CDS 2 2026 Notification
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission twice every year to recruit eligible candidates for prestigious defence academies such as the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
Candidates who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces as Commissioned Officers must qualify the CDS written examination followed by the SSB Interview.
This article provides complete details about CDS 2 2026 Notification, Application Form, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Date, and Important Links.
Students preparing for the CDS exam can also join SAMARITAN DEFENCE ARENA Lucknow, one of the leading institutes for CDS Written Exam and SSB Interview preparation.
CDS 2 2026 Notification
The CDS 2 2026 Notification will be released by the Union Public Service Commission on 20 May 2026. Candidates can fill out the application form online through the official website.
The exam is conducted at a national level and selects candidates for various defence academies after clearing both the written exam and the SSB Interview.
CDS Exam Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Authority | UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) |
| Exam Name | CDS (Combined Defence Services) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Frequency | Twice a Year |
| Exam Phases | Written Exam + SSB Interview |
| Question Type | Objective Type |
| Language | Hindi & English (Except English Paper) |
| Total Marks | IMA, INA, AFA – 300 |
| OTA – 200 | |
| Duration | 2 Hours for each paper |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
CDS 2 2026 Important Dates
According to the UPSC Annual Examination Calendar, the CDS 2 2026 exam will be conducted on 13 September 2026.
| Events | Dates |
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Form Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | To be notified |
| Admit Card Release | First Week of September 2026 |
| Written Examination | 13 September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | To be notified |
| SSB Interview | To be notified |
CDS 2 2026 Notification PDF
Candidates will be able to download the official notification from the UPSC website.
Important Links
- CDS Syllabus – Check Now
- CDS Eligibility Criteria – Check Now
- UPSC Calendar – Download Now
- CDS 2 2026 Notification PDF – Download Now
- Previous Year Question Papers – Download Now
CDS 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the required age limit, educational qualification, gender, and marital status conditions to apply for the CDS examination.
Age Limit
| Academy | Age Limit |
| INA | 19 – 24 Years |
| IMA | 19 – 24 Years |
| AFA | 20 – 24 Years |
| OTA (Men) | 19 – 25 Years |
| OTA (Women) | 19 – 25 Years |
Educational Qualification
For IMA & OTA
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university.
For INA
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
For AFA
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
Gender Eligibility
- Male Candidates: Eligible for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA
- Female Candidates: Eligible for OTA only
Marital Status
- Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
- Issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees who have not remarried are also eligible.
CDS 2026 Exam Pattern
The CDS written exam consists of objective-type questions. Candidates must clear the written examination before appearing for the SSB Interview.
Exam Pattern for IMA, INA & AFA
| Subject | Duration | Questions | Marks | Negative Marking |
| English | 2 Hours | 120 | 100 | -0.33 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 120 | 100 | -0.33 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 | 100 | -0.33 |
Total Marks: 300
Exam Pattern for OTA
| Subject | Duration | Questions | Marks | Negative Marking |
| English | 2 Hours | 120 | 100 | -0.33 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 120 | 100 | -0.33 |
Total Marks: 200
CDS Coaching in Lucknow
If you are preparing for the CDS Written Examination or SSB Interview, SAMARITAN DEFENCE ARENA Lucknow provides expert guidance and a structured preparation strategy.
Why Join SAMARITAN DEFENCE ARENA?
✔ Experienced Defence Faculty
✔ Special CDS Written Preparation
✔ Dedicated SSB Interview Training
✔ Regular Mock Tests & Test Series
✔ Personality Development Sessions
✔ Updated Study Material
Aspirants searching for the best CDS coaching in Lucknow can join SAMARITAN DEFENCE ARENA to boost their preparation.
📞 Contact: 9118184500
