Every cycle of news + important dates we've captured for Combined Defence Services Examination, oldest cycles at the bottom. Live information is on the main exam page; this archive preserves what each previous cycle officially announced.
UPSC released the CDS 1 2026 admit card on April 2, approximately 10 days before the examination date. Candidates downloaded their hall tickets from upsc.gov.in using their registration credentials for the April 12 written exam.
Archived 23 Aug 2026
UPSC released the official CDS II 2026 notification on May 20, announcing 451 vacancies for admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy. The written exam is scheduled for September 13, 2026.
Archived 23 Aug 2026
UPSC has extended the online application deadline for CDS 2 2026 from June 9 to June 11, 2026 (6:00 PM), giving aspirants two additional days to complete their registration for the 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Archived 4 Aug 2026
UPSC has extended the application deadline for CDS II 2026 from June 9 to June 11, 2026 (6:00 PM), giving aspirants two additional days to complete their registration for the 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Archived 23 Aug 2026
UPSC announced the CDS 1 2026 written examination result on May 8, 2026. Candidates who appeared for the April 12 exam can now check their results on the official website using their enrollment or registration number.
Archived 23 Aug 2026
UPSC has extended the application deadline for CDS Examination (II) 2026 from 9 June to 11 June 2026 (6:00 PM), giving aspirants two additional days to complete their registration for the 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Archived 15 Jul 2026
The Union Public Service Commission has extended the CDS (II) 2026 application deadline from June 9 to June 11, 2026 (6:00 PM), giving aspirants two additional days to complete registration.
Archived 5 Jul 2026
UPSC has extended the online application deadline for CDS Examination (II) 2026 from June 9 to June 11, 2026 at 6 PM, offering additional time for eligible candidates to complete their registration process through the official portal.
Archived 21 Jun 2026
According to UPSC guidelines, the admit card for CDS II 2026 will be released approximately 10 days before the September 13 exam date. Candidates must download their hall tickets and carry hard copies to the examination center.
Archived 21 Jun 2026
Candidates have until June 9, 2026 (6:00 PM) to submit their online applications for CDS 2 examination through the UPSC portal. The written exam is scheduled for September 13, 2026.
Archived 14 Jun 2026
The written examination for CDS (II) 2026 will be conducted on 13 September 2026 in offline mode. IMA, INA and AFA aspirants will attempt English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers.
Archived 7 Jun 2026
UPSC announced CDS Examination (II) 2026 on May 20 for admission to IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA with 451 total vacancies. The written examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026.
Archived 21 Jun 2026
UPSC released the official CDS 2 2026 notification on May 20, 2026, announcing 451 vacancies for officer recruitment. Online applications are open from May 20 to June 9, 2026, with the written exam scheduled for September 13, 2026.
Archived 30 May 2026
UPSC published the official notification for Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 on May 20, 2026, announcing 451 vacancies for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The application window opened the same day and will remain active until June 9, 2026.
Archived 14 Jun 2026
UPSC announced the CDS (II) 2026 examination notification on 20 May 2026, opening applications for 451 officer positions across defence academies. The online application window runs until 9 June 2026.
Archived 7 Jun 2026
UPSC released the official CDS 2 2026 notification on May 20, 2026, announcing 451 vacancies for courses commencing in July 2027. The online application window is open until June 9, 2026, and the written examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026.
Archived 31 May 2026
The application fee for CDS 2 2026 is Rs. 200 for male General and OBC candidates, payable through online modes or cash deposit at SBI branches. SC/ST and female candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Archived 31 May 2026
UPSC released the CDS 2 Notification 2026 on 20 May for admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy. The written examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
Archived 15 Jul 2026
UPSC released the Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 notification on May 20, 2026, announcing 451 vacancies for courses commencing in July 2027. The written exam is scheduled for September 13, 2026.
Archived 5 Jul 2026
The Union Public Service Commission released the official CDS 2 2026 notification on May 20, 2026, announcing 451 vacancies for courses commencing in July 2027 across defence academies.
Archived 4 Aug 2026
UPSC released the CDS 1 2026 written exam result on May 8, 2026, shortlisting candidates for the SSB Interview round after the exam conducted on April 12, 2026.
Archived 4 Aug 2026
UPSC released the CDS 1 2026 admit card on April 4, 2026, allowing candidates to download hall tickets ahead of the exam conducted on April 12, 2026.
Archived 4 Aug 2026
UPSC released the CDS 1 2026 admit card on April 2, 2026, and the written examination was successfully conducted on April 12, 2026. The result was declared on May 8, 2026.
Archived 14 Jun 2026
UPSC declared the CDS 1 2026 written exam result on May 8, 2026. A total of 8,826 candidates qualified for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview round for admission to IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Archived 30 May 2026
UPSC released the CDS 1 2026 result on 8 May 2026, just 26 days after the written examination held on 12 April. Qualified candidates are now eligible to appear for the Services Selection Board interview round.
Archived 7 Jun 2026
UPSC announced the CDS 1 2026 written exam results on May 8, 2026, following the examination held on April 12, 2026. Qualified candidates will now proceed to the Services Selection Board interview round for admission into defence academies.
Archived 31 May 2026
UPSC declared the CDS 1 2026 written examination result on 8 May 2026 for the exam held on 12 April. Shortlisted candidates are being called for SSB interviews at various Selection Boards across the country.
Archived 15 Jul 2026
UPSC announced the CDS 1 Result 2026 for the written exam conducted on April 12, 2026. Candidates who qualified must register on the Join Indian Army portal to be eligible for the SSB Interview stage.
Archived 5 Jul 2026
UPSC activated the CDS 1 2026 admit card download link on 2 April 2026. The exam was conducted on 12 April across multiple centres, with candidates required to carry printed hall tickets and valid photo ID proof.
Archived 15 Jul 2026
UPSC released CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 on April 4, allowing candidates to download hall tickets using their Registration Number and date of birth from the official portal.
Archived 5 Jul 2026
UPSC released the official answer key for CDS 1 2026 exam on April 16, 2026, allowing candidates to review their responses and estimate scores before the result announcement.
Archived 30 May 2026
The Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 was conducted on April 12, 2026 in three shifts covering English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. UPSC CDS I admit cards were released on April 2, 2026.
Archived 21 Jun 2026
The Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 was held on April 12, 2026 (Sunday) for admission to IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The exam covered English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics papers, each lasting 2 hours.
Archived 31 May 2026
The Union Public Service Commission declared the final result for Combined Defence Services Examination 2025 (held on September 14, 2025) on March 31, 2026, with 302 candidates recommended for further selection process.
Archived 14 Jun 2026
The admit card for CDS 1 2026 was released by UPSC on April 2, 2026, ten days before the written examination. Candidates downloaded their e-admit cards using registration credentials from the official portal.
Archived 30 May 2026
The Union Public Service Commission issued admit cards for CDS 1 2026 on 2 April 2026, ten days before the scheduled examination date. Candidates downloaded hall tickets from the official UPSC portal.
Archived 7 Jun 2026
CDS 2 2026 SSB interviews for OTA
Sat, 1 May, 2027Expected April-June 2027 for shortlisted candidates
Archived 15 Jul 2026
🇮🇳CDS 1 2027 written examination (expected)
Tue, 13 Apr, 2027First exam cycle of 2027, typically held in April
Archived 30 May 2026
🇮🇳CDS 1 2027 written examination (expected)
Tue, 13 Apr, 2027CDS 1 exam typically held in April each year
Archived 31 May 2026
🇮🇳CDS 1 2027 exam expected date
Tue, 13 Apr, 2027Tentatively in April 2027 as per UPSC's bi-annual schedule
Archived 15 Jul 2026
🇮🇳CDS 1 2027 exam date (expected)
Tue, 13 Apr, 2027Typically held in mid-April; courses commence in January 2028
Archived 4 Aug 2026
🇮🇳CDS I 2027 exam date (expected)
Mon, 12 Apr, 2027CDS I typically conducted in April each year
Archived 21 Jun 2026
🇮🇳CDS 1 2027 exam date (expected)
Mon, 12 Apr, 2027CDS 1 examination typically conducted in April each year for courses commencing in January of following year.
Archived 14 Jun 2026
🇮🇳CDS 1 2027 written examination
Mon, 12 Apr, 2027Expected in mid-April 2027
Archived 23 Aug 2026
🇮🇳CDS 1 2027 Written Examination (expected)
Mon, 12 Apr, 2027Next CDS 1 cycle exam typically held in mid-April; courses commencing January following year
Archived 5 Jul 2026
CDS 2 2026 SSB interviews for IMA/INA/AFA
Tue, 2 Mar, 2027Expected February-March 2027 for shortlisted candidates
Archived 15 Jul 2026
CDS 1 2027 application deadline
Sun, 31 Jan, 2027Expected late December 2026 / early January 2027
Archived 23 Aug 2026
CDS 1 2027 notification release
Sun, 10 Jan, 2027Expected in mid-December 2026 for next cycle
Archived 23 Aug 2026
CDS I 2027 application deadline (expected)
Thu, 31 Dec, 2026Usually 3 weeks after notification release
Archived 21 Jun 2026
CDS 1 2027 application deadline (expected)
Thu, 31 Dec, 2026Application window typically closes 3 weeks after notification
Archived 30 May 2026
CDS 1 2027 application deadline (expected)
Thu, 31 Dec, 2026Application window typically closes 20 days after notification
Archived 31 May 2026
CDS 1 2027 Application deadline (expected)
Wed, 30 Dec, 2026Approximately 20 days application window; apply early to secure preferred exam centre
Archived 5 Jul 2026
CDS 1 2027 notification release (expected)
Sun, 20 Dec, 2026Next cycle notification typically issued in December for April exam
Archived 7 Jun 2026
CDS 1 2027 notification release (expected)
Fri, 11 Dec, 2026Next cycle notification typically released in mid-December
Archived 30 May 2026
CDS 1 2027 notification release (expected)
Fri, 11 Dec, 2026Next CDS 1 cycle notification typically released in December
Archived 31 May 2026
CDS 1 2027 application window opens (expected)
Fri, 11 Dec, 2026Online registration begins same day as notification
Archived 4 Aug 2026
CDS 1 2027 notification release (expected)
Fri, 11 Dec, 2026Next cycle notification typically released in mid-December
Archived 4 Aug 2026
CDS I 2027 notification release (expected)
Thu, 10 Dec, 2026UPSC typically releases CDS I notification in mid-December
Archived 21 Jun 2026
CDS 1 2027 notification release (expected)
Thu, 10 Dec, 2026Next cycle notification typically released in December. Application window opens in early January.
Archived 14 Jun 2026
CDS 1 2027 notification expected
Thu, 10 Dec, 2026Typically released in mid-December for April exam
Archived 15 Jul 2026
CDS 1 2027 Notification release (expected)
Thu, 10 Dec, 2026UPSC typically releases CDS 1 notification in mid-December for April exam cycle
Archived 5 Jul 2026
SSB Interview process begins
Wed, 2 Dec, 2026Candidates who clear written exam will be called for Services Selection Board interview
Archived 23 Aug 2026
SSB Interview period for qualified candidates (expected)
Thu, 26 Nov, 2026Service Selection Board interviews conducted after written results
Archived 21 Jun 2026
CDS 2 2026 written result announcement (expected)
Thu, 12 Nov, 2026Results usually declared 2-3 months after written exam; qualifiers proceed to SSB interview
Archived 7 Jun 2026
CDS 2 2026 written result announcement (expected)
Thu, 12 Nov, 2026Shortlisted candidates will be called for SSB Interview
Archived 4 Aug 2026
CDS 2 2026 SSB interviews commence (expected)
Wed, 4 Nov, 2026Services Selection Board interviews for qualified candidates. Process includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview.
Archived 14 Jun 2026
CDS 2 2026 written result announcement
Mon, 2 Nov, 2026Expected in late October 2026
Archived 23 Aug 2026
CDS II 2026 written exam result (expected)
Tue, 27 Oct, 2026Results typically announced 6-8 weeks after written exam
Archived 21 Jun 2026
SSB Interview calls for CDS 2 2026 (expected)
Tue, 27 Oct, 2026Qualified candidates will be called for Services Selection Board interviews
Archived 31 May 2026
CDS 2 2026 written exam result expected
Sun, 18 Oct, 2026Typically declared 4-6 weeks after exam
Archived 15 Jul 2026
CDS 2 2026 written exam result (expected)
Tue, 13 Oct, 2026Results typically declared within a month after the exam. Shortlisted candidates will be called for SSB interview.
Archived 14 Jun 2026
CDS 2 2026 result declaration (expected)
Tue, 13 Oct, 2026Results typically announced within 3-4 weeks after the written exam
Archived 31 May 2026
CDS 2 2026 Written Result declaration (expected)
Sat, 10 Oct, 2026Shortlisted candidates will be called for SSB Interview; registration on Join Indian Army portal mandatory
Archived 5 Jul 2026
CDS 2 2026 written result announcement (expected)
Fri, 9 Oct, 2026Result with merit list for SSB interview shortlisted candidates
Archived 30 May 2026
CDS 2 2026 answer key release (expected)
Fri, 25 Sept, 2026Provisional answer key typically released 10-15 days post-exam
Archived 4 Aug 2026
CDS 2 2026 answer key release (expected)
Wed, 23 Sept, 2026Provisional answer key typically released 10-15 days after exam. Objections can be submitted within 5 days.
Archived 14 Jun 2026
CDS 2 2026 answer key release (expected)
Wed, 23 Sept, 2026Provisional answer key typically published 10-15 days post-exam
Archived 7 Jun 2026
CDS 2 2026 answer key release (expected)
Thu, 17 Sept, 2026Provisional answer key typically released within 3-4 days after exam
Archived 30 May 2026
CDS 2 2026 Answer Key release (expected)
Thu, 17 Sept, 2026Candidates can submit representations within 5 days of exam (Day 3 to Day 7) via UPSC website only
Archived 5 Jul 2026
🇮🇳CDS II 2026 written examination
Sun, 13 Sept, 2026Offline exam in three sessions: English (9-11 AM), GK (12:30-2:30 PM), Maths (4-6 PM)
Archived 21 Jun 2026
🇮🇳CDS 2 2026 written examination
Sun, 13 Sept, 2026Offline exam for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA - English, GK, and Elementary Mathematics
Archived 30 May 2026
🇮🇳CDS 2 2026 written examination
Sun, 13 Sept, 2026Offline pen-and-paper exam for English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Face authentication mandatory at exam centre.
Archived 14 Jun 2026
🇮🇳CDS 2 2026 written examination
Sun, 13 Sept, 2026Offline pen-and-paper exam on 13 September 2026 (Sunday)
Archived 7 Jun 2026
🇮🇳CDS 2 2026 written examination
Sun, 13 Sept, 2026Exam on September 13, 2026 for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA admission
Archived 31 May 2026
🇮🇳CDS 2 2026 written examination
Sun, 13 Sept, 2026Three papers: English (9-11 AM), General Knowledge (12:30-2:30 PM), Elementary Mathematics (4-6 PM)
Archived 23 Aug 2026
🇮🇳CDS 2 2026 written examination
Sun, 13 Sept, 202613 September 2026 - Three papers for IMA/INA/AFA, two papers for OTA
Archived 15 Jul 2026
🇮🇳CDS 2 2026 Written Examination
Sun, 13 Sept, 2026Offline pen-and-paper exam at 41 centres across India; arrive early as entry closes 30 minutes before exam
Archived 5 Jul 2026
🇮🇳CDS 2 2026 written examination
Sun, 13 Sept, 2026Offline pen-and-paper exam across India for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA entries
Archived 4 Aug 2026
CDS 2 2026 admit card release (expected)
Wed, 9 Sept, 2026Hall tickets typically released 7-10 days before exam, around early September
Archived 4 Aug 2026
CDS II 2026 admit card release (expected)
Tue, 8 Sept, 2026Admit cards typically released 10 days before exam date
Archived 21 Jun 2026
CDS 2 2026 admit card expected release
Tue, 8 Sept, 2026Typically released 7-10 days before exam date
Archived 15 Jul 2026
CDS 2 2026 admit card release (expected)
Mon, 7 Sept, 2026Admit cards typically released 10 days before the exam date
Archived 31 May 2026
CDS 2 2026 admit card release (expected)
Sun, 6 Sept, 2026E-admit card typically released 5-7 days before the exam
Archived 7 Jun 2026
CDS 2 admit card release
Sun, 6 Sept, 2026Admit card available approximately 7-10 days before exam on upsc.gov.in
Archived 23 Aug 2026
CDS 2 2026 Admit Card release (expected)
Sat, 5 Sept, 2026Typically released 10 days before exam date; download from upsconline.nic.in
Archived 5 Jul 2026
CDS 2 2026 admit card release (expected)
Thu, 3 Sept, 2026Admit card typically released 2-3 weeks before exam date
Archived 30 May 2026
CDS 2 2026 admit card release (expected)
Thu, 3 Sept, 2026Admit cards typically released 7-10 days before the exam date. Download from upsc.gov.in using registration credentials.
Archived 14 Jun 2026
CDS 2 2026 application portal closes
Sat, 11 Jul, 2026Last date to submit online applications extended to 6:00 PM
Archived 4 Aug 2026
CDS II 2026 application window closes (extended deadline)
Thu, 11 Jun, 2026Final date for online registration at 6 PM on UPSC portal
Archived 21 Jun 2026
CDS 2 2026 application window closes (extended deadline)
Thu, 11 Jun, 2026Last date extended to 11 June 2026, 6:00 PM
Archived 15 Jul 2026
CDS 2 2026 application window closes (extended deadline)
Thu, 11 Jun, 2026Final deadline extended to 6:00 PM; no further extensions expected
Archived 5 Jul 2026
CDS 2 2026 application deadline (last date to apply)
Tue, 9 Jun, 2026Final date to submit online application form for CDS 2 2026 by 6:00 PM
Archived 30 May 2026
CDS 2 2026 application deadline (last date to apply online)
Tue, 9 Jun, 2026Applications close at 6:00 PM on June 9, 2026. Apply early to secure preferred exam centre.
Archived 14 Jun 2026
CDS 2 2026 application deadline
Tue, 9 Jun, 2026Last date to submit online applications by 6:00 PM
Archived 7 Jun 2026
CDS 2 2026 application window closes
Tue, 9 Jun, 2026Last date to submit online applications at 6:00 PM through upsconline.nic.in
Archived 31 May 2026
CDS 2 2026 application portal opens
Wed, 20 May, 2026Online registration started on 20 May 2026 at upsconline.nic.in
Archived 7 Jun 2026
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