CDS 2 2026 Exam Notification Out – Age Criteria, Eligibility, Vacancy & Exam Date

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has finally released the CDS 2 2026 Notification, and if you dream of joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as an officer, it’s time to gear up. The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is one of the most popular officer-entry exams, and lakhs of aspirants appear for it every year.

To make things easier for you, here’s a simple, down-to-earth breakdown of everything you need to know: important dates, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, vacancies, and the selection process.

CDS 2 2026 – Short Details

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS 2 2026)
Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Recruitment For	INA, IMA, OTA & AFA
Exam Frequency	Twice a year
Mode of Exam	Offline (Pen & Paper)
Selection Process	Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medicals
Official Website	upsc.gov.in

CDS 2 2026 Important Dates

Make sure you mark these dates on your calendar so you don’t miss anything:

Notification Release Date: 20 May 2026
Application Form Starts: 20 May 2026
Last Date to Apply: 09 June 2026
CDS 1 2026 Exam Date: 13 September 2026
Admit Card Release: Before Exam
Result Declaration: Within 45–60 days of the exam

CDS 2 2026 Vacancy Details

UPSC usually announces vacancies for four prestigious academies:

Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men & Women)

The exact number of seats varies each year, depending on the academy’s requirements. CDS vacancies generally fall in the range of 300–350 seats. Once UPSC publishes the detailed breakup, you can refer to the official PDF.

Eligibility Criteria for CDS 2 2026

Before applying, ensure you meet the required eligibility. Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Nationality

You must be:

A citizen of India

A subject of Nepal/Bhutan

A Tibetan refugee (before 1 Jan 1962)

2. Age Limit

The age requirement depends on the academy:

Academy	Age Limit
IMA	19–24 years
INA	19–22 years
AFA	19–24 years (Flying Branch)
OTA	19–25 years

3. Educational Qualification

Academy	Qualification Required
IMA & OTA	A graduation in any discipline
INA	B.Tech/B.E. degree
AFA	B.Tech OR Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2

4. Marital Status

IMA, INA & AFA: Unmarried male candidates

OTA: Unmarried male & female candidates

CDS 1 2026 Exam Pattern

The CDS exam pattern is very predictable and easy to understand:

For IMA, INA & AFA

Subject	Marks	Duration
English	100	2 hours
General Knowledge	100	2 hours
Mathematics	100	2 hours

For OTA

Subject	Marks	Duration
English	100	2 hours
General Knowledge	100	2 hours

Important Notes:

All papers are objective type.
There is negative marking for wrong answers.
Maths is only for IMA, INA, AFand A aspirants; OTA candidates skip it.

CDS 2 2026 Syllabus Overview

Here’s a quick, no-nonsense overview of what you need to study:

English

Spotting errors
Reading comprehension
Synonyms & antonyms
Sentence improvement
Ordering of sentences
Vocabulary-based questions

General Knowledge

Current affairs
History & polity
Geography
Defence-related news
Economy
General science

Mathematics

Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry
Mensuration
Statistics

If you’ve prepared for NDA or other competitive exams before, the Maths and GK syllabus will feel very familiar.

Selection Process – How You Get Recommended

The CDS selection process has three major stages:

1. Written Exam

This is the first step. You must score above the UPSC cut-off for each subject and overall.

2. SSB Interview

This is the real game-changer. SSB evaluates your officer-like qualities (OLQs) through psychology tests, GTO tasks, and personal interviews.

If you’re serious about clearing SSB, guided mentorship and regular practice play a huge role.

3. Medical Examination

Once recommended, candidates undergo a detailed medical check to ensure they meet the required physical and mental standards.

How to Apply for CDS 1 2026

When UPSC activates the link, you can follow these simple steps:

Visit the official UPSC website. www.upsc.gov.in
Click on “CDS 2 2026 Registration.”
Complete Part-1 registration with basic details.
Fill Part-2 with documents, fee, and exam centre.
Submit the form and download the confirmation page.

Why CDS Is a Golden Opportunity

CDS gives you the chance to:
Wear the uniform
Serve the nation
Build a meaningful, adventure-filled career
Enjoy unmatched respect & growth
Join the elite officer cadre of the Indian Armed Forces

Every attempt counts, so start early, plan smart, and prepare sincerely.

Turn Your CDS Dream Into Reality With Centurion Defence Academy

With the CDS 2 2026 Notification out, this is the best time to put your preparation into top gear. Whether you’re targeting IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA, what truly makes the difference is consistent practice, the right guidance, and a disciplined approach.

And if you’re looking for a coaching institute that actually understands the exam pattern, the SSB expectations, and the journey of a defence aspirant from start to finish, Centurion Defence Academy is one of the most trusted names you can rely on.

At Centurion Defence Academy, you get:

14-day SSB program covering psych tests, GTO tasks, and personal interviews in Lucknow and Dehradun
Expert faculty, including ex-SSB board officers
Regular mock tests for the CDS written exam
Updated study material based on the latest pattern
Personalised feedback and mentorship
Preparation from home through the Centurion Digital App

The academy’s consistent results and structured approach make it a go-to choice for aspirants who genuinely want to improve, not just attend coaching.

So, if you’re serious about wearing the uniform and want guidance that actually helps you grow as a future officer, Centurion Defence Academy can be your perfect preparation partner.