The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially unveiled the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2 Examination 2026, inviting applications from candidates eager to serve in the Indian Armed Forces.
Interested candidates can apply online via the UPSC official website for entry into esteemed defence institutions such as the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
The CDS 2 2026 examination is set to take place nationwide on September 13, 2026.
Candidates should note the following key dates:
| Notification Release Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Application Start Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 9, 2026 |
| CDS 2 Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
Details regarding vacancies will be released separately by UPSC.
The CDS examination is a prominent recruitment test in India for those aspiring to join the armed forces.
Successful candidates can gain admission into:
UPSC conducts this examination biannually.
Age eligibility varies based on the selected academy:
Candidates must verify their age eligibility prior to applying.
The selection procedure for CDS 2 2026 consists of several stages:
Those who pass the written exam will be invited for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
The written examination comprises three main subjects:
| English | 120 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 2 Hours |
| Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
Candidates applying for OTA typically do not need to take the mathematics section.
To apply online, candidates should follow these steps:
It is crucial for applicants to double-check all information before final submission to prevent errors.
The CDS examination is a highly esteemed pathway into the Indian defence services, drawing numerous candidates each year.
