UPSC Announces CDS 2 Exam Date for 2026

The UPSC has confirmed that the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination-II will take place on September 13, 2026. This exam is crucial for those seeking officer positions in the Indian Armed Forces. A total of 451 vacancies will be filled across various academies. The exam will consist of three papers, and candidates can expect their admit cards to be released shortly before the exam date. It is essential for candidates to arrive early at the examination centers as entry will close 30 minutes prior to each session. For more details on the exam schedule and guidelines, read the full article.

By Ambika Singh Aug 13, 2026, 11:18 IST

CDS 2 Exam Date Revealed

CDS 2 Exam 2026 Date Announced: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the date for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination-II, which is scheduled for September 13, 2026. This exam is essential for recruiting candidates to officer positions in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Officers Training Academy (OTA).

This year, the UPSC will fill a total of 451 vacancies across various courses at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, Air Force Academy (AFA) in Hyderabad, and Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. Below, we outline the exam schedule, guidelines, and the anticipated release date for admit cards.

**Exam Structure**
On the examination day, candidates will be required to complete three distinct papers.

According to the official timetable:
The English paper is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
The General Knowledge paper will take place from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM.
The Elementary Mathematics paper is set for 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
The UPSC issued the notification for CDS 2026 on May 20, 2026, with the application deadline being June 9, 2026. As the exam date approaches, candidates are eagerly waiting for their admit cards.

**Admit Card Release Date**
The Commission has stated that e-admit cards will be available on the last working day of the week before the exam. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official UPSC website, upsconline.nic.in.

**Exam Regulations**
The Commission has emphasized that the entry gates at the examination center will close 30 minutes prior to the start of each session. No candidates will be permitted to enter after this time, so it is advisable for candidates to arrive at the examination center well ahead of schedule.