UPSC CDS stands for Combined Defence Services Examination, conducted by UPSC for recruitment into Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Unlike CSE which recruits for civil services, CDS recruits for defence services.
CDS is conducted twice a year and is a popular choice for those aspiring to join the armed forces as officers. This guide explains everything about UPSC CDS 2026.
What is UPSC CDS?
Full Form: Combined Defence Services Examination
Conducted By: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Purpose: Recruitment to defence academies
Academies:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) - Army
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) - Navy
- Air Force Academy (AFA) - Air Force
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) - Army (Men & Women)
Frequency: Twice a year (CDS I and CDS II)
CDS 2026 Expected Dates:
- CDS I: April 2026
- CDS II: September 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
For IMA, INA, AFA:
- Bachelor's degree from recognized university
- Final year students can apply
For OTA:
- Bachelor's degree required
Age Limit (as on exam date):
For IMA:
- 19-24 years (unmarried)
For INA:
- 19-22 years (unmarried)
For AFA:
- 19-23 years (unmarried)
For OTA:
- 19-25 years (Men & Women)
- Can be married
Physical Standards:
- Height, weight, eyesight requirements
- Medically fit
- No tattoos (generally)
Exam Pattern
Written Examination:
For IMA, INA, AFA:
Paper I - English (100 marks):
- 2 hours duration
- Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension
Paper II - General Knowledge (100 marks):
- 2 hours duration
- Current affairs, history, geography, science
Paper III - Elementary Mathematics (100 marks):
- 2 hours duration
- Class 10 level mathematics
For OTA:
Paper I - English (100 marks) Paper II - General Knowledge (100 marks) (No Mathematics paper)
Total Marks: 300 (IMA/INA/AFA), 200 (OTA)
Negative Marking: 1/3rd for each wrong answer
SSB Interview:
- 5-day process
- Psychological tests
- Group tasks
- Personal interview
- Medical examination
CDS vs CSE
CDS (Defence Services):
- For defence academies
- Twice a year
- Easier than CSE
- Physical fitness important
- Career in armed forces
CSE (Civil Services):
- For IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.
- Once a year
- Tougher than CDS
- Mental ability focus
- Career in civil administration
Can You Prepare for Both? Yes, many candidates prepare for both simultaneously as there's syllabus overlap in GK and current affairs.
Preparation Strategy
For English:
- Grammar rules
- Vocabulary building
- Reading comprehension practice
- Previous years' papers
For General Knowledge:
- Current affairs (last 6 months)
- History, Geography basics
- Science fundamentals
- Defence-related topics
For Mathematics:
- Class 10 NCERT
- Practice arithmetic, algebra, geometry
- Speed and accuracy
- Mock tests
Preparation Time:
- 3-4 months sufficient
- 2-3 hours daily study
- Regular mock tests
Conclusion
UPSC CDS is the gateway to join Indian defence forces as an officer. Conducted twice a year, it's relatively easier than CSE and requires 3-4 months of focused preparation. If you aspire to serve the nation in uniform, CDS is your path.
Use UPSC.AI's CDS preparation modules to prepare effectively for CDS 2026!