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CDS 2026 - Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility, Preparation

The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is a national-level defence entrance exam conducted by UPSC to select candidates for officer training in the Indian Armed Forces. It is held twice a year (CDS I and CDS II) for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The selection process includes a written examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical examination. Fi

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Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS)

Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Defence Officer EntryArmed Forces Training Academies
Admissionbuddy Team
Admissionbuddy Team

Content Writer | Updated 7 hours ago

Key Summary

•UPSC CDS is a national-level exam for graduate candidates seeking officer entry into IMA, INA, AFA and OTA through written test and SSB interview.

UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) is one of India’s most popular national-level defence exams for graduates aiming to become commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The exam is conducted twice a year and tests candidates on English, General Knowledge and Mathematics (for select academies), followed by the SSB interview and medicals.
The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is a national-level defence entrance exam conducted by UPSC to select candidates for officer training in the Indian Armed Forces. It is held twice a year (CDS I and CDS II) for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The selection process includes a written examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical examination. Final merit is prepared based on written exam and SSB marks (as applicable).

CDS Paper Pattern

exam Mode

Offline Based Test

exam Duration

IMA/INA/AFA: 6 hours total (3 papers x 2 hours); OTA: 4 hours total (2 papers x 2 hours)

total Marks

300 Marks

exam Level

UG

eligibility

Candidates must be Indian citizens as per UPSC eligibility conditions (including certain categories of subjects of Nepal/Bhutan and Tibetan refugees/migrants as specified by UPSC notifications). Educational qualification varies by academy: IMA—graduation degree from a recognised university; OTA—graduation degree from a recognised university; INA—engineering degree; AFA—graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering. Candidates must meet prescribed physical and medical standards as per the services requirements.

official Website

https://upsc.gov.in

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