CDS 2 Result 2026 – UPSC CDS (II) Written Result Date, Cut-Off & Next Steps

UPSC held the CDS (II) 2026 written exam on 13 September 2026 for 451 tentative vacancies in IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. The written result has not been declared yet; it will be published as a roll-number PDF on upsc.gov.in.

Overview

Important Dates

CDS 2 Result 2026: Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 — CDS 2 2026 — on 13 September 2026. As of 11 October 2026, UPSC has not yet declared the CDS 2 2026 written result. When it is released, it will be published on upsc.gov.in as a PDF list of roll numbers of candidates who have qualified for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. This page explains when the result can be expected, how to check it, how the written and SSB marks are combined, and what qualified candidates must do next.

The CDS 2 2026 notification (Notice No. 11/2026-CDS-II) was released on 20 May 2026 with 451 tentative vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Courses are scheduled to commence in July 2027 for IMA, INA and AFA, and October 2027 for OTA, as per the notification.

When will the CDS 2 2026 result be declared?

UPSC has not announced a date. In previous cycles, the CDS written result has typically been declared some weeks after the exam — often later than the NDA written result for the same date. For example, the NDA & NA (II) 2026 written result, for the exam held on the same day, was declared on 9 October 2026 (see our NDA 2 result 2026 page). CDS results usually take longer because of the larger number of papers and academies involved. Track the latest status on our Upcoming Results page.

How to check the CDS 2 result 2026

1. Visit upsc.gov.in by typing the address yourself.
2. Open What’s New or Examination → Results.
3. Click Written Result: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
4. The PDF opens with a press note and the list of qualified roll numbers.
5. Press Ctrl + F and search your roll number.
6. Download the PDF and read the instructions for SSB registration.

CDS exam pattern: how marks are counted

For IMA, INA and AFA

For OTA

All papers are objective, with negative marking for wrong answers as specified in the notification. UPSC fixes minimum qualifying marks in each paper and in aggregate. The final merit for each academy is prepared on the basis of written plus SSB marks.

Academy-wise entries in CDS 2 2026

Academy-wise vacancy figures in the notification are tentative and can be changed by the Services Headquarters.

What the CDS 2 result PDF will contain

When UPSC publishes the written result, the PDF usually begins with a press note that names the exam, mentions the date of the written test and explains that the listed candidates have qualified for the SSB interview for the academies they opted for. It is followed by the list of roll numbers — and sometimes names — of qualified candidates. The press note also contains important instructions: how and where to register for the SSB, the time limit, contact details for queries about SSB dates, and the reminder that candidature is provisional. Separate lists may be issued for different academies or for OTA (men and women). Read the full PDF, not just the roll numbers.

CDS 2 2026 cut-off

UPSC publishes academy-wise cut-off marks generally after the final result. The cut-off depends on vacancies in each academy, the difficulty of the papers and the overall performance of candidates. Separate cut-offs apply for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA, and OTA cut-offs are based only on English and General Knowledge. Use previous years’ official cut-offs only as a rough guide.

Expected timeline for CDS 2 2026

CDS vs NDA: key differences

After the result: SSB registration

The result notice tells qualified candidates how to register for SSB dates. Typically:

• Candidates with the Army (IMA/OTA) as first choice register on joinindianarmy.nic.in within the time stated in the notice.
• Candidates with the Navy (INA) or Air Force (AFA) as first choice receive SSB information from Naval Headquarters or Air Headquarters; check joinindiannavy.gov.in and careerindianairforce.cdac.in.
• Use an email ID and phone number you check daily, and register early.

The SSB interview at a glance

The SSB is a five-day process: Stage I screening (Officer Intelligence Rating test and Picture Perception & Description Test with group discussion), followed by Stage II — psychology tests, Group Testing Officer tasks and a personal interview — and a final conference. Air Force candidates also take the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test. For a detailed day-by-day explanation and preparation plan, read our SSB interview guide — the procedure is the same for CDS candidates.

Documents required at SSB

• SSB call-up letter
• Original Class 10 certificate (date of birth proof)
• Graduation degree / provisional certificate and marksheets, as per your academy’s eligibility (final-year candidates must submit proof within the time limit in the notification)
• Original photo identity card
• Passport-size photographs as specified
• Copy of the UPSC admit card and application

Eligibility reminders

• IMA: graduation from a recognised university; unmarried male candidates within the age window in the notification.
• INA: engineering degree from a recognised university, as specified in the notification.
• AFA: graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or a bachelor’s degree in engineering, as specified.
• OTA: graduation; open to men and to women as per the notification’s conditions.

Exact date-of-birth windows and marital-status conditions are in the official notification. Candidature is provisional at every stage until eligibility is verified.

Women candidates at OTA

The Officers’ Training Academy entry through CDS is open to women as well as men, subject to the eligibility and marital-status conditions in the notification. Women candidates who qualify the written exam go through the same SSB procedure and a medical examination as per the standards notified for them. If you are a woman candidate, check the OTA (Women) section of the notification for vacancy and eligibility details.

Training after selection

Candidates selected for IMA, INA and AFA undergo pre-commission training at their academies and are granted a Permanent Commission on successful completion, while OTA cadets are granted a Short Service Commission after training at OTA, Chennai. Cadets receive a stipend during training as per the rules, and training expenses are borne by the Government. Read the notification for the duration of training at each academy and the terms of commission.

What to do while waiting for the result

• Estimate your score using answer keys from your memory or coaching analysis, but treat it only as an estimate.
• Start SSB preparation now: practise OIR questions, PPDT stories and group discussions.
• Build physical fitness — running, push-ups and sit-ups — for GTO tasks.
• Get small medical issues (ear wax, dental problems, weight) corrected before the SSB medical.
• Keep your documents ready, including graduation proof.

A word of caution about rumours

Around every UPSC result, social media groups share screenshots and “leaked” dates. UPSC does not announce results through such channels. The written result PDF appears on upsc.gov.in, usually under What’s New, and the press note is the only reliable statement of who has qualified and what to do next. Bookmark the official website and check it directly instead of forwarding unverified messages.

Key takeaways

• CDS 2 2026 was held on 13 September 2026 for 451 tentative vacancies.
• The written result has not been declared yet; it will be published on upsc.gov.in.
• IMA/INA/AFA written marks are out of 300 and SSB out of 300; for OTA, written and SSB are out of 200 each.
• Start SSB preparation now instead of waiting for the result.

How to check Result

1. Open the official website (upsc.gov.in) using the link below.
2. Find the “Result” or “Latest News” section on the home page.
3. Click the link for CDS 2 Result 2026 – UPSC CDS (II) Written Result Date, Cut-Off & Next Steps.
4. Enter your roll number / registration number and date of birth if asked, or open the result PDF.
5. Check your name and roll number, then download and save a copy for future use.

What you need

• Roll number or registration number
• Date of birth / password
• Stable internet connection (official sites are busy on result day)

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions