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Trishul Defence Academy 
The CDS 2 2026 exam for Combined Defence Services Examination is your gateway to one of the prestigious careers in the Indian Armed Forces. UPSC conducts the CDS exam twice a year, recruiting for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).Â
There are hundreds of vacancies to be filled which have become highly competitive. Planning and preparation are essentials to crack the exam. At Trishul Defence Academy (TDA), we will offer all aspirants a well-structured pathway for cracking CDS 2 2026 that includes all details from eligibility to exam pattern and coaching.
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Notification and Exam Dates
The CDS 2 2026 notification is expected to be announced by the UPSC on May 20, 2026, and it is always important for the candidate to stay informed with the official UPSC portal for the latest announcement in that regard. The application for the CDS 2 2026 will also be available on that day.
| Event | Date |
| CDS 2 2026 Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| CDS 2 2026 Application Form Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 9 June 2026 |
| CDS 2 2026 Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 1 week before exam |
| Result Declaration | October 2026 (Expected) |
UPSC conducts the Combined Defence Services examination twice a year, where aspirants have the chance to get into defence services through the two exams, known as CDS 1 and CDS 2; which provides a prospective career to any aspirant.
CDS 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the CDS 2 2026 examination, aspirants must check once again whether they meet the eligibility requirements from UPSC:
Nationality and Gender
- Indian nationals, citizens of Nepal or Bhutan, individuals seeking refuge from Tibet, or candidates of Indian origin residing in certain countries.
- Candidates of either gender may apply. Women are limited to the OTA, while men may apply for the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Educational Qualification
| Academy | Qualification |
| IMA & OTA | Graduation from a recognized university |
| INA | Engineering degree |
| AFA | Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or B.E. |
Final year students may apply according to the provision of submitting proof of passing the graduation degree, prior to the date of the SSB interview.Â
Age Limit for CDS 2 2026
| Academy | Age Limit (Years) | Birthdate Range |
| IMA | 19 – 24 | 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008 |
| INA | 19 – 24 | 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008 |
| AFA | 20 – 24 | 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2007 |
| OTA (Men & Women) | 19 – 25 | 2 Jan 2002 – 1 Jan 2008 |
Candidates must be unmarried to attend IMA, INA, or AFA. OTA permits unmarried females, those who are widowed without child and are not remarried, and divorcees who have not remarried.
CDS syllabus and exam pattern
To prepare sensibly, we need to understand the CDS syllabus and exam pattern and what is included.Â
Exam Pattern
| Academy | Subjects | Duration | Marks |
| IMA/INA/AFA | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics | 2 hrs per subject | 100 per subject |
| OTA | English, General Knowledge | 2 hrs per subject | 100 per subject |
- The written test is different based on which academy the candidate is seeking:
- Questions are based on objective-type (MCQs).Â
- Negative marking indicates that 1/3 of the mark is deducted for each question answered incorrectly.
Subject-wise Syllabus Overview
- English: Reading comprehension, grammar, improvement of sentences, words, and cloze tests.
- General Knowledge: Current affairs of the day, history of India, polity, article of a constitution, geography, and basic science in everyday life.
- Elementary Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration, and statistics at the level of 10+2.
How Many Attempts for CDS 2 2026?
UPSC allows multiple attempts while it exists in a candidate’s age. Since the CDS exam is given twice a year, it is beneficial to plan to attempt both CDS 1 and CDS 2 to have the best chance of success.
Physical Test and SSB Interview
The CDS 2 2026 selection consists of a stringent SSB (Service Selection Board) interview and physical tests. Each candidate must meet the physical standards determined by height and weight standards and medical fitness. At the SSB (Service Selection Board) exam, It is expected to have a clear assessment of personality, leadership, intelligence, and officer-like qualities.
Coaching and Preparation Tips
At Trishul Defence Academy (TDA), we provide online and offline CDS 2 2026 coaching.Â
Key tips for preparing are:
- Start with the syllabus and past exam papers to be familiar with the pace of questions.
- Take mock exams on a regular basis which will help with speed and accuracy.
- Join a best online/offline coaching institute like TDA, that provides guidance and training for an SSB interview, physical standards, and fresh experience questions answering sessions.
- Keep learning and following core subjects and current affairs.
Conclusion
To achieve success with CDS Exam 2 2026 requires a strategy that includes study smart, practice regularly and be guided appropriately. There are two examinations a year which gives ample time to achieve a place in the prestigious academies of the Indian Armed Forces. Â
Trishul Defence Academy (TDA) provides expert coaching for UPSC CDS 2026 with walk-in guidance, covering the syllabus comprehensively and exam pattern, eligibility, age requirements, and also SSB preparation; all giving aspirants a good chance to make their officers dream a reality.
FAQ’s :
Q1: How many times CDS exam is conducted in a year?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) two times a year, which are termed as the CDS 1 and CDS 2.
Q2: How many attempts for CDS?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for the CDS exam. Candidates can take the exam as many times as permitted by their age or eligibility.
Q3: Does CDS exam have a physical test?
Yes, after qualifying the written exam, candidates have to qualify the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview, which includes the physical fitness test, medical examination, and psychological tests.
Q4: What is the age limit for CDS 2 2026?
The age limit is different for each academy; IMA: 19 to 24, OTA: 19 to 25, NA: 19 to 22, AFA: 19 to 23, candidates need to be inside this age limit to be eligible on 1st January 2026.
Q5: Is CDS exam online or offline?
CDS exam is conducted in an offline mode, using pen-and-paper. The candidates are required to provide answers for objective and descriptive papers at examination centers.
Q6: What is CDS 1 and CDS 2 exam?
- CDS 1 is the first session of the year conducted for the purpose of entering into IMA, INA, AFA, OTA.
- CDS 2 is the second session of the year, for the purpose of entering into IMA, INA, AFA, OTA.
