UPSC CDS 2026: Complete Guide to Combined Defence Services Examination
Planning to balance your graduation studies with UPSC CDS 2026 preparation? The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Combined Defence Services examination twice a year for aspiring officers of the Indian Armed Forces. The first exam CDS 1 takes place on April 12, 2026, and CDS 2 follows on September 13, 2026. Your chances look good with 300-400 vacancies typically available, but you’ll need solid preparation to succeed in this defence services exam.
A clear grasp of the CDS syllabus 2026 will help your preparation work better. The written exam structure varies by branch. Indian Military Academy (IMA)/Indian Naval Academy (INA)/Air Force Academy (AFA) candidates must tackle three subjects that add up to 300 marks: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The Officers Training Academy (OTA) exam focuses on English and General Knowledge with a total of 200 marks. Smart preparation starts with knowing the CDS eligibility criteria, how to apply, and staying updated with UPSC CDS notifications.
This piece gives you a detailed roadmap from CDS exam dates 2026 to eligibility rules. You’ll find everything about age requirements, application steps, and a complete syllabus breakdown. We’ll also look at CDS coaching options that can shape your preparation strategy.
UPSC CDS 2026 Notification and Exam Dates
The UPSC calendar confirms two CDS exams in 2026, giving candidates two chances to pursue their defence career dreams.
UPSC will release the CDS 1 2026 notification on December 10, 2025. This announcement gives aspiring defence officers their first chance to apply for the 2026 CDS examination. The CDS 2 2026 notification will come out on May 20, 2026, about five months after the first one. Candidates should keep checking the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) to access these UPSC CDS notifications right when they’re released.
CDS 2026 application form date and process
The application window for CDS 1 2026 starts on December 10, 2025, the same day as the notification release. Candidates need to submit their CDS application form by December 30, 2025, though some sources hint at a possible extension to January 2, 2026.
CDS 2 2026 application forms will be available from May 20, 2026, and candidates can submit them until June 9, 2026. The application process is straightforward and includes these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in)
- Complete both Part I and Part II registration
- Upload required documents including photograph and signature
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the form and save a printout for future reference
UPSC usually opens a brief correction window after the deadline so candidates can fix any errors in their submitted details.
CDS exam date 2026 for CDS 1 and CDS 2
The first CDS exam date 2026 is set for April 12, 2026. UPSC plans to declare results in June 2026.
The second exam, CDS 2 2026, will take place on September 13, 2026, with results expected around October 2026. UPSC releases the CDS admit card about a week before each exam on their official website.
These timelines help candidates plan their preparation effectively to maximize their success chances in UPSC CDS 2026.
Eligibility Criteria and Age Limit for CDS 2026
Your success in the UPSC CDS 2026 examination depends on meeting specific eligibility requirements. Let’s get into the detailed criteria that UPSC has set for aspiring defence officers.
Nationality and educational qualifications
CDS 2026 candidates must belong to one of these categories: Indian citizens, subjects of Bhutan or Nepal, or Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before January 1, 1962. People of Indian origin can also apply if they migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African nations to settle permanently in India.
Educational requirements vary based on the academy:
- IMA and OTA: A graduation degree from a recognized university or equivalent institution is needed
- INA: Engineering degree from a recognized university is mandatory
- AFA: Candidates should have a graduation degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering
Final year students can apply but they must show proof of degree completion by their SSB interview date.
CDS 2026 age limit for IMA, INA, AFA, OTA
Each academy has different CDS age limits:
- IMA & INA – 19 to 24 years (born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008)
- AFA – 20 to 24 years (born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2007)
- OTA (Men & Women) – 19 to 25 years (born between 2 Jan 2002 – 1 Jan 2008)
AFA’s upper age limit extends to 26 years for candidates with valid Commercial Pilot Licenses from DGCA India.
Marital status and gender eligibility
Candidates under 25 years must be unmarried to join IMA, INA, and AFA. OTA Women’s Non-Technical Course welcomes unmarried women, issueless widows, and issueless divorcees who haven’t remarried.
The UPSC CDS 2026 examination accepts both male and female candidates. Women can apply only for OTA, while men can choose from all academies – IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Candidates who don’t meet these requirements will face disqualification during selection. Reading the official CDS notification completely before applying is a vital step.
CDS Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026
A solid grasp of the UPSC CDS 2026 exam structure will help you accomplish your preparation goals. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements to build your study plan.
Exam pattern for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA
The CDS exam pattern 2026 for the written test has different structures based on your academy choice. IMA, INA, and AFA candidates must take three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. OTA candidates need to complete only two papers: English and General Knowledge.
Each paper runs for 2 hours duration with pen and paper. The test features only multiple-choice questions.
| Academy | Subjects | Total Duration | No. of Questions | Max. Marks |
| IMA/INA/AFA | English | 2 Hr | 120 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hr | 120 | 100 | |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hr | 100 | 100 | |
| OTA | English | 2 Hr | 120 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hr | 120 | 100 |
- CDS 1 Exam Date 2026 : 12 April 2026
- CDS 2 Exam Date 2026 : 13 September 2026
Subject-wise CDS syllabus 2026 overview
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| English |
|
| General Knowledge |
|
| Elementary Mathematics (for IMA/INA/AFA) |
|
Marking scheme and negative marking
You’ll get +1 mark for each right answer. Be careful though – wrong answers will cost you 0.33 marks. Questions with multiple answers marked will count as incorrect.
You won’t lose marks for questions you skip. Smart question selection can help maximize your score. This marking pattern stays the same for all parts of the UPSC CDS 2026 exam, putting equal weight on accuracy and knowledge.
Admission Details and Coaching Options
Students preparing for UPSC CDS 2026 should think over their coaching options carefully. Many institutes provide specialized training to help candidates succeed in the Combined Defence Services examination.
Online and offline batch
CDS 2026 preparation is now accessible through classroom and digital formats. Leading academies offer well-laid-out courses that come with regular doubt-clearing sessions and mock tests in both mediums. These institutes have courses lasting 4-12 months to match different preparation needs.
Doon Defence Dreamers: New CDS Batch Details
Doon Defense Dreamers has scheduled UPSC CDS 2026 batches starting September 15, 22, and 29, 2025. This institute leads as India’s first AI-powered Defense Coaching Platform that provides 24×7 doubt-solving support and tailored learning modules. Ex-officers with extensive experience make up their teaching faculty and provide detailed guidance.
New Batch Starting Dates
15th September
22nd September
23rd September
Parameters to consider when choosing a coaching institute
Your CDS syllabus 2026 preparation needs a coaching institute that excels in faculty experience, especially instructors from defence backgrounds. The quality of SSB interview preparation, study materials, infrastructure, and past selection rates matter significantly. The institute’s batch size and approach to solving doubts should also guide your choice. Look for institutes that provide regular CDS question papers and mock tests to familiarize you with the exam pattern.
Conclusion
Success in UPSC CDS 2026 depends on hard work, smart planning, and a clear grasp of the syllabus, age limit, and eligibility. With two exams each year, you get multiple chances to achieve your defence career goals.
The CDS syllabus 2026 may seem vast, but with a proper study plan, mock tests, and focus on core subjects like history, polity, and English, you can master it. Preparation varies for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA—choose between self-study or coaching based on your needs.
Clearing CDS 2026 also requires success in the SSB interview, where fitness and officer-like qualities matter as much as academics. Stay updated on the CDS notification, application form, admit card, and exam dates. With dedication and the right strategy, your dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces can become reality.
Recent Blogs & YouTube Videos
Stay updated with the latest guidance, tips, and strategies for CDS exam preparation through our recent blogs and YouTube videos. Our content helps aspirants stay informed about exam updates, understand the syllabus better, and learn effective techniques for selection.
- CDS 2 2025 Answer Key (All Sets A/B/C/D) – English, GK & Maths Solutions + Expected Cut-Off
- CDS 2 2025 Maths – Exam Analysis, Answer Key, Cut-Off & Preparation
- CDS 2 2025 English – Answer Key, Exam Analysis & Cut-Off
- CDS 2 2025 GS Paper PDF: Official UPSC Release, Exam Pattern & Analysis
