UPSC CDS 2 Eligibility Criteria 2026: Check Age Limit, Qualifications and Other Details Here

CDS 2 Eligibility Criteria 2026 The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination 2 notification  has been released  by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 20th May, and the written examination is scheduled to be held on September 13. The UPSC CDS examination is conducted twice a year to select candidates for commission as officers in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The CDS 2 examination application began on 20th May, with the deadline on 9th June. Aspiring candidates should check the eligibility criteria for the CDS 2 examination, including the age limit, educational qualifications, and the physical standards required as per their respective genders, before applying. We will be providing you with the details of the same in this article. 

CDS 2 Eligibility Criteria 2026

The UPSC CDS examination provides candidates with a prestigious pathway to join the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Being a graduate from academies such as IMA or AFA brings in great respect in society. Applicants should first make sure that they meet all the requirements specified in the notification regarding CDS 2 for various positions. The applicants should verify the following requirements:

• Educational Qualifications as per the preferred academy

• Age Limit & Date of Birth as per the preferred academy 

• Marital Status 

• Nationality 

• Physical & Medical Standards 

CDS 2 Educational Qualification 2026

The CDS 2 2026 educational qualifications require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Specific academies demand distinct academic backgrounds. Final-year students are also eligible to apply. The detailed educational qualifications for the CDS 2 examination, as per different academies, are given below for your convenience

Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Officers' Training Academy (OTA): Bachelor’sdegree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent. Arts, commerce, and science, all three graduates are accepted. 

Indian Naval Academy (INA): Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution. 

Air Force Academy (AFA): Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University with Physics and Mathematics at the (10+2) level, or a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) degree.

Students who are in the final year of their courses are also eligible to apply, provided they present proof of passing before the course commences. 

CDS 2 Age Limit 2026

The age limit for the CDS 2 varies based on the academy and course for which one is applying. As a general rule, the minimum age required for the CDS 2 is 19 years for all academies, whereas the maximum age required can be anywhere between 22 years to 25 years.

Age limits and birth date ranges required for CDS 2 are mentioned below: 

UPSC CDS 2 Age Limit

CDS 2 Nationality Criteria 2026

The following nationality criteria must be fulfilled by the candidates to apply for the UPSC CDS 2 examination 2026

• The applicant is either an Indian national or

• national of Bhutan, Nepal, or

• Tibetan Refugee – A Tibetan refugee who has come into India before 01/01/1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India or

• Person of Indian Origin (PIO) – A person who has been residing out of India permanently, including countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam. 

CDS 2 2026 Required Document

For appearing in the UPSC CDS 2 Exam, aspirants are required to bring a valid photo identity proof, a Matriculation (Class 10th) Certificate for date of birth proof, and educational qualification proof.Final-year students are permitted but must provide proof of passing by the specified deadline.

The following exact documents must be kept ready when filling out the online application and attending the written exam : 

• Photo Identity Card 

• Matriculation / Class 10th Certificate 

• Educational Qualification Proof 

• Passport-Size Photographs 

Also Check - UPSC CDS 2 Notification Released