The UPSC conducts this exam every year two times a year. It is named as CDS I and CDS II along with NDA which is also held twice a year. The difference is between CDS and NDA is qualification. For applying to UPSC CDS Exam 2026 you should be a graduate in a similar field. And for NDA, you should have passed 10+2 or appearing in the final year exam.
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UPSC CDS Exam 2026 SSB Interview
It is five day interview process for selected candidates who pass the CDS exam. The centre is allocated to their choice of service.
We have given here the complete guidance about the CDS Exam that you can read to prepare for the exam.
The UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is conducted for admission to:
- Indian Military Academy
- Indian Naval Academy
- Air Force Academy
- Officers Training Academy
The upsc cds exam 2026 election process includes:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
Educational Qualification for UPSC CDS Exam 2026
This is very important point to read as the eligibility for these exams are different. Having just graduation degree would not help much. So you must read it to check the eligibility according to force.
(i) Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
(ii) Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Candidates must hold a Degree in Engineering from a recognised university or institution.
(iii) Air Force Academy (AFA)
Candidates must have:
- a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level
OR - a Bachelor of Engineering degree
Important Instructions for Final Year Students
Candidates studying in the final year/semester of their degree course are also eligible to apply.
Candidates opting for Army, Navy, or Air Force as their first preference must produce their graduation/provisional certificate at the time of the SSB interview.
Deadline for Submission of Degree Proof
| Academy | Last Date |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 1 July 2026 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 1 July 2026 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 13 May 2026 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 1 October 2026 |
Failure to submit proof of qualification before the deadline will lead to cancellation of candidature.
Eligibility of Professional & Technical Degree Holders
Candidates possessing professional or technical qualifications recognised by the Government as equivalent to professional and technical degrees are also eligible.
In exceptional cases, UPSC may allow candidates who do not possess the prescribed qualification if they hold qualifications considered equivalent by the Commission.
Important Notes
Note I
Candidates awaiting final year results are eligible only if they are studying in the final year of the degree course.
At the time of the SSB interview, such candidates must submit a bonafide certificate from their college/university stating that they will be able to provide proof of passing the degree examination before the specified deadline.
No extension of the deadline will be granted due to:
- delayed university exams
- late declaration of results
- or any other reason
Note II
Candidates debarred by the Ministry of Defence from holding any commission in Defence Services are not eligible for the examination.
Note III
Air Force candidates suspended from flying training due to inability to learn flying may be absorbed into the Navigation or Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches of the Indian Air Force.
Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit according to the physical standards prescribed for the Combined Defence Services Examination.
CDS Age Factor
Important point to look into this. You must read it carefully.
Age Limit, Gender & Marital Status for UPSC CDS Examination
| Academy | Age Limit | Eligibility |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19 to 24 years | Only unmarried male candidates |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19 to 24 years | Only unmarried male candidates |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 to 24 years | Candidates below 25 years must be unmarried |
Marital Status Rule for CDS Candidates
Male candidates who are divorced or widowers will not be considered as unmarried for admission to:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
Disqualification for Admission to CDS Training Academies
Candidates Not Eligible for Admission
Candidates who were previously admitted to:
- National Defence Academy (NDA)
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
but were removed on disciplinary grounds will not be considered for admission again.
Examination Fee
Application Fee
Candidates are required to pay an examination fee of ₹200.
Fee Exemption
- Female candidates
- Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates
No fee exemption is available for OBC candidates.
CDS Written Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA & AFA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
Total Marks: 300
For OTA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
Total Marks: 200
OTA candidates do not have Mathematics paper.
Also Read About Upcoming AIIMS NORCET 11 Exam
CDS Syllabus: Complete Coverage
(Keep all syllabus topics exactly as given)
Negative Marking
- 1/3 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.
- No deduction for unanswered questions.
SSB Interview Coverage
Stage 1
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
- Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT)
Stage 2
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Conference
Important Preparation Tips
- Practice previous year papers regularly
- Focus heavily on English vocabulary
- Revise Class 10 Mathematics basics
- Read daily current affairs and defence news
- Solve mock tests weekly
- Improve communication and personality for SSB
Examination centres
(Keep your centre table exactly same)
How to apply?
Candidates interested in the CDS exam can apply online through the UPSC portal.
You must know that without paying the application fee your application form submission is not complete.
Exception- Reserved category candidates will not pay any fee along with women candidates