Combined Defence Services, commonly called CDS, is a national-level competitive exam conducted by UPSC to recruit graduate candidates as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA academies.
What Is the CDS Exam Used For?
The CDS exam exists to select officers, not soldiers. Clearing CDS puts you on the officer entry route into the Indian Armed Forces.
Through CDS, candidates join one of four training academies. Indian Military Academy for Army permanent commission. Indian Naval Academy for Navy officers. Air Force Academy for Flying and Ground Duty branches. Officers Training Academy for Short Service Commission.
If NDA is for students right after school, CDS is for graduates who decided later that the uniform is the goal.
CDS Exam Overview 2026
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Written Exam | Conducted by UPSC, part of the selection process. |
| SSB Interview | A five-day interview conducted by the Services. |
| Medical Examination | Confirms physical fitness for military service. |
The CDS exam is conducted twice every year by UPSC. These two cycles are called CDS I and CDS II.
The selection process has three stages. Only candidates who clear all three stages receive final merit-based selection.
CDS Exam Highlights 2026
CDS Exam Highlights 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Twice a year |
| Mode of Exam | Offline written test |
| Selection Stages | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test |
| Training Academies | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Commission Type | Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission |
This is the snapshot most users read before anything else.
Exam Name: Combined Defence Services Examination
Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission
Exam Level: National
Frequency: Twice a year
Mode of Exam: Offline written test
Stages: Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test
Training Academies: IMA, INA, AFA, OTA
Commission Type: Permanent and Short Service
This snapshot is what most users scan first.
CDS 2026 Notification Release Date
| CDS Exam Cycle | Expected Notification Month | Conducting Authority |
|---|---|---|
| CDS I 2026 | December 2025 | UPSC |
| CDS II 2026 | May 2026 | UPSC |
UPSC releases CDS notifications twice a year on its official website.
CDS I 2026 notification is expected in December 2025.
CDS II 2026 notification is expected in May 2026.
The notification contains vacancies, eligibility rules, exam dates, and application instructions. Always rely on UPSC notices, not coaching rumors.
CDS 2026 Important Exam Dates
| Exam Cycle | Notification Date | Written Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| CDS I 2026 | December 2025 | February 2026 |
| CDS II 2026 | May 2026 | September 2026 |
Event: CDS I 2026
Notification: December 2025
Written Exam: February 2026
Event: CDS II 2026
Notification: May 2026
Written Exam: September 2026
SSB interviews are scheduled a few months after the written result and vary by entry.
CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026
Eligibility for CDS depends on nationality, age, education, and physical standards. Missing even one condition can cancel candidature.
CDS Nationality Criteria
Candidates must be Indian citizens. Certain categories of Nepalese and Bhutanese subjects are also eligible as per UPSC rules. Proof is required at later stages.
CDS Age Limit for IMA, INA, AFA, OTA
| Academy | Age Limit Range |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Approximately 19 to 24 years |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Approximately 19 to 24 years |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Approximately 20 to 24 years |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Approximately 19 to 25 years |
Indian Military Academy: Approximately 19 to 24 years
Indian Naval Academy: Approximately 19 to 24 years
Air Force Academy: Approximately 20 to 24 years
Officers Training Academy: Approximately 19 to 25 years
Exact dates change every cycle. Always check the notification year cutoffs.
CDS Educational Qualification
IMA and OTA require a graduation degree from a recognized university. Any stream is acceptable.
INA requires an engineering degree.
AFA requires a degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10 plus 2 level or an engineering degree.
Final-year students can apply if they meet qualification conditions before academy joining.
CDS Physical Standards and Medical Requirements
Candidates must meet minimum height, weight, and chest standards as prescribed by the Services.
Vision requirements are strict for Air Force entries. Color blindness, severe flat feet, or major past surgeries often lead to rejection.
Medical fitness is non-negotiable. No appeal clears permanent unfitness.
CDS Selection Process Step by Step
The CDS selection process filters candidates across academics, personality, and physical fitness.
CDS Written Exam Pattern
IMA, INA, AFA candidates appear for English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
OTA candidates appear for English and General Knowledge only.
Each paper is objective type with negative marking. Clearing the cutoff is mandatory to proceed to SSB.
CDS SSB Interview Process
The SSB interview lasts five days.
Stage I includes intelligence and screening tests. This is an elimination round.
Stage II includes psychology tests, group tasks, personal interview, and leadership activities.
The final day is the conference where recommendations are given.
This stage tests officer-like qualities, not book knowledge.
CDS Medical Examination
Recommended candidates undergo a detailed medical exam at military hospitals.
The process checks vision, hearing, musculoskeletal fitness, and internal health parameters.
Many candidates fail here due to untreated issues they ignored earlier.
CDS Salary Structure After Selection
After training, officers are commissioned as Lieutenants.
The starting salary is as per the 7th Pay Commission, along with military service pay and allowances.
Accommodation, medical benefits, leave policies, and long-term career growth add to the overall compensation.
How to Prepare for CDS Exam in 2026
Start preparation at least six to eight months before the exam.
Focus first on English and General Knowledge. These decide cutoffs. Mathematics needs concept clarity and speed.
Parallel SSB preparation matters. Reading, communication, and basic awareness build officer traits over time.
NDA vs CDS: What Is the Difference?
NDA is for students after Class 12. CDS is for graduates.
NDA candidates join at a younger age. CDS candidates enter with maturity and academic exposure.
Both lead to the same officer ranks. The entry path is the only difference.
Who Should Actually Take the CDS Exam?
Graduates who want an officer career without waiting for private sector growth.
Students who missed NDA but still want to serve.
Working professionals seeking a purpose-driven career with structure and leadership.
If discipline excites you more than comfort, CDS fits.
Common Reasons Candidates Get Rejected in CDS
Failing written cutoffs due to weak General Knowledge.
Getting screened out at SSB because of poor communication or fake personality traits.
Medical rejection due to vision issues or ignored physical conditions.
Most failures are preventable with awareness.
Chart Your Path to the Defence Forces Through CDS
CDS is not just an exam. It is a structured entry into leadership, responsibility, and national service.
Understand the process. Prepare with intent. Respect the standards.
That clarity alone puts you ahead of most applicants. All the best from yuvaearnings.
CDS Exam Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There is no fixed attempt limit. Age eligibility decides attempts.
Yes. Women can apply for OTA entries.
Academically no. Selection maturity level is higher.
Both serve different entries. CDS offers broader academy options.
No. SSB and medical clearance are mandatory.
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