The Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2 Examination 2026, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), remains one of the most prestigious gateways for aspirants aiming to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. With 451 total vacancies, the competition is rigorous, making it essential for candidates to stay well-informed about the exam structure and past performance trends.
CDS 2 Examination 2026 Overview
The examination was successfully held on 13th September 2026. Understanding the pattern is the first step toward effective preparation for future attempts.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CDS Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Body | UPSC |
| CDS 2 Exam Date | 13th September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted for wrong answer |
| Duration | 2 hours for each paper |
| Papers | English, General Knowledge, Mathematics |
Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The selection process follows a structured path involving a written examination, followed by the SSB Interview and a medical examination. The written exam utilizes an MCQ format, with a critical negative marking provision where 1/3 of the marks are deducted for every incorrect response.
Paper Structure for IMA, INA & AFA
| S. No. | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | 120 | 2 hours |
| 2 | General Knowledge | 120 | 2 hours |
| 3 | Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hours |
Paper Structure for OTA
| S. No. | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | 100 | 2 hours |
| 2 | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
Benefits of Using CDS Question Papers
- Help understand the latest exam trends
- Provide real exam-level questions for practice
- Assist in analyzing strengths and weaknesses
- Useful for revising important topics
Official Question Papers
You can download the official question papers from the September 2026 examination below to evaluate your performance: