UPSC CDS-II Exam Schedule 2026: Complete Information for Combined Defence Services Examination
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the examination schedule for the Combined Defence Services (CDS-II) Examination 2026. Aspirants who have applied for this prestigious defence recruitment can now check their exam date and prepare accordingly. The examination is scheduled to be conducted on 13 September 2026, and candidates can verify their exam schedule using their Enrollment Number, Registration Number, or Date of Birth through the official portal.
About UPSC and CDS Examination
The Union Public Service Commission is India’s premier central recruiting agency responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to various civil services and defence forces of the country. The Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted twice a year to recruit officers for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). This examination is highly competitive and serves as a gateway for graduates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers, offering a prestigious career in national defence and security.
Important Dates for UPSC CDS-II 2026
Candidates must take note of the following crucial dates related to the CDS-II 2026 examination:
- Online Application Start Date: 20 May 2026
- Online Application Last Date: 11 June 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 11 June 2026
- Examination Date: 13 September 2026
- Admit Card: Before Exam
- Result Date: Will Be Updated Here Soon
Candidates are strongly advised to confirm all dates from the official UPSC website.
Application Fee Structure
The application fee for UPSC CDS-II 2026 varies based on category:
- General / OBC: ₹200/-
- SC / ST / All Female Candidates: ₹0/- (Exempted)
Payment Methods Available
Candidates can submit the application fee through online mode using the following options:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Internet Banking
- IMPS
- Cash Card / Mobile Wallet
Total Vacancy Details
The UPSC CDS-II 2026 recruitment offers a total of 451 Posts across various defence academies.
Academy-wise Vacancy Distribution
| Post Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Air Force Academy | 32 |
| Indian Naval Academy | 26 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 293 |
Age Limit Criteria
The age eligibility for UPSC CDS-II 2026 is determined as per UPSC rules:
- Candidates born not earlier than 01 July 2003 and not later than 01 July 2008 are eligible
- Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC Examination 2026 guidelines
Educational Qualification Requirements
Different academies have specific educational requirements:
- For IMA & OTA: Must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream
- For Naval Academy: Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
- For Air Force: Must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream, but should have studied Physics and Math in 10+2
Candidates are advised to read the official notification thoroughly before applying.
Selection Process
The selection for UPSC CDS-II 2026 will be conducted through the following stages:
- Written Test
- SSB Interview
Exam Timings for CDS-II 2026
The examination will be conducted in three sessions:
- English Paper: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- General Knowledge: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Elementary Mathematics: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Steps to Check UPSC CDS-II Exam Date 2026
Follow these steps to check and download your exam schedule:
- Visit the official UPSC website
- Go to the Examinations section
- Find Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026
- Click on the Examination Time Table / Exam Date link
- The exam schedule will appear on the screen
- Check the exam date, timing, subjects, and other important instructions
- Download and save the examination timetable for future reference
- Take a printout of the timetable if required
Important Links
Check Exam Schedule Notice: Click Here
Apply Online: Click Here
Check Official Notification: Click Here
UPSC Official Website: Click Here
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official website to check UPSC CDS-II 2026 details?
The official website for UPSC is https://upsc.gov.in/ where candidates can find all relevant information regarding the CDS-II 2026 examination.
Where can candidates download the CDS-II 2026 exam timetable?
Candidates can download the official exam timetable from the UPSC website under the What’s New or CDS II examination section.
What are the examination timings for different papers in CDS-II 2026?
The English paper will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, General Knowledge from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and Elementary Mathematics from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
On which date will UPSC conduct the CDS-II 2026 examination?
The UPSC CDS-II 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted on 13 September 2026 (Sunday).
How can aspirants verify their CDS-II 2026 exam date?
Candidates can check the exam date by visiting the official UPSC website and checking the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 section.
Disclaimer: Information provided here is for immediate reference of examinees and should not be considered as a legal document. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official UPSC website before taking any action.