UPSC CDS 2026 - Notification (December 10), Application, Vacancies, Eligibility, Syllabus

UPSC CDS 2026 - Overview

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

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

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

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 -

For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy -

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 is 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 -

1. Arithmetic - Number System

2. 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 is 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).