UPSC CDS 2026 Exam Pattern
The pattern below explains the normal selection architecture and the current guide’s planning assumptions. The latest UPSC notice is authoritative for marks, time limits, negative marking, qualifying thresholds, languages, medical rules and academy/course-specific conditions.
Selection structure
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.
Written examination
For IMA, INA and AFA, the written examination totals 300 marks: English 100, General Knowledge 100 and Elementary Mathematics 100. For OTA, it totals 200 marks: English 100 and General Knowledge 100. Each paper is objective and generally two hours. SSB carries 200 marks for IMA/INA/AFA and 200 marks for OTA; negative marking and standards are controlled by the current notice.
Merit and qualifying components
Separate qualifying components may include language, physical standards, medical fitness, SSB or interview thresholds. A candidate can be strong in the written paper and still be ineligible if a mandatory later-stage requirement is not met. Read every stage in the notification before applying.
Preparation implications
- Use the official time limit for every full-paper practice session.
- Check the negative-marking rule before attempting random guesses.
- Practise the same answer format and language expected in the paper.
- Keep documents, certificates, photographs, signatures and identity proof ready before the application window.
- Treat physical fitness, medical readiness, descriptive writing and SSB preparation as parallel workstreams where applicable.
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.
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.
How to read the pattern
Separate the examination into three buckets: papers that contribute to merit, papers or stages that are qualifying, and eligibility stages such as physical/medical fitness or document verification. A high written score alone does not replace a mandatory qualifying stage.
Negative marking and exam-day rules
Objective papers may carry negative marking. Use only the current notice for the exact penalty, question language, calculator permission, OMR instructions, paper sequence and allowed stationery. Read the special instructions before the examination day.
Cut-off and final merit
UPSC may prescribe minimum qualifying marks for individual papers and stages. Written cut-offs, interview/SSB performance, category, preferences, vacancies and medical fitness can all affect the final outcome. Previous cut-offs are useful for planning but cannot guarantee a future threshold.
Exam-day checklist
- Download and check the e-Admit Card.
- Carry the permitted photo ID and required stationery.
- Reach the centre before the reporting time.
- Fill roll number, test booklet series and other OMR fields exactly as instructed.
- Do not carry a calculator or prohibited device when the notice disallows it.
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.