What Do You Need for CDS?
CDS at a Glance
The Combined Defence Services Examination selects graduates for officer training in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Application fee ₹200; women and SC/ST candidates are exempt. Always confirm details on upsc.gov.in.
The Four Academies
You can list your preferences for the academies you are eligible for.
IMA, Dehradun
Indian Military Academy — Army, Permanent Commission.
INA, Ezhimala
Indian Naval Academy — Navy, for engineering graduates.
AFA, Hyderabad
Air Force Academy — flying branch, Air Force.
OTA, Chennai
Officers’ Training Academy — Army, Short Service Commission, for men and women.
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| IMA, Dehradun | 100 |
| INA, Ezhimala | 26 |
| AFA, Hyderabad (Dundigal) | 32 |
| OTA, Chennai — SSC Men | 275 |
| OTA, Chennai — SSC Women | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
CDS 2 2026 vacancies as reported. Numbers change each cycle.
Who Is Eligible for CDS?
Age is counted from the course start date, so each cycle has its own birth-date window. Normally no age relaxation.
| Academy | Age | Education |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | 19–24 | Any degree |
| INA | 19–24 | Engineering degree |
| AFA | 20–24 | Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2, or B.E. |
| OTA (men & women) | 19–25 | Any degree |
IMA, INA and AFA: unmarried men. OTA: unmarried men; unmarried women, or widows/divorcees who have not remarried. For CDS 1 2027, expected IMA/INA window: born 2 Jan 2004 – 1 Jan 2009 (as reported).
CDS Written Exam Pattern
Objective papers, 2 hours each. One-third of a question’s marks is deducted for each wrong answer.
| Paper | Qs | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 100 | 2 h |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 h |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 2 h |
| IMA / INA / AFA total | 340 | 300 | 6 h |
OTA candidates take only English and General Knowledge (200 marks). Questions in English and Hindi, except the English paper.
SSB Interview
A five-day process. Final merit = written marks + SSB marks, made separately for each academy.
Screening
Officer Intelligence Rating test and Picture Perception and Discussion Test.
Psychology tests
Thematic Apperception, Word Association, Situation Reaction and Self-Description.
GTO tasks
Group discussions, group tasks, lecturette and outdoor tasks.
Personal interview
A one-on-one interview with the interviewing officer.
Conference & medical
Final board conference, then medical examination for recommended candidates.
AFA candidates also take the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test.
CDS Syllabus
Elementary Mathematics is Class 10 level. Tap a paper to see its topics.
EnglishAll academies
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary — synonyms, antonyms, idioms
- Reading comprehension
- Sentence arrangement and spotting errors
- Fill in the blanks and cloze test
General KnowledgeAll academies
- Current events and defence news
- History of India and the freedom movement
- Geography — India and the world
- Indian polity and economy
- General science — physics, chemistry, biology
- Sports, awards and important organisations
Elementary MathematicsIMA, INA, AFA only (Class 10 level)
- Arithmetic — number system, percentages, ratio, interest, time and work
- Algebra — equations, factorisation, HCF/LCM
- Trigonometry — ratios, identities, heights and distances
- Geometry — lines, triangles, circles
- Mensuration — areas and volumes
- Statistics — mean, median, graphs
Free CDS Study Material
Notes and practice for the written exam and the SSB.
These resources are being added subject by subject. Pages marked “Coming soon” are not published yet.
CDS English
Grammar, vocabulary and comprehension.
Coming soon →General Knowledge
Static GK, science and current events.
Coming soon →Elementary Mathematics
Class 10 maths with shortcuts.
Coming soon →SSB Preparation
Psychology tests, GTO tasks and interview tips.
Coming soon →NDA Page
Officer entry after Class 12.
Explore →CDS Mock Tests
Full papers in the real pattern with negative marking.
Under development. The mock tests below are planned and will open here when ready.
English Paper
General Knowledge Paper
Maths Paper
OIR Practice
How to Prepare for CDS
Prepare for the written exam, the SSB and fitness together.
Revise Class 10 maths
Speed and accuracy matter more than advanced topics.
Read daily
Newspapers build English and current-affairs knowledge together.
Solve past papers
CDS often repeats question types — practise previous papers.
Mind the cut-offs
UPSC sets minimum marks in each paper as well as overall.
Prepare for SSB early
Practise group discussions, lecturettes and psychology tests.
Stay fit
Run daily and keep within medical standards for eyesight and weight.
CDS Dates
CDS 2 2026 was held on 13 September 2026. CDS 1 2027: applications expected 2–22 December 2026, exam on 11 April 2027, as reported. Always check the official website.
CDS FAQs
Who conducts the CDS exam?
UPSC conducts the written exam twice a year. The SSB interview is held by the Services Selection Boards. Official information is on upsc.gov.in.
Can women apply for CDS?
Yes, for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) entry as unmarried women, or widows/divorcees who have not remarried. Check the current notification for any other entries open to women.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes, if they can produce proof of passing their degree by the date set for each course.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. One-third of the marks for a question are deducted for each wrong answer.
What is the difference between IMA and OTA?
IMA leads to a Permanent Commission in the Army after about 18 months of training. OTA leads to a Short Service Commission after about 49 weeks of training.
CDS or NDA?
NDA is for candidates after Class 12; CDS is for graduates. See our NDA page if you are still in school.