UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026 has been officially declared on 19 October 2026 at upsc.gov.in. A total of 8,956 candidates have qualified the Combined Defence Services Examination (II) written test and are now eligible for the SSB Interview stage for 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026 has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission on 19 October 2026 at upsc.gov.in. Candidates who appeared for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 — held on 13 September 2026 — can now download the written result PDF and check their roll number. This guide is for all defence aspirants who appeared in CDS 2 2026 and are looking to verify their result, understand the next steps, and prepare for the SSB Interview. This article covers result download steps, vacancy details, cut-off marks, SSB interview schedule, salary after selection, and complete FAQs.
- Exam Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026
- Advt. No.: 11/2026-CDS-II
- Written Exam Date: 13 September 2026
- Result Declared: 19 October 2026
- Total Qualified (SSB): 8,956 candidates
- Total Vacancies: 451 (IMA: 100 | INA: 26 | AFA: 32 | OTA Men: 275 | OTA Women: 18)
- Result Mode: PDF at upsc.gov.in
- Next Stage: SSB Interview (February–June 2027, tentative)
- Starting Salary after Commission: Rs. 56,100/month + MSP Rs. 15,500
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is the UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026?
- How to Download UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026 PDF
- Who Should Check the CDS 2 Result 2026?
- UPSC CDS 2 2026 Vacancy Details — Academy-Wise Breakup
- UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026 — Expected Cut-Off Marks
- SSB Interview 2026 — What Happens After the Written Result?
- UPSC CDS 2 2026 — Complete Timeline and Important Dates
- CDS Officer Salary 2026 — Pay Scale, Allowances, and Perks
- CDS 2 vs NDA — Key Differences for Defence Aspirants
- Advantages and Disadvantages of UPSC CDS Route
- Important Terms Related to UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026?
The UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026 is the official written examination result declared by the Union Public Service Commission for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. It lists the roll numbers of candidates who have successfully qualified the written test and are shortlisted for the next stage — the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview. The result is published in PDF format on the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
The CDS 2 written exam was conducted on 13 September 2026 across various exam centres in India. UPSC declared the result on 19 October 2026, shortlisting 8,956 candidates for the SSB interview round against 451 advertised vacancies. The ratio of shortlisted candidates to vacancies is approximately 20:1, making SSB performance decisive for final selection.
The written result PDF contains only roll numbers — not names or marks. Candidates must use the Ctrl+F shortcut to search their roll number within the PDF. Marks will be made available on upsconline.nic.in within 15 days of the final result (post-SSB) for the OTA course, and will remain accessible for 30 days thereafter.
How to Download UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026 PDF — Step-by-Step
The UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026 PDF is available directly on the official UPSC website. Follow these exact steps to download and check your result:
- Visit upsc.gov.in — Open the official UPSC website on any browser. Avoid third-party sites that may show outdated or inaccurate PDFs.
- Click “Written Results” on the homepage — The Written Results section appears prominently on the UPSC homepage under the Examinations tab.
- Locate the CDS 2 2026 Result link — Find the link titled “Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 — Written Result” and click on it.
- Open the PDF — The result PDF will open in a new tab or browser window. Allow it to load fully before searching.
- Search your roll number — Press Ctrl+F (Windows) or Command+F (Mac), type your roll number, and hit Enter to find your name in the list.
- Download the PDF — Click the download icon or use File → Save As to save the result PDF for your records. Keep it safe for document verification.
If the UPSC website is slow due to high traffic, try accessing the result early morning (before 8 AM IST) or after midnight. Alternatively, directly bookmark: upsc.gov.in → Examinations → Written Results. Always verify the PDF from the official UPSC domain only — third-party result pages may contain errors.
Who Should Check the CDS 2 Result 2026?
The UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026 is relevant for a specific group of candidates. Verify whether you fall under any of the following profiles before proceeding:
- 🎖️ Graduates who appeared for CDS 2 on 13 September 2026 at any UPSC-designated exam centre across India.
- 📋 Final-year degree students who were permitted to appear in the CDS 2 2026 exam and have since completed their graduation or are awaiting final results.
- ⚔️ Candidates who applied for IMA, INA, or AFA and wrote all three papers — English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
- 👩✈️ Candidates (Men and Women) who applied for OTA, Chennai and wrote two papers — English and General Knowledge.
- 📑 Candidates who qualified CDS 2 2026 written exam and now need to register on joinindianarmy.nic.in (Army) or respective Naval/Air Force recruiting directorates.
- 🔄 Candidates who appeared in both CDS 1 and CDS 2 in 2026 and are tracking their SSB eligibility across both cycles.
- 📆 Defence coaching students and aspirants who wish to benchmark the cut-off marks for future CDS 1 2027 preparation.
- 👨👩👧 Parents and guardians of CDS 2 2026 appearing candidates who want to understand the next steps after the written result.
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Vacancy Details — Academy-Wise Breakup
UPSC notified a total of 451 vacancies for CDS 2 2026 under Advertisement No. 11/2026-CDS-II. These vacancies are distributed across four training academies and five courses. All vacancy figures are tentative and subject to amendment by Service Headquarters.
| Academy / Course | Course Name | Commencing | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 163rd (DE) Course | July 2027 | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | Naval Orientation Course | July 2027 | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 222 F(P) Pre-Flying Training Course | July 2027 | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 126th SSC Men (NT) (UPSC) Course | October 2027 | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 126th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course | October 2027 | 18 |
| Grand Total | — | — | 451 |
IMA is the most competitive entry with 100 seats and three written papers, while OTA has the highest vacancy count at 293 total (275 Men + 18 Women) with only two papers. AFA carries the highest written cut-off due to the Mathematics paper’s high weightage in the Air Force training selection.
UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026 — Expected Cut-Off Marks
UPSC does not publish the official cut-off marks along with the written result PDF — these are typically released only after the final result (post-SSB). However, based on historical trends and the 2026 exam difficulty level, the expected written cut-off for CDS 2 2026 is as follows:
| Academy | Total Written Marks | Expected Cut-Off (General) | Expected Cut-Off (OBC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA — Indian Military Academy | 300 | 105–120 marks | 95–110 marks |
| INA — Indian Naval Academy | 300 | 100–115 marks | 90–105 marks |
| AFA — Air Force Academy | 300 | 140–155 marks | 130–145 marks |
| OTA (Men + Women) | 200 | 75–90 marks | 65–80 marks |
These are indicative ranges based on previous year trends. AFA consistently carries the highest cut-off because the Mathematics paper (100 marks) rewards STEM graduates who prepare intensively for that section. Since the SSB Interview carries equal marks to the written exam (300 for IMA/INA/AFA, 200 for OTA), a candidate with slightly below-average written marks can still clear the final merit list with an outstanding SSB performance.
SSB Interview 2026 — What Happens After the Written Result?
The SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview is the second and decisive stage of the UPSC CDS selection process. All 8,956 candidates who qualified the CDS 2 2026 written result will be called for the SSB Interview, which is a 5-day assessment process conducted at SSB centres across India.
| SSB Day | Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | OIR Test + PPDT (Picture Perception and Discussion Test) | Initial Screening — candidates not qualifying are sent home |
| Day 2 | Psychology Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD) | Assess personality, reasoning, situational response |
| Day 3–4 | Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks | Group discussion, outdoor tasks, command tasks |
| Day 5 | Personal Interview + Conference | Final assessment; Board decides on Recommended / Not Recommended |
For IMA, INA and AFA candidates, the SSB carries 300 marks — equal to the entire written examination. For OTA candidates, the SSB carries 200 marks. This makes the SSB genuinely decisive: a candidate with 110 marks in the written exam can still rank above someone who scored 135, if their SSB performance is significantly stronger.
After clearing the SSB, candidates undergo a Medical Examination (3–5 days). Only medically fit candidates are retained on the merit list. Final selection is determined by the combined merit of Written Exam + SSB marks, and candidates must also submit their original educational certificates to the respective Academy before the course commencement deadline — IMA and INA by 1 July 2027, AFA by 13 May 2027, and OTA (both courses) by 1 October 2027.
Army-qualified candidates must also register on joinindianarmy.nic.in within two weeks of the written result announcement. Failure to register within the stipulated window can result in disqualification from the SSB call.
UPSC CDS 2 2026 — Complete Timeline and Important Dates
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| CDS 2 Notification Released (Advt. No. 11/2026-CDS-II) | 20 May 2026 ✅ |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 ✅ |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 9 June 2026 (Extended to 11 June 2026) ✅ |
| CDS 2 Written Exam Date | 13 September 2026 (Sunday) ✅ |
| Written Result Declared | 19 October 2026 ✅ |
| Candidate Registration on joinindianarmy.nic.in (Army) | Within 2 weeks of result — by 2 November 2026 |
| SSB Interview — IMA, INA, AFA (Tentative) | February – March 2027 |
| SSB Interview — OTA (Tentative) | April – June 2027 |
| Document Submission Deadline — IMA / INA | 1 July 2027 |
| Document Submission Deadline — AFA | 13 May 2027 |
| Document Submission Deadline — OTA (Both Courses) | 1 October 2027 |
| Course Commencement — IMA, INA, AFA | July 2027 |
| Course Commencement — OTA | October 2027 |
| Marks Available on upsconline.nic.in | Within 15 days of OTA Final Result (post-SSB) |
CDS Officer Salary 2026 — Pay Scale, Allowances, and Perks
CDS officers are among the best-compensated government employees in India. Upon commissioning as a Lieutenant (Army), Sub-Lieutenant (Navy), or Flying Officer (Air Force), the pay is under Pay Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission. Here is a detailed salary breakdown:
| Salary Component | Amount (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer) | Rs. 56,100 |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) — up to Brigadier rank | Rs. 15,500 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) — approximate | Rs. 13,000–18,000 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) — varies by city/posting | Rs. 5,000–15,000 |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | Rs. 3,600–7,200 |
| Field Area / High Altitude Allowance (where applicable) | Rs. 6,000–25,000 |
| Approximate In-Hand Salary (on joining) | Rs. 80,000–1,10,000 |
| Pay Scale Range (Level 10 — Lieutenant to higher ranks) | Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 |
Beyond salary, CDS officers receive an exceptional benefits package including fully subsidised accommodation (officer’s mess / government quarters), free medical treatment for the officer and family, annual leave travel concession (LTC), children’s education allowance, canteen (CSD) facilities, and pension under the New Pension Scheme (NPS). AFA officers additionally receive a Flying Allowance of Rs. 17,300/month, which pushes their in-hand salary to the highest among all CDS entries.
CDS 2 2026 vs NDA — Key Differences for Defence Aspirants
| Parameter | UPSC CDS | UPSC NDA |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Graduates / Final-year students | Class 12 pass / appearing (17–19.5 yrs) |
| Age Limit (IMA) | 19–25 years | 15–19.5 years (for 10+2 entry) |
| Gender | Men and Women (OTA only for Women) | Men and Women (from NDA 2 2024 onwards) |
| Written Papers — IMA/INA/AFA | 3 papers: English, GK, Maths (300 marks) | 2 papers: Maths + GAT (900 marks) |
| Written Papers — OTA | 2 papers: English, GK (200 marks) | N/A — no OTA via NDA |
| SSB Marks | 300 (IMA/INA/AFA) / 200 (OTA) | 900 marks |
| Commission Type (IMA) | Permanent Commission | Permanent Commission |
| Commission Type (OTA) | Short Service Commission (14 yrs, upgradable) | N/A |
| Application Fee | Rs. 200 (Exempt: Women, SC, ST) | Rs. 100 (Exempt: Women, SC, ST) |
| Frequency | Twice a year (CDS 1 + CDS 2) | Twice a year (NDA 1 + NDA 2) |
| Best For | Graduates seeking officer entry | Class 12 students seeking early entry |
For graduates, UPSC CDS is the fastest route to a commissioned officer rank in the Indian Armed Forces, especially for those who missed the NDA window. OTA Chennai is the easiest entry point (no Maths paper, highest vacancies), while IMA Dehradun offers the most prestigious Permanent Commission. If you have just passed Class 12, target NDA first — if you are a graduate, CDS is your primary entry route.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the UPSC CDS Route
Understanding both the strengths and limitations of the CDS route helps aspirants plan their defence career realistically.
✅ Advantages of UPSC CDS
- No age bar for OTA: OTA has a relatively relaxed age limit (up to 25 years for men, 25 for women SSC), making it accessible for graduates who could not attempt NDA.
- Prestigious officer rank from Day 1: Unlike direct soldier/sailor entry, CDS gives you a commissioned officer rank (Lieutenant) immediately after training.
- Attractive salary + non-monetary perks: Rs. 80,000–1,10,000 in-hand on joining, plus housing, healthcare, canteen, and pension benefits that are unmatched in most private-sector jobs.
- Two chances per year: CDS 1 and CDS 2 are conducted annually, giving two attempts each year to qualify.
- Women eligible for OTA: Women can now apply for the SSC (Women) (NT) (UPSC) course at OTA Chennai, marking a significant expansion in gender-inclusive defence recruitment.
❌ Disadvantages / Challenges of UPSC CDS
- Very high competition: 8,956 candidates shortlisted for 451 vacancies means only about 1 in 20 candidates gets commissioned — the SSB pass rate is low.
- Short Service Commission at OTA: OTA gives only a Short Service Commission (SSC) for approximately 14 years. Permanent Commission upgrade depends on performance and vacancy.
- Lengthy process: From written exam (September 2026) to course commencement (October 2027) is over a year, during which candidates remain in a waiting state.
- SSB is non-coachable in the traditional sense: The 5-day SSB interview tests innate personality traits and officer-like qualities that are difficult to prepare for through standard coaching.
Important Terms Related to UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026
Understanding the terminology helps candidates navigate the UPSC CDS process confidently.
- SSB (Services Selection Board): The 5-day interview process conducted at centres like Allahabad, Bhopal, and Bangalore to assess officer-like qualities (OLQ) in candidates.
- OLQ (Officer Like Qualities): 15 qualities assessed by the SSB, including effective intelligence, sense of responsibility, initiative, and speed of decision-making.
- Permanent Commission (PC): A lifelong service commission in the armed forces, available through IMA, INA, and AFA via CDS.
- Short Service Commission (SSC): A fixed-term commission of approximately 14 years, available through OTA. Can be upgraded to PC on merit.
- MSP (Military Service Pay): A fixed additional pay of Rs. 15,500/month given to all officers from Lieutenant to Brigadier rank, over and above basic pay.
- 7th Pay Commission: The central government pay structure applicable to all defence officers, placing newly commissioned CDS officers at Pay Level 10 with basic pay of Rs. 56,100.
- OIR Test: Officer Intelligence Rating test conducted on Day 1 of the SSB. Along with PPDT, it forms the initial screening round.
- PPDT (Picture Perception and Discussion Test): A group-based psychological test on Day 1 of SSB where candidates write a story based on a blurred picture and then discuss it in a group.
- Merit List: The final ranked list combining Written Exam + SSB scores, used for academy allocation. Published only after SSB and Medical phases are complete.
- Advt. No. 11/2026-CDS-II: The official advertisement number of the CDS 2 2026 recruitment notification released by UPSC on 20 May 2026.
Important Links — UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC CDS 2 Written Result 2026 PDF | upsc.gov.in — Written Results Section |
| UPSC Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| UPSC Online (Application / Marks) | upsconline.nic.in |
| Join Indian Army (Army Registration) | joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| UPSC CDS 2 Notification PDF (Advt. No. 11/2026-CDS-II) | Download from upsc.gov.in |
| Ministry of Defence — Official Portal | mod.gov.in |
Conclusion — UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026
The UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026, declared on 19 October 2026, marks a key milestone for the 8,956 candidates who have qualified the written examination out of all who appeared on 13 September 2026. With 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA, the path to becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces now leads squarely to the SSB Interview — the stage where character, leadership, and personality determine selection over marks alone. Candidates who have qualified should download the official PDF from upsc.gov.in immediately, register on joinindianarmy.nic.in within two weeks (for Army candidates), and begin focused SSB preparation without delay. Bookmark this page — we update it every time UPSC releases new information on the CDS 2 2026 SSB schedule, merit list, and final result.
- UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026 was officially declared on 19 October 2026 at upsc.gov.in in PDF format.
- A total of 8,956 candidates have qualified for the SSB Interview against 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA and OTA.
- IMA has 100 seats, INA has 26, AFA has 32, OTA Men has 275, and OTA Women has 18 — all tentative and subject to amendment.
- After commissioning, CDS officers earn a starting salary of Rs. 56,100/month + MSP Rs. 15,500 under the 7th Pay Commission.
- Army-qualified candidates must register on joinindianarmy.nic.in within 2 weeks of the written result announcement.
- SSB interviews for IMA/INA/AFA are tentatively scheduled for February–March 2027; for OTA in April–June 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions About UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026
Is the UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026 officially out?
Yes. UPSC officially declared the CDS 2 Result 2026 on 19 October 2026 on upsc.gov.in. A total of 8,956 candidates have been shortlisted for the SSB Interview stage. Candidates should download the PDF only from the official UPSC website to ensure accuracy.
How many candidates passed UPSC CDS 2 2026?
A total of 8,956 candidates have qualified the UPSC CDS 2 2026 written examination and are eligible for the SSB Interview. This is out of the total candidates who appeared in the exam on 13 September 2026 for 451 tentative vacancies.
Where can I download the CDS 2 Result 2026 PDF?
The CDS 2 Result 2026 PDF is available at the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in. Go to the homepage → Written Results section → click the link for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. Download the PDF and use Ctrl+F to search your roll number.
What are the total vacancies in UPSC CDS 2 2026?
UPSC notified a total of 451 tentative vacancies for CDS 2 2026: Indian Military Academy (IMA) — 100, Indian Naval Academy (INA) — 26, Air Force Academy (AFA) — 32, OTA Men — 275, and OTA Women — 18. These figures are tentative and subject to revision by Service Headquarters.
What is the next step after clearing the CDS 2 written result?
After clearing the UPSC CDS 2 written result 2026, qualified candidates must register on the respective recruiting directorate’s website — joinindianarmy.nic.in for Army within two weeks of the result. They will then be called for the 5-day SSB Interview followed by a Medical Examination. Final merit is determined by combined written + SSB scores.
When will the CDS 2 2026 SSB interviews be held?
The SSB Interviews for CDS 2 2026 are tentatively scheduled between February–March 2027 for IMA, INA, and AFA entries, and April–June 2027 for OTA entries. Exact dates and allotment of SSB centres will be communicated by the respective recruiting directorates after candidate registration.
What is the expected CDS 2 2026 cut-off for IMA?
The expected written cut-off for IMA (General category) in CDS 2 2026 is approximately 105–120 marks out of 300, based on historical trends. The official cut-off is not released with the written result PDF and will be announced only with the final result after SSB. Candidates should note that the SSB also carries 300 marks, making the final merit list a combined score out of 600.
What is the salary of a CDS officer after commission?
A newly commissioned CDS officer (Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer) receives a basic pay of Rs. 56,100 per month at Pay Level 10 under the 7th Pay Commission, plus Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500/month, Dearness Allowance, HRA, and other allowances. The approximate in-hand salary on joining is Rs. 80,000–1,10,000 per month, excluding non-monetary benefits like subsidised accommodation, free healthcare, and CSD canteen access.
Can Women apply for CDS 2 2026 result related academy?
Yes. Women candidates are eligible for the OTA Women’s SSC course (126th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course) at Officers Training Academy, Chennai, with 18 vacancies notified under CDS 2 2026. Women are not eligible for IMA, INA, or AFA entries under the CDS scheme as of the 2026 notification. Women who qualify the written result should check their roll number in the OTA Women’s section of the result PDF.
Will marks be available on upsconline.nic.in after CDS 2 2026?
Yes. As per UPSC’s standard policy, the marks of candidates who appeared in CDS 2 2026 will be made available on upsconline.nic.in within 15 days from the date of publication of the final result of the OTA course (after the SSB Interview is concluded). The marks remain accessible on the portal for 30 days after that. Candidates must download and save their marksheets within this window as they are removed thereafter.
What documents are needed after qualifying CDS 2 written result?
After qualifying the UPSC CDS 2 written result 2026, candidates need to have the following documents ready for SSB and subsequent stages: written result PDF with roll number, degree certificate / final year marksheet, date of birth certificate, community certificate (SC/ST/OBC if applicable), domicile/address proof, NCC certificates (if applicable), character certificate from the institute last attended, and passport-size photographs. UPSC explicitly states that original certificates should NOT be sent to UPSC — submit only at the SSB centre when called.
Last Updated: October 2026 | This article is reviewed and updated regularly as UPSC releases new information on the CDS 2 2026 SSB schedule, cut-off marks, and final result. Bookmark this page for the latest updates on UPSC CDS 2 Result 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All vacancy figures, cut-off estimates, and dates are based on UPSC’s official notification and publicly available information as of October 2026. Candidates are advised to verify all details exclusively from the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in before taking any action. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with UPSC or any government body.
