The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the CDS 2 2026 notification on May 20, 2026, for candidates appearing for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA through the Combined Defence Services examination. As per the official calendar, the CDS 2 2026 exam is scheduled to be held on September 13, 2026, across various exam centres nationwide.
CDS Exam Dates
Candidates can check the important dates of Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) 2026 events below.
CDS Exam 2026 Event Schedule
| Events | CDS I Important Dates | CDS II Important Dates |
| CDS Notification | December 10, 2025 | May 20, 2026 |
| CDS application form (Out) | December 10, 2025 | May 20, 2026 |
| Last date to apply | December 30, 2025 | June 9, 2026 |
| Last day of payment of fees | December 30, 2025 | June 9, 2026 |
| CDS Admit Card | April 2, 2026 | To be announced |
| CDS exam date | April 12, 2026 | September 13, 2026 |
| CDS written exam result | 1st week of May (Tentative) | To be announced |
| CDS answer key | To be announced | To be announced |
CDS Exam Dates – Highlights
Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) II will be held on September 13, 2026 through offline mode. CDS II applicants are advised to stay updated through the information provided below:
CDS II Application Form
Union Public Service Commission will release the application form of CDS II on May 20, 2026 through online mode. Eligible candidates can fill the CDS application form by visiting the official website – upsc.gov.in. The last date to submit the CDS II online form is May 20, 2026. Also, applicants must go through the eligibility criteria as prescribed by the exam conducting body before application form submission. The CDS application form can be filled in two parts – Part I (Registration) and Part II (fee payment, centre selection, uploading of images and final submission).
CDS II Admit Card
The commission will release the admit card of CDS II three weeks prior to the commencement of exam. Applicants can download the CDS admit card 2026 from the official website – upsc.gov.in. Only those who have successfully submitted the application form will be able to download the CDS II admit card. Candidates must carry any one of their photo-identity cards along with the CDS admit card on the day of the examination. They will not be allowed to take the examination without the admit card.
CDS II Exam
UPSC will conduct the CDS II examination through offline mode on September 13, 2026. As per the exam pattern of CDS, candidates applying for Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Indian Military Academy have to prepare for three subjects – English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics whereas candidates who opt for Officers’ Training Academy have to prepare for English and General Knowledge.
CDS Exam Dates – FAQs
✔️ When will the admit card of CDS II be released?
The admit card of CDS II will be released in October, three weeks prior to the entrance examination. CDS II exam will be held on September 13 and the admit card is expected to be released in mid of August.
✔️ In what mode will the CDS exam be conducted?
Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) will be held in offline mode on September 13, 2026. Candidates taking the exam for Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Indian Military Academy training need to be prepared for answering questions from English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. On the other hand, candidates who opt for Officers' Training Academy have to prepare for English and General Knowledge.
✔️ When is the last date to apply for CDS II?
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✔️ From where can I download the CDS II admit card?
You can download the CDS II admit card from the official website in online mode only. Candidates should preserve the printout of admit card until the interview round (if selected).
✔️ When will the SSB interview be held for candidates who qualify CDS 2026?
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has not yet released the dates for SSB call letter issuance and interview. The date for the SSB interview is expected to be revealed with the release of CDS II official notification.
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