Are you aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination? The UPSC CDS Exam 2026 is your gateway to prestigious institutions like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). This comprehensive guide covers the UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026 in detail, including the syllabus, marking scheme, and essential tips to help you prepare effectively. Whether you’re searching for “UPSC CDS 2026 exam pattern” or “CDS syllabus 2026,” this post has everything you need to kickstart your preparation.
What is the UPSC CDS Exam?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CDS exam twice a year to recruit candidates for various defence services. CDS 1 2026 and CDS 2 2026 will follow the standard selection process: a written examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. The exam tests your intellectual abilities, physical fitness, and leadership potential. Success in CDS opens doors to a rewarding career in the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Key highlights for UPSC CDS 2026:
- Conducting Body: UPSC
- Exam Frequency: Twice a year (CDS I and CDS II)
- Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper based)
- Stages: Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical Examination
- Posts: Commissioned Officers in IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA
UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before diving into the exam pattern, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for CDS 2026:
- Nationality: Indian citizen or as per UPSC guidelines.
- Age Limit:
- IMA/INA: 19-24 years
- AFA: 20-24 years
- OTA: 19-25 years
- Educational Qualification:
- IMA/OTA: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- INA: Engineering degree.
- AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering degree.
- Marital Status: Unmarried (except for OTA, where married candidates may apply under conditions).
- Physical Standards: Candidates must meet height, weight, and vision requirements as specified by UPSC.
Note: Women candidates are eligible only for OTA.
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026
The UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026 remains consistent with previous years, featuring a written test tailored to the academy you’re applying for. The exam is objective-type with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). There’s negative marking for incorrect answers, so accuracy is key.
Written Exam Pattern
The written exam differs for IMA/INA/AFA and OTA candidates. Here’s a breakdown:
For IMA, INA, and AFA
| Subject | Duration | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 hours | 120 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 hours | 120 | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 6 hours | 340 | 300 |
For OTA
| Subject | Duration | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 hours | 120 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 hours | 120 | 100 |
| Total | 4 hours | 240 | 200 |
- Question Type: Objective (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer (adjusted for varying question counts to total 100 marks per paper).
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
- Language: Bilingual (English and Hindi, except for the English paper).
- Qualifying Criteria: Minimum qualifying marks in each subject and overall aggregate as decided by UPSC.
Candidates must clear the written exam to proceed to the SSB interview.
SSB Interview Pattern
The SSB interview is a 5-day process worth 300 marks for IMA/INA/AFA and 200 marks for OTA. It assesses personality, intelligence, and compatibility for defence services through:
- Day 1: Screening (Officer Intelligence Rating, Picture Perception & Description Test).
- Day 2-4: Psychological tests, Group Testing Officer tasks, and Interviews.
- Day 5: Conference and final recommendation.
Successful candidates undergo a medical examination before final merit list preparation.
UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026
Understanding the syllabus is crucial for targeted preparation. The CDS Syllabus 2026 covers three main subjects:
1. English
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms)
- Comprehension passages
- Error spotting and sentence improvement
- Ordering of words/sentences
2. General Knowledge
- Current affairs (national and international)
- History of India
- Geography (physical, economic, world)
- Indian Polity and Economy
- Science and Technology
- Environment and Ecology
- Defence-related topics (ranks, awards, operations)
3. Elementary Mathematics
- Arithmetic: Number systems, percentages, profit/loss, time/work
- Algebra: Equations, polynomials, quadratic equations
- Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles
- Trigonometry: Heights and distances, identities
- Mensuration: Areas, volumes, surface areas
- Statistics: Data interpretation, mean, median, mode
The syllabus is based on Class 10-12 level for most topics, emphasizing conceptual clarity.
Preparation Tips for UPSC CDS 2026
To crack the UPSC CDS Exam 2026, follow these proven strategies:
- Understand the Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the CDS exam pattern 2026 early to allocate time wisely.
- Study Plan: Dedicate 6-8 hours daily. Focus on weak areas like Maths for IMA aspirants.
- Practice Mock Tests: Solve previous years’ papers and timed mocks to build speed and accuracy.
- Current Affairs: Read newspapers and magazines daily for GK.
- Physical Fitness: Start training for SSB early, including running, group discussions, and interviews.
- Resources: Use standard books like RS Aggarwal for Maths, Wren & Martin for English, and Lucent’s GK.
- Time Management: Avoid guesswork due to negative marking; aim for 70-80% accuracy.
Stay consistent and revise regularly for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026
1. What is the exam pattern for CDS 2026?
The CDS 2026 written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for IMA/INA/AFA (300 marks), and only English and GK for OTA (200 marks). Each paper is 2 hours long with negative marking of 1/3.
2. Is there any change in the CDS syllabus for 2026?
No major changes are expected. The syllabus covers English, GK, and Maths at the 10+2 level, focusing on core concepts and current affairs.
3. How many questions are there in the CDS exam?
For IMA/INA/AFA: 340 questions total (120 in English, 120 in GK, 100 in Maths). For OTA: 240 questions (120 each in English and GK).
4. What is the marking scheme in CDS 2026?
Each correct answer carries approximately 0.83-1 mark (totaling 100 per paper). 1/3 mark is deducted for wrong answers.
5. Can women apply for CDS 2026?
Yes, women can apply for OTA positions only.
6. What is the age limit for CDS 2026?
It ranges from 19-25 years depending on the academy, calculated as of the course commencement date.
7. How to prepare for the SSB interview in CDS?
Focus on personality development, group tasks, and psychological tests. Practice speaking confidently and stay physically fit.
8. Is Maths compulsory for all CDS candidates?
No, Maths is only for IMA, INA, and AFA. OTA candidates skip it.
9. When will the CDS 2026 notification be released?
Typically, CDS I notification comes in December 2025, and CDS II in May 2026. Check the UPSC website for exact dates.
10. What is the total duration of the CDS written exam?
6 hours for IMA/INA/AFA (three papers) and 4 hours for OTA (two papers).
This guide on UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026 is designed to help you navigate your preparation journey. Start early, stay focused, and aim for excellence. Good luck with your CDS 2026 aspirations! If you have more questions, drop them in the comments below.