The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS 2 2026 Notification for candidates preparing to join the Indian Armed Forces through Combined Defence Services Examination. Aspirants can now apply for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Students searching for CDS 2 2026 notification, CDS 2 apply online, CDS eligibility 2026, best CDS coaching in Dehradun and CDS OTA age limit can check complete details here.
CDS 2 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| CDS 2 2026 Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
CDS 2 2026 Vacancies
UPSC has released around 451 vacancies for CDS 2 2026 across IMA, INA, AFA and OTA academies. CDS remains one of the most prestigious defence examinations in India for graduates dreaming of becoming officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Who Can Apply for CDS 2 2026?
Graduates from recognized universities can apply for CDS examination. Different academies have different eligibility criteria and educational requirements. Candidates must carefully check age limit and qualification before applying.
- IMA & OTA → Graduation in any stream
- INA → Engineering Degree
- AFA → Graduation with Physics & Maths or B.Tech
CDS 2 2026 Age Limit
The CDS age limit depends on the academy selected by the candidate. Generally, candidates between 19 to 25 years are eligible for different CDS academies. OTA allows both men and women candidates. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Check CDS Eligibility Instantly
Use our Defence Age Eligibility Calculator to check CDS, NDA, Agniveer and Navy eligibility instantly.
Open Defence Age Calculator →Why Students Prefer CDS Coaching in Dehradun?
Dehradun is known as India's defence education hub because of its military environment and disciplined culture. Students searching for best CDS coaching in Dehradun, top defence academy in Dehradun and best defence coaching after graduation prefer quality defence institutes with proper guidance and hostel facilities.
At Droneshwar Defence Academy Dehradun (DrDA), aspirants receive written coaching, SSB preparation, personality development and disciplined defence guidance under experienced faculty.
How To Apply for CDS 2 2026?
- Visit official UPSC online portal.
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR).
- Fill CDS 2 2026 application form.
- Upload documents and photographs.
- Pay application fee.
- Submit application and print confirmation page.
Download CDS 2 2026 Notification PDF
Candidates can download the official CDS 2 2026 notification PDF from the link below.
Download CDS 2 2026 PDFFrequently Asked Questions
Is CDS 2 2026 notification released?
Yes, UPSC has officially released CDS 2 2026 notification and application form. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
What is CDS 2 2026 exam date?
The CDS 2 2026 written examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
What is the best CDS coaching in Dehradun?
Droneshwar Defence Academy is one of the top defence academies in Dehradun for CDS, NDA, AFCAT and SSB preparation.