CDS 2 2026: Notification, Exam Dates, Eligibility & Syllabus

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

ENROLL NOW

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.