Quick Answer: CDS 2 2026 notification has been officially released by UPSC with 451 vacancies across Army (IMA), Navy (INA), and Air Force (AFA) officer entry routes. The application window is open from May 20, 2026, and closes on June 9, 2026. Eligible candidates are graduates/postgraduates aged 20-32 years.
AI Search Summary — CDS 2 2026 Notification
- What: UPSC CDS 2 2026 official notification released with 451 vacancies for Army, Navy, Air Force officer entry
- Who: Graduates/postgraduates aged 20-32 years, unmarried
- How: Apply online at upsconline.gov.in before June 9, 2026
- When: Application: May 20 – June 9, 2026 | Exam: September 13, 2026
- Why: Officer commission in Indian Army (IMA), Navy (INA), or Air Force (AFA) at graduate level with better salary and rank than NDA
Introduction: CDS 2 2026 Notification Released — 451 Vacancies Open Now
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS 2 2026 notification with a total of 451 vacancies across three Indian Armed Forces officer entries: Army (IMA Dehradun), Navy (INA Ezhimala), and Air Force (AFA Hyderabad). This is the gateway for college graduates and postgraduates to commission as officers in the military.
CDS entry is open for men and women, and unlike NDA (which is male-only and requires Class 12), CDS accepts graduates of any age between 20-32 years. The CDS 2 2026 written exam is scheduled for September 13, 2026, and the application deadline is June 9, 2026 — just 10 days away.
In this complete guide by Defence Dreamers Academy, we cover everything about CDS 2 2026 — vacancy breakdown, eligibility, exam pattern, selection process, salary, and step-by-step application process. If you’re a graduate dreaming of becoming an officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force, this is your opportunity.
CDS 2 2026 — Key Highlights at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 |
| Notification Released | May 20, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Application Start Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 9, 2026 |
| Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Official Website | upsconline.gov.in / upsc.gov.in |
| Entry Type | Short Service Commission (SSC) — 10 years service |
| Gender | Men and Women (equal opportunity) |
CDS 2 2026 Vacancy Details — Officer Entries
| Academy | Service | Entry Type | Vacancies | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMA Dehradun | Indian Army | OTA (Officer Training Academy) | 218 | Men & Women |
| INA Ezhimala | Indian Navy | 10+2 Cadet & B.Tech Entry | 42 | Men & Women |
| AFA Hyderabad | Indian Air Force | Flying & Ground Duty | 179 | Men & Women |
| — | — | Total | 451 | — |
CDS is the fastest route to officer commission for graduates. Unlike NDA (which trains for 3 years then 1 year at service academies), CDS officers train for only 6 months to 1 year and become commissioned officers.
CDS 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit for CDS 2 2026
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General Category | 20–28 years (as on 01-01-2027) |
| SC/ST | 20–28 years + 5 years = 33 years max |
| OBC | 20–28 years + 3 years = 31 years max |
Educational Qualification
| Academy | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| IMA (Army OTA) | Bachelor degree from any recognised university |
| INA (Navy) | Bachelor degree any stream OR B.Tech engineering |
| AFA (Flying) | B.Tech any branch |
| AFA (Ground Duty) | Bachelor degree any recognised university |
Appearing graduates eligible: Students in final year of graduation can apply if they complete their degree before SSB dates.
CDS 2 2026 Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | English | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Paper III | Elementary Mathematics | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total Written | — | 360 | 300 | 6 hours |
| SSB Interview | Personality & OLQs | — | 300 | 5 days |
| Grand Total | — | — | 600 | — |
CDS 2 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | May 20, 2026 |
| Application Opens | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 9, 2026 |
| Written Exam | September 13, 2026 |
| SSB Interviews | February – June 2027 |
| Officer Training Begins | July 2027 onwards |
How to Apply for CDS 2 2026 Online
- Visit upsconline.gov.in
- Select “Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026”
- Complete Part-I: Name, DOB, email, education details
- Complete Part-II: Upload photo & signature
- Pay fee: 100 rupees (General/OBC) OR free (SC/ST)
- Submit and download confirmation
- Deadline: June 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM
CDS 2 2026 Officer Salary after Commission
| Rank | Basic Pay | Approx Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant / Sub-Lt / Flying Officer | ₹56,100 | ₹75,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Captain / Lt Commander / Flight Lt | ₹61,300 | ₹90,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| Major / Commander / Squadron Leader | ₹69,400 | ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,45,000 |
Plus: Military Service Pay (15500), free housing, free medical, CSD benefits, pension eligibility.
Key Takeaways — CDS 2 2026
- ✅ 451 vacancies for graduates across Army, Navy, Air Force
- ✅ Open for men and women — age 20-28
- ✅ Last date to apply: June 9, 2026
- ✅ Exam: September 13, 2026 (3 papers, 300 marks)
- ✅ SSB interview: 5 days, 300 marks
- ✅ Officer commission in 10 months from exam to training
- ✅ Salary: ₹75,000–₹1,00,000/month + benefits
Conclusion: Apply for CDS 2 2026 Today
CDS 2 2026 is the fastest path for graduates to commission as officers. With 451 vacancies and equal opportunity for women, this is your opportunity to lead India’s Armed Forces. Apply now at upsconline.gov.in — deadline is June 9, 2026.
🎯 Join Defence Dreamers Academy’s CDS 2026 Coaching — expert guidance on English, GK, Maths, and SSB preparation. Your officer commission starts here.