CDS

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Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

CDS (Combined Defence Services Examination) is conducted twice a year by UPSC for graduate entry into the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy.

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GraduationEligibility

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Trusted Information

Facts are checked against linked official sources.

Last verified 2026-07-04

About Exam

CDS (Combined Defence Services Examination) is conducted twice a year by UPSC for graduate entry into the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy.

Conducting body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Eligibility: Graduation
Current cycle: CDS (per UPSC's published annual calendar)
Official source: UPSC official portal

Highlights

Vacancies: Not announced
Application deadline: Not announced
Exam schedule: Not announced
Selection stages: 3 stages in the current guide
Negative marking: Check the current official notification

Important Dates

View full lifecycle

UPSC's Annual Calendar 2027 was uploaded to upsc.gov.in on 20 May 2026 — check it for exact CDS I/II 2027 dates.Notification
Not announcedApplications open
Not announcedLast date to apply
Not announcedExam date

Prepare for CDS

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CDS (per UPSC's published annual calendar)

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Eligibility summary

Qualification: Bachelor's degree (specific streams required for AFA/technical entries)
Age: Varies by academy — typically 19-24/25 years, check the current notification's academy-wise age chart

Process

Selection process

Written exam — English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics (IMA/INA/AFA); OTA has no Mathematics paper.
SSB interview for written-qualified candidates.
Medical examination, followed by the final merit list and academy allotment.

Exam pattern

Written exam: Objective, papers vary slightly by academy applied for

Prep for this exam

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Latest

CDS current affairs

Defence Ministry signs ₹660 crore contract with BrahMos Aerospace for Navy

The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth over 660 crore rupees with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited for procurement of BrahMos Fire Control System and Launchers for Indian Navy ships.

INDIA-UAE JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 COMMENCES IN UTTARAKHAND

The India-UAE Joint Military Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 commenced today at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. The exercise, being conducted from 05 to 18 October 2026, aims to enhance interoperabili…

Indian Navy to induct record 18 warships in 2026, marking largest single-year force expansion in its history

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has described 2026 as a historic year for the Indian Navy, with plans for the induction or commissioning of 18 warships during the year.

PM Modi, US President Trump discuss bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy over phone

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump today reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy and critical technologies, among other areas. Prime Minister Modi held a telephonic conversation…

10th India-Republic of Korea JCM on Defence Industries & Logistics Cooperation takes place in New Delhi

The 10th India-Republic of Korea Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Defence Industries and Logistics Cooperation was held in New Delhi yesterday. The Defence Ministry said, both countries reviewed the ongoing bilateral co…

Indian, ASEAN navies participate in second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise in Philippines

Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish, along with BRP Jose Rizal, BRP Tarlac and RSS Justice from ASEAN member states, are participating in the second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) in the Philippines today.

Source

Official links

UPSC official portalNotifications, admit card and result links UPSC exam calendarPublished notification/exam dates for the year

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CDS stage guides

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CDS preparation products

UPSC CDS/CAPF

CDS/CAPF Polity Sprint Workbook

Searchable Constitution workbook for UPSC CDS/CAPF preparation, delivered to your KarmSakha account.

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Common questions

CDS FAQ

Is Mathematics compulsory for CDS?

It's compulsory for IMA, INA and AFA entries but not for OTA (Officers Training Academy, which offers a Short Service Commission).