UPSC CDS 2 Exam Time Table 2026 Out: Check Detailed Shift Schedule & Timings
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the exam time table for CDS 2 2026. Check subject-wise shift timings, exam date, and important schedule details here.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the exam time table for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. Candidates preparing for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) can check the detailed subject-wise schedule and shift timings below.
Overview of UPSC CDS (II) 2026 Examination
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted twice a year by the UPSC to recruit eligible officers into the Indian Armed Forces. The CDS 2 2026 written examination will be held in a single day across three scheduled shifts.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 [CDS II 2026] |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Date | September 13, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper - OMR based) |
| Time Standard | Indian Standard Time (IST) |
| Total Papers | 3 (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics) |
Detailed UPSC CDS 2 Exam Time Table 2026
The examination is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2026. Candidates must strictly adhere to the designated time slots as Indian Standard Time (IST) will be observed throughout all centers.
| Date | Subject | Subject Code | Exam Shift & Timing | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.09.2026 (Sunday) | English | 11 | 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 2 Hours |
| 13.09.2026 (Sunday) | General Knowledge | 12 | 12:30 PM to 02:30 PM | 2 Hours |
| 13.09.2026 (Sunday) | Elementary Mathematics | 13 | 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM | 2 Hours |
Shift-Wise Exam Details
1. Shift 1: English (Subject Code 11)
- Timing: 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Applicability: Required for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA candidates.
- Focus Areas: Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence structuring, and basic language skills.
2. Shift 2: General Knowledge (Subject Code 12)
- Timing: 12:30 PM to 02:30 PM
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Applicability: Required for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA candidates.
- Focus Areas: Indian History, Geography, General Science, Current Affairs, Indian Polity, and Economy.
3. Shift 3: Elementary Mathematics (Subject Code 13)
- Timing: 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Applicability: Required for candidates seeking admission into IMA, INA, and AFA (Not required for OTA candidates).
- Focus Areas: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.
Important Exam Day Guidelines for Candidates
- Reporting Time: Candidates must reach the examination venue at least 30 to 45 minutes prior to the commencement of each session.
- Admit Card: Carry a printed copy of your e-Admit Card along with an original valid Photo ID card (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, etc.).
- Stationery: Use only a Black Ballpoint Pen to fill the OMR answer sheets.
- Prohibited Items: Electronic gadgets, smartwatches, mobile phones, calculators, and bluetooth devices are strictly prohibited inside the exam premises.
Selection Process Breakdown
The CDS 2 2026 selection process consists of two primary stages:
- Written Examination: Objective type test assessing English, GK, and Mathematics (as per academy preference).
- SSB Interview / Personality Test: Comprehensive testing including Intelligence, Personality, and Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) conducted by the Services Selection Board.
- Medical Examination & Final Merit List: Qualified candidates in the SSB interview undergo medical evaluations before final recommendation.
| Resource Description | Official Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notifications & Time Table PDF | Click Here |
| Official UPSC Website | Click Here |
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