CDS 2026: Result (Out), Check Merit List, 8,956 Qualified

The CDS 2 Result 2026 was declared by UPSC on October 19, 2026. A total of 8,956 candidates qualified for the SSB interview. They will compete for 451 vacancies in IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Candidates can download the result PDF from the link given below and check their roll numbers.

The CDS 2 2026 exam was held on September 13, 2026. The exam took place in three shifts. English was held from 9 AM to 11 AM. General Knowledge was held from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Elementary Mathematics was held from 4 PM to 6 PM. Candidates who passed the written exam can now prepare for the SSB interview. The CDS 1 2026 exam was held on April 12, 2026. It also had three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.

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UPSC CDS Exam 2026 was conducted on September 13, 2026. UPSC is expected to announce the CDS 2 Final Result 2026 by October 10, 2026 (Tentative), for candidates recommended for admission to the Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. The final result will be available on the official UPSC website along with the relevant marks information. Candidates can check their results and marks through the respective sections of the UPSC website.

CDS Exam 2026 Highlights

Some of the major CDS exam highlights 2026 are given in the table below:

CDS Exam Date 2026

The CDS 2 result is expected to be released by October 10, 2026 (Tentative). Candidates can check the CDS Exam Date 2026 for both CDS 1 and CDS 2, including the notification release, application dates, admit card release, and examination dates, in the table below.

CDS Exam Timing 2026

Candidates can check the table below for CDS exam timing 2026:

CDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for CDS 2 2026 must fulfil the nationality, age, educational qualification, and marital status requirements prescribed by UPSC. The CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026 also require candidates to meet the specific eligibility conditions prescribed for the academy they wish to join.

Candidates applying for IMA and OTA must hold a degree from a recognised university or equivalent. Candidates applying for INA must have a degree in Engineering or the qualification specified by UPSC, while candidates applying for AFA must hold a degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

CDS Exam 2026 Application Process

The CDS 2 Application Form 2026 process has been closed. UPSC released the CDS 2 2026 notification on May 20, 2026, and candidates were required to submit their applications within the prescribed application period. The CDS 2026 Application Process included registration, filling out the application form, uploading the required documents, and submitting the application within the specified deadline. Candidates who successfully submitted their applications can appear for the CDS 2 2026 written examination scheduled for September 13, 2026.

Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website and complete the required registration process.

Step 2: Log in using the registered credentials and select the CDS 2 Examination 2026 application link.

Step 3: Enter the required personal, educational, and communication details carefully.

Step 4: Upload the photograph, signature, and other required documents in the prescribed format.

Step 5: Pay the applicable application fee through the available payment method.

Step 6: Review all the details carefully and submit the CDS 2 Application Form 2026.

CDS 2026 Exam Pattern

The CDS 2 Exam Pattern 2026 consists of objective-type papers. Candidates appearing for IMA, INA and AFA have three papers, namely English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Candidates appearing for OTA have two papers, English and General Knowledge. Each paper carries 100 marks and has a duration of 2 hours.

Note: The CDS 2026 written examination includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for IMA, INA, and AFA candidates, while OTA candidates appear only for English and General Knowledge. Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers.

CDS Exam Syllabus 2026

The CDS syllabus 2026 covers English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for IMA, INA and AFA candidates. OTA candidates appear for English and General Knowledge. The syllabus covers language skills, general awareness, mathematics, history, geography, science, and current affairs.

CDS Exam Admit Card 2026

UPSC released the CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 on September 3, 2026, for the written examination scheduled on September 13, 2026. Candidates can download the e-Admit Card from the official UPSC website. The admit card contains important details such as the candidate's roll number, examination centre, date, reporting instructions, and other exam-day guidelines.

Candidates should carefully verify all the information mentioned on the CDS 2 2026 admit card before appearing for the examination. The examination centre allotted by UPSC will be mentioned on the admit card, and candidates must appear only at the centre assigned to them.

How to Download CDS Exam 2026 Admit Card 2026?

Candidates can download the CDS 2026 admit card through the official UPSC website by following the steps given below:

• Visit the Official UPSC Website: Go to upsc.gov.in.
• Find the Admit Card Link: Open the e-Admit Card section and select CDS 2 2026.
• Enter Login Information: Enter the required registration or login details.
• Submit Details: Submit the information to access the admit card.
• Download Admit Card: Check the details carefully and download the e-Admit Card.
• Print a Copy: Take a printout of the admit card and carry it to the examination centre along with the required photo ID.

CDS Exam Preparation Tips 2026

Effective CDS preparation Tips 2026 should focus on understanding the syllabus, practising previous year papers, improving speed and accuracy, and revising important topics regularly. Candidates should also stay updated with current affairs and prepare for the SSB stage.

• Understand the Syllabus: Build strong fundamentals in English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics where applicable.
• Practise Previous Papers: Solve previous UPSC CDS question papers to understand the exam pattern.
• Read Current Affairs Regularly: Follow reliable sources to stay updated with important events.
• Attempt Mock Tests: Take timed mock tests to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
• Prepare for SSB: Work on communication skills, confidence, leadership qualities, and overall personality development.

CDS 2 Question Paper 2026

CDS 2 question paper 2026 will be released soon by UPSC. Meanwhile, candidates can go through the previous year CDS 2 paper 2026 from the table below:

CDS 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

Candidates appearing for the CDS 2026 examination must follow all the instructions provided by UPSC and mentioned on the e-Admit Card.

• Candidates must carry their e-Admit Card and the required photo ID.
• Candidates should use a black ball pen for marking answers on the OMR sheet.
• Candidates should carefully follow the instructions given by the invigilator.
• Mobile phones, pagers, Bluetooth devices, smart watches, cameras, and other prohibited electronic devices are not allowed inside the examination venue.
• Candidates should reach the examination centre according to the reporting instructions mentioned on their admit card.
• Candidates must appear only at the examination centre allotted by UPSC.

CDS Exam Answer Key 2026

The provisional CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 has been released. Candidates can use the answer key to check their responses and estimate their probable scores. UPSC provides a mechanism for candidates to submit representations regarding questions and provisional answer keys within the prescribed period. Candidates should refer to the official UPSC website for the answer key and representation-related instructions when released.

CDS 2 Expected Cut Off 2026

Based on the overall difficulty level and student reviews, the expected CDS cutoff 2026 for IMA is expected to be around 110-135 marks. Apart from this, the CDS 2 Expected Cut Off 2026 for INA and AFA is expected to be around 104-125 and 108-155 marks, respectively. The expected CDS cutoff 2026 is given below:

CDS Exam Result 2026

The CDS 2 Result 2026 was declared by UPSC on October 19, 2026. Candidates who qualify the written examination will be shortlisted for the subsequent selection stages as per the applicable procedure. The CDS exam journey involves several stages, starting with online registration and ending with the SSB interview and final selection.

The result is generally made available through the official UPSC website. Candidates can download the result PDF and search for their roll number to check whether they have qualified.

How to Check CDS Exam Results 2026?

To check the CDS 2 Result 2026, candidates can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC): upsc.gov.in.
2. Go to the Examination section and select Written Results.
3. Look for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 result link.
4. Click on the result PDF.
5. Search for your roll number in the PDF using Ctrl + F.
6. Candidates whose roll numbers appear in the list have qualified for the next stage of the CDS selection process.

UPSC publishes written results as PDFs on its website; its current examination portal also

CDS Exam Selection Process 2026

The CDS selection process 2026 consists of a written examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview for candidates who qualify the written stage. Candidates who clear the required stages are considered for further selection subject to the applicable medical and other eligibility requirements.

CDS Exam 2026 FAQs