UPSC CDS 2 Exam Date 2026: Official Schedule and Paper Timings
Union Public Service Commission โ Ministry of Defence
๐ Important Dates
| Exam Date | 13 Sep 2026 |
|---|
๐ Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) II |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Graduate for IMA/OTA/INA; Engineering Degree for AFA. |
| Age Limit | As per official UPSC CDS notification age criteria. |
| Selection Process | Written examination followed by SSB Interview, medical examination, and final merit list. |
๐ Detailed Notification Information
Overview of UPSC Combined Defence Services (II) Examination 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the exam date for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. The examination is scheduled to be conducted on 13 September 2026 (Sunday) across various centres in India.
CDS 2 2026 Exam Schedule and Shift Timings
The examination consists of three papers conducted in a single day following the Indian Standard Time (IST). Candidates must adhere strictly to the reporting times indicated on their e-Admit Cards.
| Subject | Time | Subject Code |
|---|---|---|
| English | 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM | 11 |
| General Knowledge | 12:30 PM - 02:30 PM | 12 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM | 13 |
Examination Structure and Requirements
- IMA, INA, and AFA Candidates: Must appear for all three papers (English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics).
- OTA Candidates: Must appear for English and General Knowledge papers only. Elementary Mathematics is not required for OTA candidates.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Reporting: The gates will close per standard UPSC protocols; entry is prohibited once the closure time is reached.
- Documentation: Candidates must carry a printed e-Admit Card and a valid original photo identity card (e.g., Aadhaar Card) to the examination hall.
- Venue Policy: Exam centres are allotted based on application preferences and are generally not subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my CDS 2 examination centre after submission?
No, the UPSC does not generally entertain requests for changes to examination centres once the application has been submitted.
Are OTA candidates required to write the Mathematics paper?
No, candidates applying exclusively for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA) are exempted from the Elementary Mathematics paper.
๐ How to Apply
๐ Preparation Strategy for Union Public Service Commission
Securing a government position under Union Public Service Commission requires a disciplined and strategic approach. Candidates with Graduate for IMA/OTA/INA; Engineering Degree for AFA. qualifications should focus on the following:
- Analyze Syllabus & Pattern: Thoroughly review the official Union Public Service Commission exam syllabus. Understand the marking scheme, sectional cutoffs, and whether negative marking applies.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solving past Union Public Service Commission exam papers and taking timed mock tests is the most effective way to improve speed and accuracy.
- Time Management: Dedicate fixed study hours for quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, general awareness, and language tests based on the weightage of marks in the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II examination.
โ ๏ธ Safe Application Checklist
To avoid fraud and secure your candidature for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II position, always complete the following checks before submitting your application:
- Verify Official Domains: Ensure you apply only on official government portals. Check that the website URL ends in
.gov.in,.nic.in, or.ac.in. - Read PDF Notification: Always download and thoroughly read the official Union Public Service Commission notification PDF to check specific eligibility details, reservations, and document formats.
- Beware of Agents: Government recruitments by Union Public Service Commission are strictly based on merit. Never pay money to unauthorized agents promising guaranteed jobs.
How can I confirm if this Union Public Service Commission job posting is genuine?
Every job notification listed on ApplySarkariJob.com is cross-verified with official government gazettes, department portals, and national employment newspapers. We provide direct links to the official Union Public Service Commission website and the original notification PDF in the "Source/Official Links" section above. Candidates are strongly advised to verify all information on the official portal before applying for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II post.
What should I do if the official application link or PDF does not open?
Union Public Service Commission portals often experience extremely high traffic when notifications are released or close to the deadline, causing official servers to slow down or crash. If a link or official PDF is unresponsive, please try accessing it during off-peak hours (early morning or late night) or check your internet connection.
Does ApplySarkariJob charge any fees for recruitment updates or alerts?
No. ApplySarkariJob.com is a 100% free informational portal. We never charge job seekers for notifications, study materials, or push alerts. If you receive any calls, emails, or messages requesting payment under our name, please ignore them as they are fraudulent.
What qualifications do I need for this Union Public Service Commission recruitment?
The educational qualification required for this recruitment is: Graduate for IMA/OTA/INA; Engineering Degree for AFA.. Please always refer to the official notification PDF linked in the "Source/Official Links" section above for the most accurate and complete eligibility criteria, including age limits, experience requirements, and category-specific relaxations.
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๐ Source/Official Links
Anita Verma is a certified HR professional with extensive experience in government and semi-government hiring practices. She specializes in university, hospital, and court recruitment notifications across India.