CDS 2 2026 Notification Out, Apply Online, Eligibility, Exam Date, Vacancy

UPSC CDS 2 2026 Notification has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces. The notification opens opportunities for candidates aiming to join prestigious defence academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). A total of 451 vacancies have been announced under this recruitment cycle.

The online application process began on May 20, 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until June 09, 2026, through the official UPSC portal. The CDS 2 written examination is scheduled to be conducted on September 13, 2026, across various exam centres in India.

CDS 2 2026 Notification Overview and Important Dates

The CDS examination is conducted twice every year, and CDS 2 2026 is part of the second cycle of recruitment. The notification provides complete details regarding eligibility, application schedule, selection process, and exam structure.

Key dates for CDS 2 2026 are as follows:

The application window opened on May 20, 2026, allowing candidates to begin online registration. The last date to apply is June 09, 2026, after which the application portal will be closed. The written examination will take place on September 13, 2026, in offline mode across multiple centres.

Candidates are advised to complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

CDS 2 2026 Vacancy Details for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA

The UPSC has announced a total of 451 vacancies for CDS 2 2026 recruitment. These vacancies are distributed across different defence academies that train future officers for the Indian Armed Forces.

The Indian Military Academy (IMA) offers opportunities for Army officer training, while the Indian Naval Academy (INA) focuses on naval cadet training. The Air Force Academy (AFA) recruits candidates for the Indian Air Force officer cadre, and the Officers Training Academy (OTA) provides short service commission opportunities for both men and women. Each academy follows its own training structure, eligibility conditions, and career progression path, making CDS one of the most competitive national-level defence examinations in India.

CDS 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria, Age Limit and Qualification

The eligibility criteria for CDS 2 2026 vary depending on the academy chosen by the candidate. For IMA, INA, and OTA, candidates must hold a graduation degree from a recognised university or equivalent qualification. For the Air Force Academy, candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or possess a degree in engineering.

The age limit also differs across academies. For IMA and INA, unmarried male candidates must be born between July 02, 2003 and July 01, 2008. For the Air Force Academy, the age limit ranges from 20 to 24 years, with relaxation available for certain categories. For OTA, both male and female candidates born between July 02, 2002 and July 01, 2008 are eligible. Candidates must carefully verify eligibility conditions before applying, as incorrect information may lead to rejection at later stages.

CDS 2 2026 Application Process and Online Registration

The CDS 2 2026 application form is available online through the UPSC official websites. The process is completely digital and requires candidates to complete registration, upload documents, and pay the application fee.Candidates must first visit the UPSC portal and complete basic registration by entering personal and academic details. After registration, a unique registration ID is generated, which is used to complete the application form.

Applicants are required to upload a recent photograph, signature, and relevant academic documents. Candidates must also select their preferred exam centre during the application process.The application fee is ₹200 for General and OBC male candidates, while SC, ST, and female candidates are exempted from fee payment. The fee can be paid online or through SBI challan.After submission, candidates are advised to download and print the final application form for future reference.

CDS 2 2026 Exam Date and Pattern

The CDS 2 2026 written examination will be conducted on September 13, 2026 in offline mode. The exam will be held in English and Hindi languages depending on the paper.

For IMA, INA, and AFA, the written exam includes three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. For OTA candidates, only English and General Knowledge papers are conducted. Each paper carries a duration of two hours and includes objective-type questions.The examination evaluates candidates’ academic knowledge, reasoning ability, and general awareness required for military training and officer roles. Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers.

CDS 2 2026 Selection Process Explained

The CDS selection process consists of three major stages. Candidates must clear each stage to move forward in the recruitment cycle.The first stage is the written examination, which serves as the primary screening test. Candidates who qualify are called for the SSB Interview, which assesses personality, leadership qualities, communication skills, and officer-like attributes.

The final stage is the medical examination, where candidates are evaluated for physical and medical fitness standards required by the Indian Armed Forces.A final merit list is prepared based on performance in the written exam and SSB interview combined.

CDS 2 2026 Salary and Career Growth

Candidates selected through CDS 2 2026 are appointed as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. During training, cadets receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month. After commissioning, officers are placed under the 7th Pay Commission, starting at the rank of Lieutenant with a pay scale ranging from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500. Salary increases with promotions up to senior ranks such as Colonel, Brigadier, and General.Apart from salary, officers receive various allowances, perks, and benefits depending on their posting and service conditions.

CDS 2 2026 Syllabus Overview

The CDS syllabus is designed to test fundamental academic knowledge and analytical ability. It includes three main subjects: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The English section focuses on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. General Knowledge includes current affairs, history, geography, and science. Mathematics covers topics up to Class 10 level such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and mensuration.A strong understanding of the syllabus is essential for effective preparation and scoring well in the written exam.

CDS 2 2026 Final Overview

The CDS 2 2026 notification offers a significant opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. With 451 vacancies, structured eligibility criteria, and a national-level examination, the recruitment process remains highly competitive. Candidates must complete their application before June 09, 2026 and begin preparation for the written exam scheduled on September 13, 2026. The selection process, consisting of written test, SSB interview, and medical examination, ensures only the most capable candidates are selected for training at elite defence academies.