Latest Update – 24 September 2026: UPSC released the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 notification on 20 May 2026. The written examination was held on 13 September 2026. The application deadline was 11 June 2026 at 6:00 PM. UPSC has published examination updates including the e-Admit Card and provisional answer key information.
This CDS Recruitment 2026 page explains the exam in simple language, including academies, eligibility, age conditions, selection process, exam pattern, important dates, application fee and latest official status. The CDS II 2026 application window is closed.
CDS Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 11 June 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Current Status | Exam conducted; follow UPSC for answer key and result updates |
CDS 2026 Vacancies and Academies
CDS is conducted by UPSC for admission to specified defence training academies, including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy. Course-wise vacancies are given in the official UPSC notification and can differ between CDS examinations. Candidates should use the official notification for the exact vacancy applicable to their course.
CDS 2026 Eligibility
For the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy and Air Force Academy, candidates generally need a recognised university degree. For the Indian Naval Academy, an Engineering degree is required. For the Air Force Academy, candidates need a degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering degree, subject to the official notification.
The exact age, marital-status and educational conditions differ by academy and course. Candidates should check the official CDS II 2026 notification before applying or relying on a short eligibility summary.
CDS 2026 Age Limit
Age limits are different for IMA, INA, Air Force Academy and OTA. The official notification specifies separate age and marital-status conditions for each academy. Candidates should check the academy-wise age table in the UPSC notification.
CDS 2026 Selection Process
The selection process includes a written examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview for candidates who qualify the written stage. Candidates recommended by SSB must satisfy the prescribed medical standards. Final admission is subject to merit, vacancies, eligibility, medical fitness and applicable service rules.
CDS 2026 Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA and Air Force Academy, the written examination has three papers: English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. For Officers Training Academy, the written examination has two papers: English and General Knowledge. Papers are objective type and are conducted according to UPSC rules.
CDS 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 June 2026, 6:00 PM |
| e-Admit Card | 3 September 2026 |
| Written Examination | 13 September 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | Published by UPSC after the examination |
CDS 2026 Application Fee
The prescribed CDS application fee is ₹200. Eligible female candidates and candidates belonging to SC/ST categories are exempt from payment subject to the conditions in the official notification.
CDS 2026 Latest Notification Status
As of 24 September 2026, CDS II 2026 is no longer accepting applications because the deadline passed on 11 June 2026 and the written examination was held on 13 September 2026. UPSC has published examination-related updates. Candidates who appeared should follow the official UPSC CDS II 2026 page for the provisional answer key, written result and further instructions.
How to Check CDS 2026 Updates
- Open the official UPSC website.
- Open the CDS II 2026 examination page.
- Check the latest answer key, result or notice.
- Download the official PDF.
- Follow the instructions for the next stage if your roll number is included in the result.
CDS 2026 Preparation Tips
- Revise English grammar, vocabulary and comprehension.
- Read current affairs and important national and international events.
- Practise Elementary Mathematics with timed questions.
- Solve previous-year UPSC CDS papers.
- Use mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Follow official UPSC notices for SSB and later-stage instructions.
Important Links
UPSC CDS II 2026: Official CDS II 2026 Page
UPSC Online: UPSC Online Portal
CDS 2026 FAQs
What is CDS?
CDS stands for Combined Defence Services Examination. UPSC conducts it for admission to specified defence academies.
Who conducts the CDS exam?
The Union Public Service Commission conducts the CDS examination.
When was CDS II 2026 notification released?
The CDS II 2026 notification was released on 20 May 2026.
When was the CDS II 2026 exam held?
The written examination was held on 13 September 2026.
Is the CDS II 2026 application form open?
No. The application deadline was 11 June 2026.
What is the CDS application fee?
The prescribed fee is ₹200, while eligible female and SC/ST candidates are exempt subject to the notification conditions.
What is the CDS selection process?
The process includes the written examination, SSB interview for written-qualified candidates and medical examination, followed by admission according to merit, vacancies and applicable rules.
Where can I check the CDS II 2026 result?
Check the official UPSC website and CDS II 2026 examination page for the result and other official notices.
Final Words
CDS is a UPSC examination for admission to specified defence training academies. For CDS II 2026, applications and the written examination are already over. Candidates who appeared should rely on UPSC for the provisional answer key, result and further instructions. For future CDS recruitment, always check the latest UPSC notification because dates, vacancies and conditions can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDS?
CDS stands for Combined Defence Services Examination. UPSC conducts it for admission to specified defence academies.
Who conducts the CDS exam?
The Union Public Service Commission conducts the CDS examination.
When was CDS II 2026 notification released?
The CDS II 2026 notification was released on 20 May 2026.
When was the CDS II 2026 exam held?
The written examination was held on 13 September 2026.
Is the CDS II 2026 application form open?
No. The application deadline was 11 June 2026.
What is the CDS application fee?
The prescribed fee is ₹200, while eligible female and SC/ST candidates are exempt subject to the notification conditions.
What is the CDS selection process?
The process includes the written examination, SSB interview for written-qualified candidates and medical examination, followed by admission according to merit, vacancies and applicable rules.
Where can I check the CDS II 2026 result?
Check the official UPSC website and CDS II 2026 examination page for the result and other official notices.
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