UPSC CDS-II Exam Schedule 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 examination timetable. The UPSC CDS-II 2026 written examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026 (Sunday). UPSC has also released the detailed paper-wise schedule, according to which English 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.
The CDS-II 2026 notification was released on 20 May 2026, and the application process was conducted online. UPSC’s examination archive confirms 13 September 2026 as the examination date and lists the duration as one day.
Candidates who successfully submitted their applications should now focus on final revision, previous-year papers, mock tests and preparation for the written examination.
UPSC CDS-II Exam Schedule 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Popular Name | UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2026 |
| Notification Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| CDS-II Exam Date 2026 | 13 September 2026 |
| Exam Day | Sunday |
| Exam Duration | One Day |
| Exam Mode | Offline / Written |
| English Paper | 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| General Knowledge Paper | 12:30 PM – 02:30 PM |
| Elementary Mathematics Paper | 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM |
| Admit Card | Before Examination |
| Written Result | To Be Announced |
| SSB Interview | After Written Result |
| Official Website | UPSC |
The paper-wise timings above are taken from the official UPSC CDS-II 2026 examination timetable.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Date 2026
The UPSC CDS-II Examination 2026 will be conducted on 13 September 2026.
The examination will take place on Sunday and will be conducted in three sessions:
- English: 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- General Knowledge: 12:30 PM to 02:30 PM
- Elementary Mathematics: 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM
UPSC has officially published this detailed timetable, so candidates should now treat 13 September 2026 as the confirmed CDS-II written examination date.
UPSC CDS-II Exam Time Table 2026
The official timetable provides the following schedule:
| Date | Time | Subject | Paper Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 September 2026 | 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM | English | 11 |
| 13 September 2026 | 12:30 PM – 02:30 PM | General Knowledge | 12 |
| 13 September 2026 | 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM | Elementary Mathematics | 13 |
All times are according to Indian Standard Time (IST).
Important Note
Candidates should carefully check their e-Admit Card for the examination centre, reporting time and instructions. The timetable provides the examination session timings, while the admission certificate contains the candidate-specific examination details.
UPSC CDS-II Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CDS-II Notification 2026 | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| CDS-II Written Examination | 13 September 2026 |
| English Paper | 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| General Knowledge Paper | 12:30 PM – 02:30 PM |
| Elementary Mathematics Paper | 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM |
| Admit Card | Before Exam |
| Written Result | To Be Announced |
| SSB Interview | After Written Result |
| Final Result | To Be Announced |
The official CDS-II notification confirms 20 May 2026 as the notification date and 13 September 2026 as the examination date.
Note: UPSC’s examination archive currently records the last date for receipt of applications as 11 June 2026 at 6:00 PM, while the original examination notice PDF displays 09 June 2026. Candidates should use the latest UPSC record for the application deadline.
UPSC CDS-II Examination 2026
The Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted by UPSC for recruitment and admission to various officer-training courses of the Indian Armed Forces.
The examination covers opportunities associated with:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
Candidates who qualify the written examination are subsequently called for the Services Selection Board process, subject to the applicable eligibility and selection conditions.
UPSC CDS-II Exam Pattern 2026
The CDS-II written examination consists of different papers depending upon the academy/course selected by the candidate.
For IMA, INA and AFA
Candidates generally appear for:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
Each paper carries 100 marks and has a duration of 2 hours.
Therefore:
Total = 300 Marks
For OTA
Candidates applying for Officers’ Training Academy appear for:
- English
- General Knowledge
Each paper carries 100 marks.
Therefore:
Total = 200 Marks
CDS-II 2026 Paper Timing
The timing of each paper is especially important because the examination is conducted in three separate sessions.
1. English Paper
Time: 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Candidates should reach the centre sufficiently early so they can complete all entry procedures before the examination begins.
2. General Knowledge Paper
Time: 12:30 PM to 02:30 PM
There is a break between the first and second sessions.
3. Elementary Mathematics
Time: 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM
Mathematics is applicable to candidates appearing for IMA, INA and AFA.
The official UPSC timetable confirms all three session timings.
UPSC CDS-II Syllabus 2026
English
The English paper tests the candidate’s understanding and use of the English language.
Important areas include:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Sentence improvement
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Reading comprehension
- Spotting errors
- Fill in the blanks
- Sentence arrangement
- Word usage
Candidates should solve previous-year questions regularly to understand the question style.
General Knowledge
The General Knowledge paper covers a broad range of topics, including:
- Current Affairs
- History
- Geography
- Indian Polity
- Economics
- General Science
- Defence-related developments
- Sports
- Awards
- Important national and international events
Elementary Mathematics
Important Mathematics topics include:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
- Number System
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Time and Work
- Time, Speed and Distance
UPSC CDS-II Selection Process 2026
The CDS-II selection process generally consists of:
Written Examination → SSB Interview/Personality Test → Medical Examination → Final Merit
Stage 1 – Written Examination
Candidates first appear for the CDS-II written examination.
Stage 2 – SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) process.
The SSB assesses various qualities, including:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Decision-making
- Psychological suitability
- Officer-like qualities
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Candidates recommended through the selection process undergo the required medical examination.
Stage 4 – Final Merit List
Final selection is made according to applicable merit, vacancies, eligibility and other prescribed conditions.
UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026
The UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026 will be released before the written examination.
Candidates should download their e-Admit Card from the official UPSC portal when it becomes available.
The admit card is expected to contain important information such as:
- Candidate name
- Roll number
- Examination centre
- Examination date
- Reporting time
- Photograph
- Examination instructions
Candidates should carefully check all details after downloading the admit card.
How to Download UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026?
Candidates can follow these steps:
Step 1
Visit the official UPSC website.
Step 2
Open the e-Admit Card section.
Step 3
Search for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
Step 4
Click on the appropriate admit-card link.
Step 5
Enter the required login details.
Step 6
Submit the information.
Step 7
Download the e-Admit Card.
Step 8
Take a clear printout for examination use.
Candidates should not wait until the final day to download their admit card.
UPSC CDS-II Exam Centre 2026
The examination will be conducted at designated centres across India.
The exact centre allotted to an individual candidate will be mentioned on the e-Admit Card.
Candidates should check the centre address carefully and, if possible, visit the location before examination day.
This is especially useful for candidates whose examination centre is located in another city.
UPSC CDS-II Exam Day Instructions
Candidates should carefully follow all instructions printed on their e-Admit Card.
Important points include:
- Carry a printed copy of the e-Admit Card.
- Carry the required photo identity document.
- Reach the centre before the reporting/entry deadline.
- Do not carry prohibited electronic devices.
- Follow the instructions given by examination officials.
- Use only permitted stationery.
- Check all details before submitting the answer sheet.
Candidates should also remember that UPSC can impose strict entry and examination rules, so the instructions on the current admit card should always be followed.
UPSC CDS-II 2026 Vacancy
The CDS-II examination is conducted for vacancies in various defence academies/courses.
The relevant opportunities include:
| Academy | Course/Entry |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy | IMA |
| Indian Naval Academy | INA |
| Air Force Academy | AFA |
| Officers’ Training Academy | OTA |
The exact number of vacancies can be subject to change and should be checked from the official CDS-II 2026 notification and subsequent UPSC updates.
UPSC CDS-II Eligibility 2026
Eligibility depends on the academy and course.
Indian Military Academy
Candidates generally require a degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification.
Indian Naval Academy
Candidates generally require a degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution.
Air Force Academy
Candidates generally require a degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or an Engineering degree, subject to the prescribed conditions.
Officers’ Training Academy
Candidates generally require a degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification.
Candidates should check the official CDS-II notification for the exact qualification requirements and conditions.
UPSC CDS-II Age Limit 2026
The age requirement differs according to the academy and course.
Candidates should check the official CDS-II notification for the prescribed date-of-birth range.
It is important to calculate eligibility using the date-of-birth conditions specified by UPSC rather than relying on a generic age calculator.
UPSC CDS-II Application Form 2026
The CDS-II 2026 application process was conducted through the UPSC online application system.
The official notification was released on 20 May 2026.
Candidates who successfully completed their application should now focus on the written examination.
Since the application stage has passed, candidates should not wait for another application window for the current CDS-II examination unless UPSC issues a specific notice.
UPSC CDS-II Preparation Strategy 2026
With the examination scheduled for 13 September 2026, candidates should focus on revision and test practice.
1. Prepare a Daily Timetable
Divide study time between:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Current Affairs
- Previous-year papers
2. Solve Previous-Year Papers
Previous-year papers are among the most useful resources for understanding the actual CDS examination.
UPSC’s official question-paper archive provides CDS question papers, including CDS-I 2026 English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers.
3. Practice English Daily
Solve grammar and comprehension questions regularly.
4. Revise General Knowledge
Focus on static GK along with current affairs.
5. Practice Mathematics
Candidates appearing for IMA, INA and AFA should practice Mathematics regularly.
6. Attempt Mock Tests
Take full-length mock tests under actual examination conditions.
7. Analyse Your Score
After each mock test, identify:
- Weak topics
- Calculation errors
- Guessing mistakes
- Time-management issues
- Questions taking too long
CDS-II 2026 Previous Year Question Papers
Previous-year question papers help candidates understand:
- Difficulty level
- Question format
- Topic distribution
- Repeated concepts
- Time requirements
The official UPSC question-paper section currently provides CDS-I 2026 papers for English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.
Candidates should solve these papers within the actual time limit.
UPSC CDS-II Result 2026
The UPSC CDS-II Result 2026 will be released after the written examination.
Candidates who qualify the written examination will proceed to the next stage of the selection process.
The result will be published through the official UPSC website.
Candidates should keep their roll number and other examination details safely for checking the result.
UPSC CDS-II Cut Off 2026
The CDS-II Cut Off 2026 will be released by UPSC after the examination/result process.
The cut-off may vary based on:
- Number of vacancies
- Difficulty level
- Candidate performance
- Number of candidates
- Academy/course
- Category and applicable conditions
Candidates should treat only the official UPSC cut-off as final.
UPSC CDS-II SSB Interview 2026
Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the SSB Interview.
The SSB process is designed to assess candidates for suitability for commissioned officer roles.
Preparation may include:
- Communication skills
- Psychological tests
- Group discussions
- Group tasks
- Personal interview
- Leadership activities
- Current affairs
- Self-awareness
Candidates should start understanding the SSB process well before the written result.
UPSC CDS-II Exam Schedule 2026 – Important Points
Candidates should remember these important updates:
- CDS-II Notification: 20 May 2026
- CDS-II Exam Date: 13 September 2026
- Exam Day: Sunday
- English: 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- General Knowledge: 12:30 PM – 02:30 PM
- Elementary Mathematics: 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM
- Exam Duration: One Day
- Exam Mode: Offline
- Admit Card: Before Examination
- Written Result: To Be Announced
- SSB Interview: After Written Result
The detailed paper-wise timetable is officially published by UPSC.
UPSC CDS-II Exam Schedule 2026 – Important Links
| Check Exam Schedule Notice | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Check Date Extend Notice | Click Here |
| Check Official Notification | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions – UPSC CDS-II Exam Schedule 2026
Q1. When is the UPSC CDS-II Exam 2026?
The UPSC CDS-II Examination 2026 will be conducted on 13 September 2026.
Q2. Is the CDS-II 2026 exam date officially confirmed?
Yes. UPSC has officially released the detailed timetable for 13 September 2026.
Q3. What is the CDS-II English paper timing?
The English paper will be conducted from 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM on 13 September 2026.
Q4. What is the CDS-II General Knowledge paper timing?
The General Knowledge paper will be conducted from 12:30 PM to 02:30 PM.
Q5. What is the CDS-II Mathematics paper timing?
The Elementary Mathematics paper will be conducted from 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM.
Q6. Is Mathematics compulsory for all CDS candidates?
No. Candidates appearing for OTA generally take English and General Knowledge, while Mathematics is included for candidates appearing for IMA, INA and AFA.
Q7. When was the CDS-II 2026 notification released?
The official notification was released on 20 May 2026.
Q8. When will CDS-II Admit Card 2026 be released?
The e-Admit Card will be released before the examination. Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC portal.
Q9. What is the CDS-II 2026 exam mode?
The CDS written examination is conducted in offline mode using objective-type papers.
Q10. What happens after the CDS-II written exam?
Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the SSB Interview/Personality Test, followed by the applicable medical and final-selection stages.
Q11. Where can I check the official CDS-II Exam Schedule?
The official schedule can be checked on the UPSC website and through the official CDS-II examination timetable.
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS-II Exam Schedule 2026 has been officially released, and the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 is scheduled for 13 September 2026 (Sunday). UPSC has also released the detailed timetable, giving candidates the exact timing of each written paper.
The English paper will be conducted from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the General Knowledge paper from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM and Elementary Mathematics from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Candidates should now focus on final revision, mock tests and previous-year question papers. Candidates appearing for IMA, INA and AFA should give particular attention to Mathematics, while OTA candidates should concentrate on English and General Knowledge.
The next major update will be the UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026, followed by the written examination and result. Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website for the latest notices and examination instructions.