Defence & Police · Updated October 2026
CDS ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
The Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for graduates who want to join the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy or Officers' Training Academy. It is held twice a year and consists of a written exam followed by an SSB interview and medical examination.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Defence
Start for free with CDS syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
CDS exam overview and highlights
About CDS
The Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for graduates who want to join the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy or Officers' Training Academy. It is held twice a year and consists of a written exam followed by an SSB interview and medical examination. Successful candidates are trained and commissioned as officers in the Army, Navy or Air Force.
The examination process for CDS comprises 3 stages: Written examination, followed by SSB interview, followed by Medical examination. The official syllabus tests candidates across 3 core areas — English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB interview. Final merit for each academy combines written marks and SSB marks, subject to medical fitness.
Key subjects
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
What clearing CDS leads to
- Indian Military Academy, Dehradun (Army)
- Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala (Navy)
- Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Air Force)
- Officers' Training Academy, Chennai (Short Service Commission)
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Stipend during training, then commissioning as a Lieutenant or equivalent at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay and allowances
- Central / Institutional appointment through Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) merit recommendation
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Frequency
- Twice a year (CDS I and CDS II)
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet)
- Languages
- English and Hindi (the English paper is in English only)
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (3 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer
- Official website
- upsc.gov.in
CDS — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of CDS conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CDS |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Category | Defence & Police |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (CDS I and CDS II) |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Twice a year: notifications around December and May, written exams around April and September, with SSB interviews over the following months |
| Mode of Application | Online on upsc.gov.in through the one-time registration (OTR) portal |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR sheet) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English and Hindi (the English paper is in English only) |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (3 Papers Total): Written examination → SSB interview → Medical examination |
| Negative Marking | One-third of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB interview. Final merit for each academy combines written marks and SSB marks, subject to medical fitness. |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation in any discipline for IMA and OTA; engineering degree for the Indian Naval Academy; graduation with Physics and Mathematics at Class 12, or an engineering degree, for the Air Force Academy. Final-year students can apply. |
| Age Limit | Typically 19 to 24 years for IMA and INA, 20 to 24 years for AFA, and 19 to 25 years for OTA |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Stipend during training, then commissioning as a Lieutenant or equivalent at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay and allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | A few lakh candidates appear each cycle for a few hundred vacancies across the academies |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
CDS exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for CDS. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Defence website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| CDS Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Twice a year: notifications around December and May, written exams around April and September, with SSB interviews over the following months | Twice a year (CDS I and CDS II) |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| CDS — Written examination | Twice a year: notifications around December and May, written exams around April and September, with SSB interviews over the following months | Offline (OMR sheet) |
| CDS — SSB interview | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- A few lakh candidates appear each cycle for a few hundred vacancies across the academies. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official CDS recruitment advertisement published by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Standard UPSC examination fee norms apply (typically ₹100 to ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates; Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are fully exempted from payment of the application fee).
How to apply online for CDS
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit upsc.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on upsc.gov.in through the one-time registration (OTR) portal.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the CDS application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi (the English paper is in English only)), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final CDS Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
CDS eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for CDS must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Defence.
Educational qualification
Graduation in any discipline for IMA and OTA; engineering degree for the Indian Naval Academy; graduation with Physics and Mathematics at Class 12, or an engineering degree, for the Air Force Academy. Final-year students can apply.
Age limit & relaxations
Typically 19 to 24 years for IMA and INA, 20 to 24 years for AFA, and 19 to 25 years for OTA.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen (with specified exceptions).
Other conditions & standards
Candidates for IMA, INA and AFA must be unmarried. OTA accepts unmarried men and women; the exact marital conditions for OTA are stated in each notification. Physical and medical standards for height, weight, vision and general fitness apply.
CDS — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
CDS selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB interview. Final merit for each academy combines written marks and SSB marks, subject to medical fitness.
Stage 1: Written examination
Offline (OMR sheet) • 3 Papers (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics) • 340 Questions • 300 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • Objective papers held on one day.
Objective papers held on one day. Candidates for IMA, INA and AFA write three papers; OTA candidates write only English and General Knowledge.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration English 120 100 2 hours General Knowledge 120 100 2 hours Elementary MathematicsNot required for OTA 100 100 2 hours Stage 2: SSB interview
Offline (OMR sheet) • A five-day Services Selection Board process with screening, psychology tests, group testing and a personal interview.
A five-day Services Selection Board process with screening, psychology tests, group testing and a personal interview. It carries 300 marks for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 marks for OTA, matching the written total.
Stage 3: Medical examination
Offline (OMR sheet) • Recommended candidates undergo a medical board; only those found medically fit are placed on the final merit list.
Recommended candidates undergo a medical board; only those found medically fit are placed on the final merit list.
CDS subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
English — Part I (Reading comprehension)
- Reading comprehension
- Spotting errors
- Sentence improvement and ordering
English — Part II (Fill in the blanks)
- Fill in the blanks
- Synonyms, antonyms and idioms
- Active and passive voice
General Knowledge — Part I (Indian history and freedom struggle)
- Indian history and freedom struggle
- Indian polity and constitution
- Geography of India and the world
General Knowledge — Part II (Indian economy)
- Indian economy
- Physics, chemistry and biology at school level
- Current affairs, defence and sports
Elementary Mathematics — Part I (Arithmetic)
- Arithmetic: number system, HCF and LCM, percentages, ratio
- Time and work, time and distance, interest
- Algebra and polynomials
Elementary Mathematics — Part II (Trigonometry)
- Trigonometry
- Geometry and mensuration
- Statistics
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (CDS)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past CDS cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
Current Affairs, Official Schemes, Economic Survey & Static GK
- National and international current events of the last 12 months
- Union and State Budget highlights, Economic Survey and flagship welfare schemes
- Constitutional amendments, landmark Supreme Court judgments and governance bills
- Science, space missions (ISRO), defence exercises, awards and sports
- Reports, indices, summits, international organisations and static general awareness
CDS salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Stipend during training, then commissioning as a Lieutenant or equivalent at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay and allowances. Appointments under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Stipend during training, then commissioning as a Lieutenant or equivalent at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay and allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
CDS cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise CDS cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
CDS — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
Because CDS is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one-third of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining CDS Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the CDS cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
CDS admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
CDS Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official CDS Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on upsc.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the CDS e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
CDS Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on upsc.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
CDS Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declares the CDS result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on upsc.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official CDS Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
CDS mock tests
Practice in the official CDS pattern on the Free plan, and unlock 10 full or sectional mocks every month, unlimited chapter and topic tests, and the CBT Exam Simulator with SmartRank Pass.
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CDS Full Mock Test 1
Written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
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CDS Full Mock Test 2
Written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
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CDS Full Mock Test 3
Written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
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CDS Full Mock Test 4
Written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
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CDS Full Mock Test 5
Written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
CDS previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all CDS previous year papers by year
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Recent CDS question papers
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Complete 10-year CDS paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
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Predicted questions for CDS
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for CDS
- The Elementary Mathematics paper is Class 10 level, so revise NCERT basics and build speed rather than depth.
- General Knowledge has the widest syllabus; keep a current affairs routine covering defence exercises, awards and appointments.
- Attempt only questions you are sure of, since one-third negative marking can wipe out gains from guessing.
- OTA aspirants should still prepare thoroughly for English and GK, because the cut-off is calculated on only two papers.
- Practice previous CDS papers to get used to the question style UPSC repeats across years.
- Read the official CDS notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
CDS FAQs
Can final-year students apply for CDS?
Yes. Candidates in the final year of graduation can apply, but they must submit proof of passing by the date given in the notification.
Is Maths compulsory in CDS?
Elementary Mathematics is required for IMA, INA and AFA. Candidates applying only for OTA write just the English and General Knowledge papers.
Can women apply for CDS?
Yes. Women can apply for the Officers' Training Academy entry through CDS for a Short Service Commission.
What is the difference between CDS and NDA?
NDA is for candidates after Class 12, while CDS is for graduates. Both lead to officer training, but the academies, age limits and papers differ.
What happens after clearing the CDS written exam?
Qualified candidates are called for the SSB interview, which lasts about five days, followed by a medical examination before the final merit list.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for CDS?
CDS is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) across 3 stages: Written examination → SSB interview → Medical examination. Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB interview. Final merit for each academy combines written marks and SSB marks, subject to medical fitness.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for CDS?
Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline for IMA and OTA; engineering degree for the Indian Naval Academy; graduation with Physics and Mathematics at Class 12, or an engineering degree, for the Air Force Academy. Final-year students can apply. Age Limit: Typically 19 to 24 years for IMA and INA, 20 to 24 years for AFA, and 19 to 25 years for OTA.
Is there negative marking in the CDS exam?
Yes — One-third of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer. Candidates should use a two-pass attempt strategy during mock tests to keep accuracy above 85% and minimise negative marking deductions.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing CDS?
Stipend during training, then commissioning as a Lieutenant or equivalent at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay and allowances.
When is the CDS notification released and how can I apply online?
CDS is held twice a year (CDS I and CDS II) (Twice a year: notifications around December and May, written exams around April and September, with SSB interviews over the following months). Online on upsc.gov.in through the one-time registration (OTR) portal.
How can I prepare for CDS on SmartRank?
Select CDS as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact CDS pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.