CDS Exam 2026

Union Public Service Commission — Combined Defence Services Examination

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)NationalOffline (Pen & Paper)Exam: November 2026

Graduate exam for entry into IMA, OTA, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy.

CDS — Exam Highlights

Exam Name

CDS

Conducting Body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Level

National

CDS Important Dates & Schedule

CDS 2 NotificationAugust 2026

CDS 2 Written ExamNovember 2026

Dates are indicative — verify on the official website.

CDS — Overview

CDS (Combined Defence Services) is conducted by UPSC twice a year to recruit graduates as commissioned officers through the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA). The written exam is followed by the SSB interview and medical. CDS is a respected route for graduates aspiring to lead in the Indian Armed Forces.

CDS Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor's degree (Engineering for AFA/INA technical entries); meet age, marital and medical criteria.

CDS Exam Pattern & Format

Marks, duration, number of questions and marking scheme.

IMA/INA/AFA: English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. OTA: English and General Knowledge. SSB Interview. Negative marking applies.

CDS Syllabus & Topics

Subject-wise topics covered in the exam.

English, General Knowledge (current affairs, history, geography, polity, science) and Elementary Mathematics.

CDS Selection Process

Stage-by-stage selection.

Written Exam → SSB Interview → Medical → Final merit.

How to Prepare for CDS — Strategy & Tips

A focused, time-tested approach to crack CDS.

Read the official CDS notification carefully to confirm eligibility, age limit and the latest exam pattern. Build strong fundamentals in reasoning, quantitative aptitude and general awareness, and revise current affairs daily. Cover the full syllabus from standard books and make short revision notes for each topic. Solve previous-year CDS papers and take timed mock tests to improve speed, accuracy and time management.

CDS — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CDS exam?

CDS is a national-level government recruitment exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in the Defence Exams category. Graduate exam for entry into IMA, OTA, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy.

Who is eligible for CDS?

Bachelor's degree (Engineering for AFA/INA technical entries); meet age, marital and medical criteria.

What is the CDS exam pattern?

IMA/INA/AFA: English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. OTA: English and General Knowledge. SSB Interview. Negative marking applies.

What is the selection process for CDS?

Written Exam → SSB Interview → Medical → Final merit.

When is the CDS exam conducted?

The CDS exam is held November 2026. Exact dates are announced in the official notification — always verify on https://upsc.gov.in.

Is CDS information on MyInternships.in free?

Yes. All exam information is completely free and compiled from official government sources, with a reminder to verify details on the official website.