200 | 4 hours |
There is negative marking of one-third of the marks assigned to a question for wrong answers. For the complete subject-wise topics, visit our CDS Exam Syllabus page.
How to Apply for CDS 2 2026: Step-by-Step
- Visit the UPSC official website at upsc.gov.in after the notification is released.
- Click on “Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC.”
- Register with your email ID and phone number if you are a first-time user.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and preferred academy.
- Upload your photograph (minimum 20 KB, max 300 KB) and signature (minimum 10 KB, max 40 KB) in JPEG format.
- Pay the application fee of ₹200 via net banking, UPI, or credit/debit card. Female candidates and SC/ST candidates are exempted from the fee.
- Review your application carefully and submit.
- Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
CDS 2 2026 Selection Process
The selection involves two major stages:
Stage 1: Written Examination
Conducted by UPSC on September 13, 2026. Candidates who score above the cutoff marks are shortlisted for the next stage. Check previous years’ trends on our CDS expected cutoff page.
Stage 2: SSB Interview (5 Days)
Shortlisted candidates appear for the Services Selection Board Interview, which includes psychological tests, group testing, and a personal interview over 5 days. The SSB carries 300 marks for IMA/INA/AFA and 200 marks for OTA.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they meet the required physical and medical standards for military service.
CDS 2 2026 Preparation Strategy
With the exam expected in September, you have sufficient time to prepare thoroughly. Here is a focused approach:
English
Focus on reading comprehension, sentence correction, vocabulary (synonyms/antonyms), and basic grammar rules. Read English newspapers daily and practise previous year papers.
General Knowledge
Cover current affairs from the last 12 months, Indian history, geography, polity, economics, and general science. NCERT books from Classes 6–12 form the foundation.
Elementary Mathematics
Strengthen basics in arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration, and statistics. Practice is key — aim for at least 50 questions daily.
For a detailed preparation roadmap, our How to Crack CDS 2026 in First Attempt guide provides proven strategies used by successful candidates.
Why Start CDS 2 2026 Preparation Now?
Starting early gives you 5–6 months of focused preparation time. Aspirants who join structured coaching programmes early consistently perform better. NCA Academy — India’s oldest defence coaching institute established in 1967 — offers both online CDS coaching and classroom CDS coaching in Chandigarh with experienced faculty, weekly mock tests, and personalised mentorship.
Whether you are a college student or a working graduate, our flexible batch timings and comprehensive study material make it easy to prepare alongside your routine. Many of our students from across India have cracked CDS through our best online CDS coaching programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will CDS 2 2026 notification be released?
The CDS 2 2026 notification is expected to be released on May 20, 2026, based on the UPSC annual exam calendar.
What is the CDS 2 2026 exam date?
The CDS 2 2026 written examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026.
Can female candidates apply for CDS 2 2026?
Yes, female candidates can apply for OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) through CDS. IMA, INA, and AFA entries are currently for male candidates only.
How many times can I attempt CDS?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for CDS, as long as you meet the age and eligibility criteria for each attempt.
What is the salary after clearing CDS?
A CDS officer starts with a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month plus allowances. Read our detailed CDS Salary 2026 guide for the complete rank-wise breakdown.
Don’t wait for the notification — start your preparation today. Explore NCA Academy’s CDS coaching programmes and give yourself the best chance at cracking CDS 2 2026.
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