Search Colleges, Exams, Schools & more
Login
CDS Selection Process 2026 - Written Exam, SSB Interview, Document Verification
UPSC has mentioned the detailed CDS 2026 selection procedure in the official notification. There are two stages of the CDS recruitment process – a written exam and an SSB interview in the selection process of CDS 1 2026. The Combined Defence Services exam is held twice every year. Candidates who qualify for the written CDS exam will be called for the SSB interview round.
The written exam in the CDS 1 selection process 2026 is for testing the candidate's aptitude and reasoning abilities. Whereas the SSB round of the exam in the CDS 1 2026 selection process tests candidates' psychological aptitude and mental condition. Candidates have to clear all stages of the UPSC CDS selection process to get recruited as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. As per the CDS OTA selection process, OTA applicants have to appear for only 2 papers. To know more about the CDS selection process 2026, read the article below.
CDS 2026 Overview
Candidates can check the details about the CDS exam from the below table.
Name of the exam | Combined Defence Services Examination 2026 |
Official website | upsconline.nic.in/ upsc.gov.in |
Commonly known as | CDS examination |
Conducting authority | Union Public Service Commission |
Frequency of exam | Twice per year |
Number of vacancies | CDS 1 - 451 CDS 2 - To be announced |
Mode of application | Online |
Mode of exam | Offline |
CDS exam stages |
|
CDS Selection Process 2026 - Stages
The CDS selection process has two stages. Applicants need to clear both to get recruited in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The two-stage of CDS selection process are:
Written Exam
SSB Interview
CDS Selection Process 2026 for Written Examination
The first stage of the CDS 2026 selection process is a written exam. As per the CDS 2026 exam pattern, the CDS written exam comprises three papers - English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics for admission to IMA, IFA and INA. For admission to Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), candidates just have to appear for two papers - English and General Knowledge. All the questions asked in the CDS written exam are multiple-choice questions. Candidates are given 2 hours time to attempt each paper. As per the CDS selection process 2026, candidates qualifying for the written examination are called for SSB Interview.
Quick links:
CDS Selection Process 2026 for SSB Interview
Candidates qualifying for stage 1 of the CDS selection process 2026 are called for the SSB interview stage. This stage of the CDS selection process is conducted over a period of 5 days to test applicants intelligence, personality, physical strength and more. The following table provides the day-wise breakup of the SSB interview round.
CDS SSB Interview selection process stage
Days | Events |
SSB Day 1 | Reporting, Filling of forms, Picture Perception and Description Test |
SSB Day 2 | Thematic Apperception Test, Self Description Test, Situation Reaction Test, Word Association Test |
SSB Day 3 | Group Testing Officers’ Tasks - Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercise, Half Group Task, Progressive Group Task & Individual Obstacle Task |
SSB Day 4 | Individual Obstacle Task, Command Task, Final Group Task, Personal Interview & Individual Lecturette |
SSB Day 5 | Conference & Document Verification |
Quick links:
CDS Eligibility Criteria
CDS Application Form
CDS Selection Process 2026 - Medical Exam & Document Verification
After clearing the CDS SSB interview, applicants have to go through a medical CDS examination conducted by a Special Medical Board. A medical examination may last up to 4 to 6 days. While appearing for the medical exam, candidates are advised to keep all their documents ready. In case an applicant fails to produce the required documents, will be disqualified from the CDS selection process.
CDS Salary 2026 - Rank Wise
Rank | Level | Pay Scale |
Lieutenant | Level 10 | Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500 |
Captain | Level 10 B | Rs 61,300 -Rs 1,93,900 |
Major | Level 11 | Rs 6,94,00 – Rs 2,07,200 |
Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12 A | Rs 1,21,200 – Rs 2,12400 |
Colonel | Level 13 | Rs 1,30,600 - Rs 2, 15,900 |
Brigadier | Level 13 A | Rs 1,39,600 - Rs 2,17,600 |
Major General | Level 14 | Rs 1,44,200 - Rs 2,18,200 |
Lieutenant General HAG Scale | Level 15 | Rs 1,82, 200 - Rs 2,24,100 |
HAG+Scale | Level 16 | Rs 2,05,400 – Rs 2,24,400 |
VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 | Rs 2,25,000/-(fixed) |
COAS | Level 18 | Rs 2,50,000/-(fixed) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the CDS 2 2026 exam scheduled to be held?
A:
CDS 2 2026 exam will be held on September 13, 2026.
Q: What is the second stage of CDS 2026?
A:
As per the CDS selection process, the second process is the SSB interview.
Q: What is the minimum age to apply for the CDS 1 exam?
A:
The minimum age to apply for the CDS exam is 19 years.
Q: What post does one get recruited to after clearing the CDS exam?
A:
After clearing the CDS exam, candidates are recruited as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
Q: Does UPSC release the CDS official answer key?
A:
Yes, UPSC will release the official CDS answer key at upsc.gov.in.
Q: What is the first stage of CDS selection procedure?
A:
As per the CDS selection process, the first stage of written test.
Articles
Related Stories
|
Upcoming Competition Exams
Certifications By Top Providers
Explore Top Universities Across Globe
Questions related to CDS
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to CDS ?
Hi
If you are a female candidate with a DOB of May 25, 2002, you can appear for the CDS exam for 4 to 5 more attempts. Check out the CDS exam dates 2026 to learn more about how and when to appear for the examination.
Yes, you can apply for the CDS 1 2027 and CDS 2 2027 exams, but likely ONLY for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA). You will be overage for IMA, INA, and AFA.
CDS 1 2027 Eligibility
For the course commencing in January/April 2028, the approximate age cut-offs will be:
|
Academy |
Yes you're eligible . If you're born on 1 july 2003, you're eligible for UPSC CDS 2 in 2026 for IMA . For IMA the candidate must be born between 2 july 2002 and 1 july 2007
Hello,
This is a minor mistake and it will not affect your selection.
UPSC usually opens a
correction window
after the application closes.
You can edit details like the
issuing authority / degree details
during that time.
So you will be able to correct it.
If not corrected now:
It
Choosing the best CDS coaching in Lucknow really depends on what kind of learning environment you’re looking for. Some students prefer centres with strict discipline and regular mock tests, while others focus more on experienced faculty or smaller batch sizes. From what I’ve observed and heard from fellow aspirants, Shield
Applications for Admissions are open.
Apply for Online M.Com from Manipal University
CDS Notifications
Never miss CDS update
Get timely CDS updates directly to your inbox. Stay informed!