Alerts and Updates for CDS

UPSC released the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 notification on 20 May 2026 for 451 vacancies across IMA (100), INA (26), AFA (32), OTA Men (275) and OTA Women (18); the online application window closed on 9 June 2026.

The CDS (II) 2026 written exam is scheduled for Sunday, 13 September 2026, to be held in three shifts (9-11 AM, 12:30-2:30 PM and 4-6 PM) at centres across India.

UPSC is expected to release the CDS (II) 2026 e-admit card between 28 August and 3 September 2026 on upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in; as always, no admit cards are sent by post and candidates must download and print their own hall ticket.

This CDS (II) 2026 cycle follows CDS (I) 2026, whose written exam was already conducted by UPSC on 12 April 2026, with the provisional answer key and question papers subsequently published on the official UPSC site.

UPSC released the CDS (II) 2026 notification on May 20, 2026 for 451 vacancies: 100 at IMA, 26 at INA, 32 at AFA, 275 at OTA for men and 18 at OTA for women. The written examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026. Applications closed on June 11, 2026 after an extension.

The CDS (II) 2026 e-admit card is expected on upsc.gov.in in the first week of September 2026, tentatively around September 3, roughly ten days before the September 13 paper. No hard copy is posted; candidates must log in with their registration ID and print the e-admit card.

UPSC declared the CDS (I) 2026 written result on May 8, 2026 for the examination held on April 12, 2026. A total of 8,826 candidates qualified for the SSB interview stage for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. Marks are published only after the final result is announced.

As per the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027, the CDS (I) 2027 notification is due on December 2, 2026, applications close on December 22, 2026, and the written examination is scheduled for April 11, 2027. Aspirants missing CDS (II) 2026 should plan for this cycle.

CDS remains an offline pen-and-paper examination held at 41 centres across India, followed by the SSB interview, document verification and medical examination. The application fee is Rs 200 for general male candidates and nil for women, SC and ST candidates.

UPSC released the CDS 1 2026 written exam result on May 8, 2026 on upsc.gov.in. The written exam was held on April 12, 2026.

A total of 8,826 candidates have qualified for the SSB Interview round. Selection covers admission to IMA, INA, AFA and OTA against 451 vacancies notified under CDS 1 2026.

Qualified candidates will next appear for SSB interview, followed by medical examination and document verification by the Services Selection Board.

The CDS 2 2026 notification is expected in mid-2026 on upsc.gov.in per the UPSC annual calendar. CDS 2 written exam typically falls in the September quarter.