CDS 2 Recruitment 2026: UPSC Starts Applications for Defence Academy Admissions; Check Eligibility and Exam Details
The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2 Examination 2026, opening the door for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces.
Eligible and interested candidates can now apply online through the official UPSC portal for admission to prestigious defence institutions including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
The CDS 2 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted across India on September 13, 2026.
CDS 2 2026 Application Dates
Here are the important dates candidates should remember:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| 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 |
The vacancy details are expected to be announced separately by UPSC.
What Is CDS 2 Examination?
The CDS examination is one of India’s most popular defence recruitment exams for candidates seeking careers in the armed forces.
Through this examination, candidates can get admission into:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA)
UPSC conducts the CDS exam twice every year.
Candidates can also choose between permanent commission and short service commission depending on the academy and service branch.
CDS 2 2026 Age Limit
The age criteria vary according to the academy selected by the candidate.
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Age Limit: 19 to 24 years
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Age Limit: 19 to 24 years
Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Age Limit: 20 to 24 years
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
- Age Limit: 19 to 25 years
Candidates must ensure they meet the required age eligibility before submitting the application form.
CDS 2 2026 Selection Process
The recruitment process for CDS 2 2026 will include multiple stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
Candidates who qualify in the written test will be called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview round.
CDS 2 2026 Exam Pattern
The CDS written examination includes three major subjects:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
Duration and Question Pattern
| Subject | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 2 Hours |
| Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
Candidates applying for OTA generally do not have to appear for the mathematics paper.
How to Apply for CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website by following these steps:
- Visit the UPSC official portal
- Open the CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 application link
- Complete registration and fill in personal details
- Upload required documents and photographs
- Pay the application fee, if applicable
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page
Applicants are advised to carefully verify all details before final submission to avoid mistakes during the recruitment process.
The CDS examination remains one of the most respected entry routes into the Indian defence services, attracting thousands of aspirants every year.
