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UPSC CDS 2026 - Notification, Application , Vacancies, Eligibility, Syllabus
Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on May 27, 2025 02:47 PM IST | #CDS
Upcoming Event
CDS Exam Date : 14 Sep' 2025 - 14 Sep' 2025
Union Public Service Commission will release the UPSC CDS 2026 notification on December 10, 2025. Candidates will also be able to fill the UPSC CDS 1 application form 2026 on the same date. The UPSC CDS application form will be released at upsc.gov.in. The last date to submit the UPSC CDS application form is December 30, 2025.
This Story also Contains
- UPSC CDS 2026 - Overview
- UPSC CDS 2026 Exam Dates
- UPSC CDS 2026 Application Form
- UPSC CDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- UPSC CDS 2026 Exam Pattern
- UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026
- UPSC CDS 2026 Syllabus
- UPSC CDS 2026 Exam Centres
- UPSC CDS 2026 Selection Process
- UPSC CDS Admit Card 2026
- How to prepare for UPSC CDS 2026
- UPSC CDS 2026 Question Paper
- UPSC CDS 2026 Answer Key
- UPSC CDS 2026 Result
- UPSC CDS 2026 Cut Off
- UPSC CDS 2026 Salary
The UPSC CDS exam is conducted to recruit potential candidates for the Indian Navy, Army and Air Force. The UPSC CDS 2026 exam is conducted twice a year. Candidates will train for about a year before they get placed. Check the below table to know more about the UPSC CDS recruitment -
UPSC CDS 2026 - Overview
Full name of the exam | UPSC Combined Defence Services exam |
Short Name | UPSC CDS |
Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
Website | upsc.gov.in/ joinindianarmy.nic.in |
Exam mode | Offline |
Application Mode | Online |
Application fee | Rs 200 |
Number of vacancies | TBA |
Exam Level | National |
Stages of the exam |
|
UPSC CDS 2026 Exam Dates
The UPSC CDS exam date 2026 has been announced by the commission in the Annual Calendar. Some CDS dates like the admit card date and the result date will be announced later on. Check the table below to know the latest CDS 2026 exam dates -
UPSC CDS Exam Dates 2026
Event | CDS 1 Dates | CDS 2 Dates |
UPSC CDS notification date 2026 | December 10, 2025 | May 20, 2026 |
CDS Application date | December 10, 2025 | May 20, 2026 |
CDS application form last date 2026 | December 30, 2025 | June 9, 2026 |
CDS application correction window | To be announced | To be announced |
UPSC CDS admit card date | To be announced | To be announced |
CDS Exam Date 2026 | April 12, 2026 | September 13, 2026 |
CDS 2026 result date | To be announced | To be announced |
CDS Final result date | To be announced | To be announced |
UPSC CDS 2026 Application Form
The commission will release the CDS 1 application form 2026 on December 10, 2025. Candidates will be able to submit the CDS 2026 application form until December 30, 2026. Before the CDS application date, candidates are required to keep all the essential documents and details ready.
If they have made any mistake in entering the details, candidates will be allotted a few days where they can make modifications in the UPSC CDS application form. The detailed steps to fill the CDS 1 2026 application form will be available in the official notification. Candidates can follow them to apply for the CDS exam.
UPSC CDS 2026 application fees according to category
Category | Fees |
General/OBC | Rs 200 |
SC/ST/PWD/Female Candidates | Exempted |
UPSC CDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must ensure they meet the CDS eligibility criteria before they apply for the examination. The detailed CDS eligibility criteria 2026 will be given in the official notification. If a candidate is found not to meet the CDS 2026 eligibility, they will be disqualified. Check the eligibility criteria in the table below -
UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026
Factors | UPSC CDS eligibility criteria |
CDS age limit | 20-24 years |
Education | For IMA and the India Naval Academy - Degree of a recognised University or equivalent. For Air Force Academy -Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering |
Nationality |
|
Marital Status | Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried. Marriage is not permitted during training. |
Physical standards | Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards. |
UPSC CDS 2026 Exam Pattern
The CDS exam pattern 2026 determines the way in which the exam will be conducted. The commission mentions the CDS exam pattern in the official notification. Candidates can also check the CDS 2026 exam pattern in brief in the table below -
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026
For Admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy -
Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
English | 2 hours | 100 marks |
General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 marks |
Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 marks |
For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy -
Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
English | 2 hours | 100 marks |
General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 marks |
SSB Interview Pattern -
The SSB procedure consists of a two-stage Selection process. Only those candidates who clear stage I are permitted to appear for stage II.
Stage 1 - Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are the Picture Perception* Description Test (PP&DT).
Stage 2 - This stage consists of an Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted over 4 days.
UPSC CDS 2026 Syllabus
The UPSC CDS syllabus will be specified in the official notification. The UPSC CDS 2026 syllabus consists of the subjects, topics, and subtopics essential to qualify the exam. The UPSC CDS 2026 syllabus covers a wide range of subjects to assess the candidate's suitability for admission into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy. A topic-wise brief on the CDS exam syllabus is given below.
English - Tests the candidate’s understanding of English.
General Knowledge - Questions on the History of India and Geography, knowledge of current events and of such is required.
Elementary mathematics -
Arithmetic - Number System
Elementary Number Theory.
Algebra.
Trigonometry.
Geometry.
Mensuration.
Statistics.
UPSC CDS 2026 Exam Centres
The option to select the UPSC CDS exam centre 2026 will be available while filling the application form. Candidates must carefully choose it. They must also remember that any option to change the UPSC CDS exam centre will not be granted later on. Candidates will be able to select from a total of 78 UPSC CDS 2026 exam centres while filling the form.
UPSC CDS 2026 Selection Process
The UPSC CDS selection process 2026 comprises a written exam and SSB interview. Those who clear both rounds will get selected as officers in the Army/ Navy/ Airforce. The SSB interview has 2 stages. Candidates who clear stage 1 will qualify into stage 2.
UPSC CDS Admit Card 2026
The UPSC CDS 2026 admit card will be issued by the commission 7 days before the examination. The UPSC CDS 2 admit card will be released at upsc.gov.in.Candidates have to enter their login credentials to download the UPSC CDS admit card 2026.
Steps to download the UPSC CDS admit card -
Go to the official UPSC website.
On the homepage, the link to download the admit card will be available.
Provide the application number and date of birth as per the information provided during registration.
The admit card will open.
Download for future reference.
How to prepare for UPSC CDS 2026
For UPSC CDS 2026 preparation, start early and follow a structured study plan covering all sections: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Practice with UPSC CDS sample papers and mock tests regularly.
Utilise reputable study materials and stay updated with current affairs. Engage in group discussions and seek guidance from mentors. Prioritise self-care and maintain motivation throughout your UPSC CDS preparation journey.
UPSC CDS 2026 Question Paper
The commission will release the UPSC CDS question paper 2026 of all the sets on the official website. Candidates will also be able to get the UPSC CDS 2026 question paper at the websites of some coaching centres. The CDS 1 question papers will be available right about the completion of the examination.
UPSC CDS 2026 Answer Key
The UPSC CDS answer keys are released after the release of the final results. Candidates will be able to access the UPSC CDS 2026 answer key on the official website in PDF format. Certain coaching institutes also release unofficial CDS answer key 2026 right after the completion of the examination.
UPSC CDS 2026 Result
The UPSC CDS 1 result will be declared by the commission on the official website. The UPSC CDS result PDF 2026 will consist of the list of qualified candidates. The UPSC CDS 2026 result will be declared within a month after the exam is conducted. Candidates can refer the below steps to download their UPSC CDS results -
Go to the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in.
On the homepage, the CDS result link will be scrolling.
Click on the “CDS Results” link to proceed to the results page.
Use ‘CTRL + F ’ to search for the roll number.
Download the CDS result pdf for future reference.
UPSC CDS 2026 Cut Off
Candidates will be able to check the UPSC CDS cut off 2026 on the official website. The UPSC CDS cut off will be released after the final result is declared. The UPSC CDS 2026 cut off varies with category. The UPSC CDS Cut off will be determined based on various factors like the difficulty level of the exam, the number of vacancies, and category.
UPSC CDS 2026 Salary
The detailed UPSC CDS salary structure 2026 will be mentioned in the official notification. Selected candidates will be offered good UPSC CDS salary and allowances. During cadet training, candidates will be offered a fixed CDS stipend of Rs 56,100. Upon successful completion, candidates will be given the UPSC CDS 2026 salary in the range of Rs 56,100 - Rs 1,77,500 (Level 10 pay matrix).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the age limit to appear in the CDS exam 2026?
Those between the age 20 to 24 years can apply for CDS.
2. What is the CDS 1 exam date 2026?
The CDS exam date is April 12, 2026.
3. When will the CDS 2026 notification be released?
The CDS notification will be released on December 10, 2025.
4. Is CDS harder than NDA?
The NDA exam is considered a harder exam as it has a vast syllabus.
5. What is CDS salary 2026?
The CDS salary will be between Rs 56,100 - Rs 1,77,500 upon selection.
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Have a question related to CDS ?
Yes, You are eligible to apply for CDS OTA 2026(April exam) Based on your date of birth
Make sure you also:
- Graduation degree from a recognised(Or are in the final year).
- Or unmarried(For OTASSC non-technical entry).
- Meet the required, medical and physical standard as per SSB/UPSE Norms .
Avanishsree VP 10 June,2025
Hello Aditya,
As a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) student after your 12th board exam, you cannot directly appear for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam because it requires a bachelor’s degree. However, here’s a clear and concise guide on how you can prepare for and give the CDS exam after completing further studies, tailored to your background:
-
Understand CDS Eligibility
: The CDS exam, conducted by UPSC twice a year, recruits for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
-
Educational Requirement
:
- IMA and OTA: Any bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
-
AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 12th level or Bachelor of Engineering.
-
For PCB Students
: Since you don’t have Mathematics in 12th, you’re eligible for
IMA and OTA
after completing a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Sc., B.A.). INA and AFA are not an option unless you pursue an engineering degree or have Mathematics at the graduation level.
-
Age Limit
: 19–25 years (varies by academy; check upsc.gov.in for 2025 details).
-
Educational Requirement
:
-
Steps to Prepare After 12th
:
-
Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree
: Enroll in a degree program (e.g., B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields, or even B.A.) to meet CDS eligibility. This takes 3–4 years.
-
Apply for CDS During Final Year
: You can apply for CDS in the final year of your degree, provided you complete graduation before the training starts.
-
Application Process
:
-
Visit upsconline.nic.in when notifications are released (typically
December 2024
for CDS I 2025 and
May 2025
for CDS II 2025).
-
Fill out the form, pay the fee (Rs. 200; exemptions for SC/ST/females), and select IMA/OTA as your preference.
-
Visit upsconline.nic.in when notifications are released (typically
December 2024
for CDS I 2025 and
May 2025
for CDS II 2025).
-
Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree
: Enroll in a degree program (e.g., B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields, or even B.A.) to meet CDS eligibility. This takes 3–4 years.
-
CDS Exam Structure
:
-
For IMA/OTA
: Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is optional for OTA).
-
PCB Advantage
: Your Biology and Chemistry background helps with General Knowledge (science sections). English preparation is manageable with practice.
-
Challenge
: If you’re weak in Mathematics, focus on OTA, where Maths is not required, or practice basic 10th-level Maths for IMA.
- Next Steps : Clear the written exam, then pass the SSB interview and medical test.
-
For IMA/OTA
: Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is optional for OTA).
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.
kumardurgesh1802 20 May,2025
To prepare for CDS, CGL, and CAT during graduation, create a clear study schedule focusing on basics, reasoning, and aptitude. Practice daily mocks, improve time management, and stay consistent. Balance college and preparation with discipline and regular revision.
Sujal Singh 20 May,2025
Your date of birth is 24th February 2006, and you will complete graduation in July 2028. For the CDS exam, the maximum number of attempts depends on your age limit and category, but generally, candidates have around 4 to 6 attempts before reaching the age limit.
Sujal Singh 20 May,2025
For CDS 2 2025, with a date of birth of 6th October 2001, you are eligible for both IMA and OTA. The age limits for IMA are 19-24 years and for OTA are 19-25 years as of 1st January 2025, making you eligible for both academies.
Sujal Singh 25 April,2025
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