UPSC CDS: syllabus, exam pattern & eligibility

Combined Defence Services Examination. Officer entry to IMA, INA, AFA, OTA (Army/Navy/Air Force)

Category

Civil Services & Defence

Conducted by

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Level

Recruitment (graduate)

Frequency

Twice a year (CDS I, CDS II)

Mode

Pen & paper (OMR)

Languages

English

Eligibility

• Education: Degree (IMA/OTA); B.E. (INA/AFA per branch)
• Age: Varies by academy

Exam pattern

English / General Knowledge / Elementary Mathematics (IMA, INA, AFA)

120 min · 300 questions · 300 marks

• English: 120 questions, 100 marks
• General Knowledge: 120 questions, 100 marks
• Elementary Mathematics: 100 questions, 100 marks

Syllabus

English

Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension

General Knowledge

History, polity, geography, economy, science, current events

Elementary Mathematics

Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics

Important dates (2026)

• CDS I 2026 exam: 2026-04-12 (3 shifts: English 9-11, GK 12:30-2:30, Maths 4-6)
• CDS II notification: 2026-05-20
• CDS II applications closed: 2026-06-09
• CDS II exam: 2026-09-13

Selection process

Written -> SSB -> medical -> merit

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Pricing

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Frequently asked questions

What is UPSC CDS?

UPSC CDS stands for Combined Defence Services Examination. Officer entry to IMA, INA, AFA, OTA (Army/Navy/Air Force). It is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Level: Recruitment (graduate).

Who is eligible for UPSC CDS?

Education: Degree (IMA/OTA); B.E. (INA/AFA per branch). Age limit: Varies by academy.

What is the exam pattern of UPSC CDS?

English / General Knowledge / Elementary Mathematics (IMA, INA, AFA): 120 minutes, 300 questions, 300 marks. Mode: Pen & paper (OMR).

How often is UPSC CDS held?

Twice a year (CDS I, CDS II).

When is UPSC CDS held?

2026 cycle: CDS I 2026 exam 2026-04-12 (3 shifts: English 9-11, GK 12:30-2:30, Maths 4-6); CDS II notification 2026-05-20; CDS II applications closed 2026-06-09; CDS II exam 2026-09-13.

How are candidates selected through UPSC CDS?

Written -> SSB -> medical -> merit.

Compiled from public sources, last checked 2026-09-25. Dates, fees and rules change, so confirm with the official website before you apply.