Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is expected to publish updates concerning the CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 following the Combined Defence Services Examination scheduled for September 13, 2026. The examination is conducted for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers’ Training Academy; the total number of vacancies is yet to be announced.
Candidates should note that UPSC generally releases the official answer keys after completion of the examination and final selection process. Any question-paper representation or objection facility will be available only if activated through the commission’s official portal.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer entries through CDS 2 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | TBA |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date | June 9, 2026 |
| Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Result Date | TBA |
The release date of the CDS 2 answer key has not been confirmed. Candidates must monitor the UPSC website for the official key, question papers and any notice regarding representations.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Indian Military Academy and Officers’ Training Academy: A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
- Indian Naval Academy: An engineering degree from a recognised university or institution.
- Air Force Academy: A bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics studied at the Class 12 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
- Candidates appearing in the final year or semester of the prescribed degree may be eligible subject to the conditions and documentary deadlines stated in the detailed notification.
- Applicants must produce original educational certificates during the prescribed verification stage.
Age Limit
- The indicative age range for CDS entries is generally 19 to 25 years, depending on the academy.
- Indian Military Academy and Indian Naval Academy entries usually prescribe an age range of approximately 19 to 24 years.
- Air Force Academy candidates are generally required to be between 20 and 24 years, subject to permissible relaxation for eligible commercial pilot licence holders.
- Officers’ Training Academy applicants are generally required to be between 19 and 25 years.
- Academy-specific date-of-birth, gender and marital-status conditions in the official CDS 2 2026 notification will be binding.
Fees
- General, OBC and EWS male candidates are generally required to pay an examination fee of ₹200.
- Women, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates are ordinarily exempt from payment.
- The fee may be paid through the online options provided on the UPSC application portal.
- Fees once submitted are generally non-refundable and cannot be adjusted against another examination.
Selection Process
- Written Examination: Candidates take papers prescribed for their chosen academy. IMA, INA and AFA applicants appear for English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, while OTA applicants take English and General Knowledge.
- SSB Interview: Written-exam qualifiers undergo intelligence and personality testing conducted in two stages by the Services Selection Board.
- Medical Examination and Final Merit: Recommended candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical and physical standards. Final selection is based on merit, eligibility, medical fitness, preference and vacancy availability.
How to Apply
- Visit the UPSC official website and open the online application section for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
- Complete the required registration or account-creation process using an active email address and mobile number. Candidates should ensure that their name and date of birth match their official documents.
- Enter personal, academic and communication details, and select the preferred academy and examination centre carefully.
- Upload the required photograph, signature, identity proof and other documents in the specified format. Pay the application fee, where applicable, before final submission.
- Review the form and retain a copy of the submitted application and fee receipt. No application changes should be assumed unless UPSC formally provides a correction facility.
- To check the answer key, visit the Examinations or Answer Keys section of upsc.gov.in after the examination. Download the CDS 2 question paper and key for the relevant test booklet or paper.
- If UPSC opens a question-paper representation window, submit the challenge through the designated online portal within the stated deadline. Include the question number, paper details and credible supporting reference; objections sent through unofficial channels may not be considered.
Important Links
FAQs
1. When will the CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 be released?
UPSC has not announced a release date. Official answer keys are commonly published after the recruitment cycle reaches the appropriate stage.
2. Can candidates challenge the CDS 2 provisional answer key?
An objection can be filed only if UPSC announces a provisional key or activates an official representation facility. Candidates must follow the specified deadline and procedure.
3. Where can candidates download the CDS 2 response sheet?
Candidates should check upsc.gov.in for official question papers, answer keys and related notices. Availability of indi
