Defence & Police · UPSC · Updated 19 October 2026
UPSC CDS 2026Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Cut-Off and Free Mock Test
UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS)
Conducted biannually by the UPSC, the Combined Defence Services exam selects commissioned officers for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). Selection combines an objective written examination with a five-day SSB assessment and medical evaluation.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- UPSC
Start for free with UPSC CDS syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
UPSC CDS exam overview and highlights
About UPSC CDS
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted by UPSC twice a year for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers' Training Academy. Candidates clear a written test and then face the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical examination. Successful candidates are commissioned as officers in the Army, Navy or Air Force after training.
The examination process for UPSC CDS comprises 2 stages: Written examination, followed by SSB Interview. The official syllabus tests candidates across 3 core areas — English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. The written examination shortlists candidates for the SSB interview. Final merit adds written marks and SSB marks (300 each for IMA, INA and AFA; 200 each for OTA), subject to medical fitness, with a separate merit list for each academy.
Key subjects
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
What clearing UPSC 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 commission as Lieutenant or equivalent at Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus Military Service Pay and allowances
- Central / Institutional appointment through Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) merit recommendation
Quick facts
- Full name
- UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS)
- Conducting body
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Frequency
- Twice a year
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet)
- Languages
- English and Hindi (English paper in English only)
- Stages & papers
- 2 stages (3 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer
- Official website
- upsc.gov.in
UPSC CDS — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of UPSC CDS conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC CDS — UPSC Combined Defence Services (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 |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notifications in December and May; written examinations in April and September; 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 (English paper in English only) |
| Selection Stages | 2 Stages (3 Papers Total): Written examination → SSB Interview |
| Negative Marking | One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | The written examination shortlists candidates for the SSB interview. Final merit adds written marks and SSB marks (300 each for IMA, INA and AFA; 200 each for OTA), subject to medical fitness, with a separate merit list for each academy. |
| Educational Qualification | IMA and OTA: graduation in any discipline; INA: degree in engineering; AFA: graduation with physics and mathematics at 10+2 or a bachelor's in engineering |
| Age Limit | Roughly 19 to 24 years for IMA, INA and AFA, and up to 25 years for OTA, as per the date of birth window in each notification |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Stipend during training, then commission as Lieutenant or equivalent at Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus Military Service Pay and allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Around 2 to 3 lakh applicants per cycle for a few hundred posts |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026: important dates, vacancy and application process
Last verified on 19 October 2026 against the official notification. Always confirm dates on the official website before you apply.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Written examination | 13 September 2026 (English 9 to 11 AM, General Knowledge 12:30 to 2:30 PM, Elementary Mathematics 4 to 6 PM) | Done |
| Written result | Not yet published on the UPSC exam page | Expected |
- Vacancies
- Around 2 to 3 lakh applicants per cycle for a few hundred posts. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official UPSC CDS recruitment advertisement published by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
- Application fee
- 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).
Latest updates
- 13 September 2026: The CDS (II) 2026 written examination was held in three two-hour papers on a single day.
- As of 19 October 2026, the UPSC exam page for CDS (II) 2026 lists the notification, the time table and a press note, but no written result yet.
- The CDS (I) 2027 cycle is listed among UPSC's forthcoming examinations; its notice has not been published.
Sources: UPSC exam page, CDS Examination (II) 2026, CDS (II) 2026 time table, CDS (II) 2026 notification
How to apply online for UPSC 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 UPSC CDS application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi (English paper 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 UPSC CDS Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
UPSC CDS eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for UPSC CDS must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by UPSC.
Educational qualification
IMA and OTA: graduation in any discipline; INA: degree in engineering; AFA: graduation with physics and mathematics at 10+2 or a bachelor's in engineering.
Age limit & relaxations
Roughly 19 to 24 years for IMA, INA and AFA, and up to 25 years for OTA, as per the date of birth window in each notification.
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 certain exceptions.
Other conditions & standards
Unmarried candidates only for IMA, INA and AFA; women are eligible for OTA (non-technical) and, as per recent notifications, some other entries. Physical and medical standards apply.
UPSC 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. |
UPSC CDS selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: The written examination shortlists candidates for the SSB interview. Final merit adds written marks and SSB marks (300 each for IMA, INA and AFA; 200 each for OTA), subject to medical fitness, with a separate merit list for each academy.
Stage 1: Written examination
Offline (OMR sheet) • 3 Papers (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics) • 340 Questions • 300 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • Three objective papers for IMA, INA and AFA candidates, and two papers (English and General Knowledge) for OTA candidates.
Three objective papers for IMA, INA and AFA candidates, and two papers (English and General Knowledge) for OTA candidates. Each paper carries 100 marks.
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
In person, at a Services Selection Board centre • A five day assessment of 300 marks covering screening tests, psychological tests, group tasks and a personal interview, followed by a medical examination.
A five day assessment of 300 marks covering screening tests, psychological tests, group tasks and a personal interview, followed by a medical examination.
Stage 3: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.
UPSC 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 rearrangement
English — Part II (Synonyms and antonyms)
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Fill in the blanks
- Idioms and phrases
General Knowledge — Part I (Current affairs and defence related news)
- Current affairs and defence related news
- Indian history and freedom struggle
- Indian and world geography
General Knowledge — Part II (Indian polity and constitution)
- Indian polity and constitution
- Economy
- Physics, chemistry and biology at school level
Elementary Mathematics — Part I (Arithmetic)
- Arithmetic: number system, percentages, ratio, time and work
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
Elementary Mathematics — Part II (Geometry)
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (UPSC CDS)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past UPSC 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
UPSC CDS salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Stipend during training, then commission as Lieutenant or equivalent at Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) 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 commission as Lieutenant or equivalent at Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) 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
UPSC CDS cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise UPSC 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.
UPSC 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 UPSC CDS is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining UPSC 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 UPSC 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
UPSC CDS admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
UPSC CDS Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official UPSC 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 UPSC 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
UPSC 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
UPSC CDS Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declares the UPSC 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 UPSC 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
UPSC CDS mock tests
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UPSC CDS Full Mock Test 1
Written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
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Written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
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Written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
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Written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
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Written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
UPSC CDS previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all UPSC CDS previous year papers by year
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Recent UPSC CDS question papers
Included on the Free plan with step-by-step solutions
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Complete 10-year UPSC CDS paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
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Predicted questions for UPSC CDS
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for UPSC CDS
- Revise Class IX and X mathematics thoroughly because the Elementary Mathematics paper is entirely school level.
- Read a daily newspaper and keep a note of defence exercises, appointments and awards for the General Knowledge paper.
- Practice English grammar rules and vocabulary daily; the English paper is scoring and common to all academies.
- Attempt previous years' CDS papers under timed conditions to manage 120 questions in two hours.
- Start preparing for the SSB early by working on communication, group discussion and general awareness.
- Read the official UPSC CDS notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
UPSC CDS FAQs
Is there negative marking in CDS?
Yes, one-third of the marks of a question are deducted for every wrong answer in all papers of the written examination.
How many times is CDS conducted in a year?
UPSC conducts CDS twice a year, usually referred to as CDS I and CDS II.
Can women apply for CDS?
Yes, women can apply for the Officers' Training Academy (non-technical) entry. Entries for other academies are as specified in the notification.
Is mathematics compulsory for CDS OTA?
No, OTA candidates write only the English and General Knowledge papers. Elementary Mathematics is required for IMA, INA and AFA.
What is the age limit for CDS?
The notification specifies a date of birth window for each academy; it works out to roughly 19 to 24 years for IMA, INA and AFA and 19 to 25 years for OTA.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for UPSC CDS?
UPSC CDS is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) across 2 stages: Written examination → SSB Interview. The written examination shortlists candidates for the SSB interview. Final merit adds written marks and SSB marks (300 each for IMA, INA and AFA; 200 each for OTA), subject to medical fitness, with a separate merit list for each academy.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for UPSC CDS?
Educational Qualification: IMA and OTA: graduation in any discipline; INA: degree in engineering; AFA: graduation with physics and mathematics at 10+2 or a bachelor's in engineering. Age Limit: Roughly 19 to 24 years for IMA, INA and AFA, and up to 25 years for OTA, as per the date of birth window in each notification.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing UPSC CDS?
Stipend during training, then commission as Lieutenant or equivalent at Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus Military Service Pay and allowances.
When is the UPSC CDS notification released and how can I apply online?
UPSC CDS is held twice a year (Notifications in December and May; written examinations in April and September; SSB interviews over the following months). Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal.
Where can I practice free UPSC CDS mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select UPSC 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 UPSC CDS pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for UPSC CDS on SmartRank?
Select UPSC 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 UPSC CDS pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.