The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is conducted by UPSC for entry to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The written test is followed by SSB Interview, medicals and final merit. UPSC conducts the written exam; SSB is conducted by the respective service selection boards. The second cycle in 2026—CDS 2 2026—follows the schedule below.
CDS 2 2026 — Key Dates
| Event | Date / Window | Details |
| Official Notification | 20 May 2026 | Download Now |
| Notification & application start | 20 May 2026 | Apply online on official portals |
| Last date to apply | 09 June 2026 | Window usually ~3 weeks |
| Application withdrawal/correction window | Mid-June 2026 | As enabled on UPSC portal |
| Admit card release | Late August 2026 | Download from portal |
| CDS 2 2026 exam date | September 2026 | 13 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result (written) | October 2026 (tentative) | Typically 3–4 weeks after exam |
| SSB interviews | November/December 2026 onwards | Schedule allotted post result |
Vacancies & Eligibility (CDS 2 2026)
| Academy | Age range (approx.) | Marital status | Essential education |
| IMA | 19–24 yrs | Unmarried | Graduation (any discipline) |
| INA | 19–22 yrs | Unmarried | B.E./B.Tech (or equivalent engineering degree) |
| AFA | 19–23 yrs | Unmarried | B.E./B.Tech or B.Sc. with Physics & Maths (10+2 with Maths & Physics) |
| OTA (men) | 19–25 yrs | Unmarried/Married (conditions apply) | Graduation (any discipline) |
| OTA (women) | 19–25 yrs | Unmarried/Married (conditions apply) | Graduation (any discipline) |
Note: Age cut-offs are tied to specific birthdate ranges announced by UPSC for the October 2027 course commencement; medical standards (vision, height/weight, CPSS for pilots, etc.) apply.
CDS Exam Pattern and Syllabus for CDS 2 2026
The CDS exam pattern towards CDS 2 2026 has a written test with different structures based on your academy choice. IMA, INA, and AFA candidates take three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. OTA candidates need to complete only two papers: English and General Knowledge.
- Each paper runs for 2 hours duration with pen and paper.
- The test features only multiple-choice questions.
| Academy | Subjects | Total Duration | No. of Questions | Max. Marks |
| IMA/INA/AFA | English | 2 Hr | 120 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hr | 120 | 100 | |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hr | 100 | 100 | |
| OTA | English | 2 Hr | 120 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hr | 120 | 100 |
CDS 2 2026 Exam Date: 13 September 2026
CDS 2 2026 Subject Wise Syllabus
| Subject | Topics Covered |
| English | Reading Comprehension, Sentence Improvement, Cloze Test, Vocabulary, Grammar Usage |
| General Knowledge | Current Affairs, Indian History, Indian Polity, Constitution, Geography, Science |
| Elementary Mathematics (for IMA/INA/AFA) | Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics (Matriculation level) |
Marking scheme and negative marking
For CDS 2 2026, the marking scheme is +1 mark for each right answer while wrong answers will cost 0.33 marks. Questions with multiple answers marked will count as incorrect. This marking pattern stays the same for all parts of the UPSC CDS 2026 exam, putting equal weight on accuracy and knowledge.
Selection Process & Cut-off
The selection pipeline is straightforward: Written Exam → SSB Interview → Medicals → Final Merit. Document verification precedes training allotment. Cut-offs vary with paper difficulty, vacancies and overall performance. Past trends show that clearing subject cut-offs and maintaining strong accuracy is crucial due to negative marking.
How to Apply & Preparation Essentials (CDS 2 2026)
| Step | What to do | Where on UPSC site | Details / Notes |
| 1 | Create/Log in to OTR (One-Time Registration) | OTR/Registration | Use active email & mobile; verify via OTP; save OTR ID. |
| 2 | Open CDS 2 2026 application | Active Examinations → CDS | Read notification + instructions; click “Apply”. |
| 3 | Part-I: Fill basics | Application Form (Part-I) | Name, DOB, category, ID details, educational info, preferences for academies. |
| 4 | Part-II: Exam centre & preferences | Application Form (Part-II) | Choose exam city early (centres fill fast). Select language where asked. |
| 5 | Upload photo, signature, photo-ID PDF (if asked) | Upload Section | Follow pixel, size, background rules (see specs table below). |
| 6 | Fee payment | Pay Fee | Online (cards/UPI/Net-banking) or offline challan (where available). SC/ST/Female often fee-exempt. |
| 7 | Preview & submit | Final Preview | Check spelling, category, DOB, centre—then submit. Save Application PDF. |
CDS 2 2026 Preparation in Doon Defence Dreamers
Doon Defence Dreamers known as the best CDS Coaching Academy in Dehradun is launching a dedicated CDS Coaching Batch designed for aspirants targeting CDS 2 (September 2026). The programme covers the complete CDS syllabus—English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics—with concept classes, PYQ-based practice, and regular doubt-clearing.
Learners get a structured weekly plan, topic-wise assignments, and full-length mock tests with OMR to build speed and accuracy. Current-affairs capsules, defence updates, and static GK notes are included for smart revision. The batch also features SSB orientation (PP&DT basics, communication drills, profile building) so candidates begin interview prep alongside the written exam.
For outstation students, guidance on hostel/meal options near the academy is provided. Administrative support (form-fill assistance, exam timeline reminders) and a transparent performance-tracking system help keep preparation on target. Seats are limited to maintain small, interactive classrooms; early enrollment is advised to secure preferred timing.
New Batch Starting Dates
- 20th April 2026
- 27th April 2026
The CDS syllabus 2026 preparation needs a coaching institute that has experienced faculty, especially instructors from defence background. The quality of SSB interview preparation, study materials, infrastructure, and past selection rates matter significantly. The institute’s batch size and approach to solving doubts should also guide students’ choice and that is why students and parents are highly trusting on Doon Defence Dreamers.
Recent Blogs & YouTube Videos
Stay updated with the latest guidance, tips, and strategies for CDS exam preparation through our recent blogs and YouTube videos. Our content helps aspirants stay informed about exam updates, understand the syllabus better, and learn effective techniques for selection.
- CDS 2 2025 Answer Key (All Sets A/B/C/D) – English, GK & Maths Solutions + Expected Cut-Off
- CDS 2 2025 Maths – Exam Analysis, Answer Key, Cut-Off & Preparation
- CDS 2 2025 English – Answer Key, Exam Analysis & Cut-Off
- CDS 2 2025 GS Paper PDF: Official UPSC Release, Exam Pattern & Analysis


























