CDS (Combined Defence Services Examination) is a national-level defence entrance examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. The exam is designed for graduates who aspire to become commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. CDS evaluates candidates on English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. It is one of the most respected defence examinations in India and serves as a direct pathway to leadership roles within the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
CDS 2026
Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS)
About CDS 2026
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is a national-level defence recruitment examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). CDS is one of the most prestigious defence examinations in India and serves as a gateway for graduates aspiring to become commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Candidates are selected through a Written Examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview and Medical Examination.
Key Highlights
National-level defence entrance examination.
Conducted by UPSC twice every year (CDS I & CDS II).
Recruitment into Army, Navy, Air Force, and OTA.
Offline (Pen & Paper) examination.
Selection through Written Exam, SSB Interview, and Medical Examination.
Open to unmarried graduates meeting eligibility requirements.
Direct entry into officer-level positions in the Armed Forces.
One of the most prestigious career opportunities for graduates.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
Must be a citizen of India or meet nationality conditions prescribed by UPSC.
Must satisfy the age criteria specified in the official notification.
Candidates must be physically and medically fit according to defence standards.
Final-year graduation students may apply subject to eligibility conditions.
Educational Qualification
Academy
Qualification Required
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Bachelor's Degree from a Recognized University
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Bachelor's Degree from a Recognized University
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Bachelor's Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 Level or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA & AFA
Subject
Duration
Marks
English
2 Hours
100
General Knowledge
2 Hours
100
Elementary Mathematics
2 Hours
100
Total
6 Hours
300
For OTA
Subject
Duration
Marks
English
2 Hours
100
General Knowledge
2 Hours
100
Total
4 Hours
200
Examination Details
Particulars
Details
Mode of Examination
Offline (Pen & Paper)
Question Type
Objective Type (MCQs)
Language
English & Hindi (Except English Paper)
Negative Marking
Yes
Selection Process
Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical Examination
Marking Scheme
Response
Marks
Correct Answer
As Per UPSC Scheme
Incorrect Answer
One-Third Marks Deducted
Unattempted Question
No Deduction
CDS 2026 Syllabus
English
Unit
Topics Covered
Grammar
Parts of Speech, Tenses, Sentence Structure
Vocabulary
Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Substitution
Comprehension
Reading Passages
Sentence Arrangement
Para Jumbles
Error Detection
Grammar-Based Questions
Usage
Idioms and Phrases
General Knowledge
Subject
Topics Covered
History
Ancient, Medieval & Modern Indian History
Geography
Indian & World Geography
Indian Polity
Constitution, Governance, Fundamental Rights
Economics
Basic Economic Concepts
General Science
Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Defence Awareness
Military Exercises, Defence Organizations
Current Affairs
National & International Events
Awards & Sports
Important Developments
Elementary Mathematics
Unit
Topics Covered
Arithmetic
Number System, Percentages, Profit & Loss
Algebra
Equations, Polynomials
Geometry
Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles
Mensuration
Area, Volume, Surface Area
Trigonometry
Ratios, Heights & Distances
Statistics
Mean, Median, Mode
Probability
Basic Probability Concepts
Important Dates (Tentative)
Event
CDS I 2026
CDS II 2026
Notification Release
December 2025
May 2026
Application Form Start
December 2025
May 2026
Last Date to Apply
January 2026
June 2026
Admit Card Release
March 2026
August 2026
Examination Date
April 2026
September 2026
Result Declaration
May 2026
October 2026
SSB Interview
After Written Result
After Written Result
Selection Process
Admission to defence academies through CDS is conducted through multiple stages.
CDS is a national-level defence examination conducted by UPSC for recruitment into the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers Training Academy.
2. Can final-year graduation students apply for CDS?
Yes. Final-year students can apply, provided they meet all eligibility conditions before admission.
3. Is there negative marking in CDS?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every incorrect answer.
4. What is the selection process for CDS?
The selection process includes a Written Examination, SSB Interview, Medical Examination, and Final Merit List.
5. Which academies can candidates join through CDS?
Candidates can join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA) depending on eligibility and merit.
