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Complete Guide for CDS I & CDS II – Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus & Preparation Conducted by: UPSC

Summary: The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam 2026 conducted by UPSC is one of the most respected defence examinations in India for candidates aspiring to become commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. With the right guidance from LWS – the highest selection provider in India, clearing CDS 2026 is absolutely achievable.

What is the CDS Exam?

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted twice a year by UPSC to select officers for IMA, INA, AFA, OTA. The selection process includes a written examination followed by the SSB Interview, which evaluates leadership qualities and officer-like traits.

CDS Exam 2026 Important Dates (Official Updates)

CDS I 2026
EventDate
Notification Release10 December 2025
Application Last Date 30 December 2025 Closed
Exam Date12 April 2026
CDS II 2026
EventDate
Notification Release June 2026 Expected
Application Last Date July 2026 Expected
Exam Date13 September 2026
  • Note: Dates are based on reliable education portals and UPSC schedule. Always check the official UPSC website for updates.

CDS Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

  • Citizen of India, or
  • Subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
  • Tibetan refugee (as per UPSC rules)

Education

  • IMA & OTA: Graduation from recognized university
  • INA: Engineering Degree
  • AFA: Graduation with Physics & Math at 10+2 OR Engineering

CDS Age Limit 2026

AcademyAge LimitGender
Indian Military Academy (IMA)19–24 yearsMale
Indian Naval Academy (INA)19–22 yearsMale
Air Force Academy (AFA)19–23 yearsMale
Officers' Training Academy (OTA)19–25 yearsMale & Female

CDS Exam 2026 Exam Pattern

For IMA, INA & Air Force Academy
SubjectMarksDuration
English1002 Hours Each
General Knowledge100
Mathematics100
Total3006 Hours
For OTA
SubjectMarks
English100
General Knowledge100
Total200

ℹ️ Note: Mathematics is NOT required for OTA.

CDS Exam 2026 Syllabus (Subject-Wise)

A↔Z English

  • Vocabulary & Grammar
  • Sentence Improvement
  • Comprehension Passages
  • Synonyms & Antonyms
  • Error Detection
  • Ordering of Words / Sentences

🌍 General Knowledge

  • Indian History & Geography
  • Polity & Constitution
  • Economy & Current Affairs
  • Defence & National Security
  • General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
  • Environmental Science

∑ Mathematics (10+2 Level)

  • Arithmetic & Number System
  • Algebra & Geometry
  • Mensuration & Trigonometry
  • Statistics & Probability
  • Time, Speed & Distance
  • Profit, Loss & Percentage

How to Prepare for CDS Exam 2026 – Expert Strategy

Understand Syllabus & Pattern

Analyze UPSC syllabus and previous year papers thoroughly

Strengthen Basics

Use NCERT books (Class 6–12) for fundamental concepts

Daily Current Affairs

Follow defence news, national & international events daily

Regular Practice

Solve previous year papers and take mock tests weekly

SSB Interview Preparation

Start SSB-oriented personality development early. Focus on:

Communication Skills
Physical Fitness
Leadership Qualities
Current Affairs Knowledge
Group Discussion Practice
Psychology Test Practice

Our students have consistently achieved excellent results in NDA exams:

Leadership Team

Is CDS 2026 tough?

With proper guidance, disciplined study plan, and consistent practice, CDS is definitely crackable. Many aspirants clear it every year with the right strategy.

Mathematics is compulsory for IMA, INA & Air Force Academy, but NOT required for OTA. OTA candidates only need to appear for English and General Knowledge papers.

Yes, female candidates can apply for Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Currently, women are not eligible for IMA, INA or Air Force Academy through CDS entry.

There is no fixed attempt limit for CDS examination. Candidates can appear as many times as they want until they reach the upper age limit for their chosen academy.

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