The CDS 2 2026 Notification is your gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts this exam 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).
With hundreds of vacancies and high competition, cracking the exam requires more than just hard work—it requires a strategic pathway. At GAPS SSB, we provide a structured mentorship program to help you navigate everything from the CDS 2 2026 Notification details to final recommendation.
UPSC CDS 2 2026: Important Dates
The CDS 2 2026 Notification is expected to be officially released by the UPSC on May 20, 2026. Candidates are advised to keep a close watch on the official UPSC portal.
| Event | Date |
| CDS 2 2026 Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| CDS 2 2026 Notification Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 9 June 2026 |
| CDS 2 2026 Notification Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 1 week before exam |
| Result Declaration | October 2026 (Expected) |
CDS 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before you wait for the CDS 2 2026 Notification, ensure you meet the following UPSC requirements:
1. Nationality and Gender
- Indian nationals, citizens of Nepal/Bhutan, or people of Indian origin from specific countries can apply.
- Men can apply for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Women are eligible exclusively for the OTA.
2. Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Graduation from a recognized university.
- INA: Degree in Engineering.
- AFA: Graduation with Physics & Math at 10+2 level or a B.E. degree.
3. Age Limit for CDS 2 2026
| Academy | Age Limit | Birthdate Range |
| IMA | 19 – 24 | 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008 |
| INA | 19 – 24 | 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008 |
| AFA | 20 – 24 | 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2007 |
| OTA | 19 – 25 | 2 Jan 2002 – 1 Jan 2008 |
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Understanding the syllabus mentioned in the CDS 2 2026 Notification is vital for sensible preparation.
- IMA/INA/AFA: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks each).
- OTA: English and General Knowledge only (100 marks each).
- Marking: Objective-type MCQs with a negative marking of 1/3 for every wrong answer.
How GAPS SSB Helps You Succeed
While the written exam is the first step, the ultimate hurdle is the SSB Interview. Following the CDS 2 2026 Notification, aspirants often struggle with the transition from written prep to personality testing.
At GAPS SSB, led by Er. Deepak Kumar Prasad (7-Times Recommended, Ex-IMA), we bridge this gap. Our coaching goes beyond books:
- Real GTO Ground: Practice PGT, HGT, and Command Tasks on our functional ground.
- Psychology Mastery: Get your TAT, WAT, and SRT dossiers checked by experts.
- Personal Interviews: One-on-one sessions to refine your life story and OIR.
Preparation Tips for CDS 2 2026
- Analyze the CDS 2 2026 Notification Syllabus: Stick to the core topics and solve at least 10 years of PYQs.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated for the GK paper and the SSB’s Lecturette/GD.
- Physical Fitness: Start early. The CDS 2 2026 Notification leads to a rigorous medical and physical standard check.
- Mock Tests: Take regular full-length tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Conclusion
The CDS 2 2026 Notification is your chance to wear the uniform. Success requires a blend of smart study for the written exam and character building for the SSB. GAPS SSB is committed to providing you with the mentorship that has already resulted in 650+ recommendations.
Stay tuned for the CDS 2 2026 Notification and start your journey today. Your officer dream is just one disciplined preparation away!
