UPSC CDS 2026: Eligibility, Age Limit, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, SSB and Vacancies
UPSC Planner Editorial Team
UPSC Planner Guide
Summary
Complete UPSC CDS guide covering IMA, INA, AFA and OTA eligibility, age limits, 2026 vacancies, syllabus, written pattern, SSB interview, medical standards and preparation.
UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS): Complete Guide
The Combined Defence Services Examination is a Union Public Service Commission examination for candidates targeting a specialised public-service, forest-service or defence career. This page brings together the exam purpose, eligibility, stages, preparation approach and official links.
At a glance
| Item | Guide summary |
|---|---|
| Official name | Combined Defence Services Examination |
| Conducting body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Candidate profile | Verify education, age, nationality and medical requirements in the current notice |
| Selection | Written examination, SSB interview/assessment, medical examination and final merit. The examination has academy-specific written papers: IMA/INA/AFA candidates take English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics; OTA candidates take English and General Knowledge. |
| Best starting point | Read the pattern, download the latest notice, then build a subject-wise plan |
Recent official reference
The official CDS (II), 2026 notification was issued on 20 May 2026; applications closed on 9 June 2026 and the examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026. It notified 451 tentative vacancies: IMA 100, INA 26, AFA 32, OTA (Men) 275 and OTA (Women) 18. The notice specifies the course, preference, age, education, medical and academy rules for each entry.
This guide is evergreen. The current notification controls dates, vacancies, age limits, reservations, fees, application steps, medical standards, paper instructions and course-specific rules.
Eligibility
Candidates need a recognised university degree or equivalent, subject to academy-specific conditions. Engineering degree is required for the Naval Academy; a degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering is required for Air Force Academy. Age, marital status, nationality, medical and physical standards differ by academy and course.
Selection journey
Written examination, SSB interview/assessment, medical examination and final merit. The examination has academy-specific written papers: IMA/INA/AFA candidates take English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics; OTA candidates take English and General Knowledge.
How to prepare
- Download and annotate the latest notification and syllabus.
- Separate static subjects from current affairs and maintain an official-source revision file.
- Solve recent UPSC papers before choosing books or test series.
- Build a weekly plan with timed practice, revision and error analysis.
- Prepare the qualifying, descriptive, physical, medical or interview components from the beginning; do not postpone them until after the written result.
- Track application windows, admit-card notices, results, cut-offs and corrigenda from UPSC.
Who should choose this exam?
This exam is suitable for candidates who meet its specific academic and medical requirements and are comfortable with its selection stages. It should not be treated as a simple extension of CSE: Combined Defence Services (CDS) has its own paper mix, qualifying rules and final selection process.
Official links
- UPSC examination notification archive
- CDS (II), 2026 official notification
- UPSC active examinations
- UPSC previous question papers
- UPSC online application portal
Before applying
Check the latest official notification, advertisement, corrigendum and timetable. Do not rely on an old date, vacancy, fee, age limit, physical standard or paper pattern.
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UPSC CDS (II) 2026 latest notification snapshot
The official CDS (II), 2026 notification was issued on 20 May 2026. Applications closed on 9 June 2026 and the examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026. It notified 451 tentative vacancies: IMA 100, INA 26, AFA 32, OTA Men 275 and OTA Women 18. Course commencement dates, preferences and eligibility are specified separately for each academy.
The fee for candidates required to pay it is Rs. 200; female candidates and SC/ST candidates are exempt under the notice.
Academy choice matters
IMA, INA and AFA candidates take English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. OTA candidates take English and General Knowledge only. Women candidates are considered for the notified OTA entry, subject to the current rules.
Application process and document checklist
- Create or update the UPSC online profile and Universal Registration Number where applicable.
- Complete the Common Application Form and examination-specific module before the deadline.
- Keep the Matriculation/Secondary certificate, degree or 10+2 proof, category certificate, photo ID, photograph and signature ready in the format requested.
- Check the examination centre, fee exemption, force/academy preferences and declaration carefully.
- Download the e-Admit Card from the UPSC portal; it is not normally sent by post.
- Preserve the application number, URN, submitted form and payment receipt.
Career and selection perspective
The exam is not only a written test. Final selection can depend on written merit, interview/SSB, physical or medical fitness, preferences, vacancies and document verification. Candidates should understand the service or academy before choosing preferences.
A practical preparation plan
First phase: syllabus and fundamentals
Map every topic to the official syllabus, revise basic concepts and solve a small set of previous questions daily.
Second phase: exam-specific practice
Move from reading to timed papers, descriptive writing, mathematics, language practice, current affairs and specialist preparation required for this exam.
Third phase: selection-stage readiness
Maintain documents, fitness, medical readiness, interview communication and revision while continuing written practice.
UPSC CDS frequently asked questions
What is the CDS exam?
It is the UPSC examination for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers’ Training Academy.
Is CDS only for engineering graduates?
No. A recognised degree is generally required; engineering is required for INA, while AFA has its specified Physics/Mathematics or engineering requirement.
Which CDS papers are required for OTA?
OTA candidates take English and General Knowledge. IMA, INA and AFA candidates also take Elementary Mathematics.
Does CDS have an SSB interview?
Yes. Written-qualified candidates undergo the Services Selection Board process, followed by medical and final merit procedures.
Can final-year students apply for CDS?
Final-year candidates may be eligible under the conditions and proof deadlines in the notification.