The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2 Notification 2026 on its official website. Candidates who wish to join prestigious defence academies including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy can now check the detailed notification and begin the online registration process. The notification includes important details regarding eligibility criteria, application dates, selection procedure, exam pattern, and vacancy information for candidates preparing for defence services examinations.
CDS 2 Exam 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CDS 2 Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Notification Status | Released |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Selection Process | Written Exam and SSB Interview |
| Courses Offered | IMA, INA, AFA and OTA |
CDS 2 Notification 2026 Released Online
The CDS 2 Notification 2026 has been published online by UPSC for candidates aspiring to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. Interested applicants can access the notification PDF through the official UPSC website and review all instructions carefully before applying. The online application window has also been activated, allowing eligible candidates to complete the registration process within the prescribed timeline.
Eligibility Criteria for CDS 2 Exam 2026
Candidates applying for the CDS 2 Examination 2026 must meet the educational qualifications and age limit specified in the official notification. Applicants for the Indian Military Academy and Officers Training Academy should possess a graduation degree from a recognised university. Candidates applying for the Indian Naval Academy must hold an engineering degree, while Air Force Academy applicants should have a graduation degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or an engineering qualification. Only unmarried candidates within the prescribed age criteria are eligible for most academies.
CDS 2 Registration Start Date and Application Process
The registration process for CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 has started online through the UPSC application portal. Candidates need to complete the One-Time Registration process, fill in personal and educational details, upload required documents, and pay the application fee before final submission. Applicants are advised to review all entered information carefully before submitting the form and keep a printout of the confirmation page for future use.
Also read: DGE Tamil Nadu 10th Result 2026 Declared
CDS 2 Exam Pattern and Selection Process
The CDS 2 Exam 2026 will be conducted in offline mode and will consist of objective-type questions from English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics subjects. Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, followed by a medical examination. Final selection will be based on overall performance in all stages of the recruitment process.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| CDS 2 Notification 2026 | Open Here |
| Apply Online for CDS 2 Exam | Apply Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Visit Here |
| CDS Examination Portal | Click Here |
FAQs
When was the CDS 2 Notification 2026 released?
The CDS 2 Notification 2026 has been officially released by UPSC on its official website.
What is the mode of application for CDS 2 Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can apply for the examination through the online mode only.
What is the selection process for CDS 2 Exam 2026?
The selection process includes a written examination, SSB interview, and medical examination.





