For many aspirants across India, joining the Armed Forces is more than a career—it’s a calling. The CDS (Combined Defence Services) examination is one of the most prestigious routes to become an officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this competitive exam opens doors to esteemed institutions like IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
To succeed in this challenging exam, candidates must first understand the CDS syllabus CDS 2026 in depth. A clear grasp of the syllabus not only ensures efficient preparation but also helps in identifying the most scoring areas. Along with this, being familiar with the CDS exam pattern is essential to manage time and prioritize subjects effectively during the test.
In this blog, we provide a comprehensive guide to the CDS syllabus 2026, covering each subject in detail along with the updated CDS exam pattern. Whether you’re just starting your preparation or looking to revise strategically, this breakdown will help you align your studies with the actual demands of the exam.
What is CDS?
CDS stands for Combined Defence Services. It is a national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to recruit eligible candidates into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Through the CDS exam, successful candidates are granted admission to the following prestigious academies:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) – Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) – Ezhimala
- Air Force Academy (AFA) – Hyderabad
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Chennai (for both men and women)
CDS 2026 Exam Overview
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2026 is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
It is held twice a year (CDS I & CDS II) and is open to both male and female graduates who aspire to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
1. Written Examination
This is the first stage of the CDS selection process and is objective-type (MCQ based).
- For IMA, INA, AFA:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
- For OTA (Male & Female)
- English
- General Knowledge
Candidates qualifying the written test are shortlisted for the next stage based on the cut-off marks set by UPSC.
2. SSB Interview (Service Selection Board)
The SSB Interview is a 2-stage assessment process to test a candidate’s personality, intelligence, and leadership skills.
- Stage I: Screening Test
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
- Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)
- Stage II:
- Psychological Tests
- Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO)
- Personal Interview
- Conference
Only candidates who qualify Stage I move on to Stage II. Total duration of the SSB interview is 5 days.
3. Medical Examination
After clearing the SSB interview, candidates undergo a thorough medical examination by military doctors to ensure they are medically and physically fit for service.
Eyesight, BMI, heart health, hearing, dental, and overall physical condition are checked based on academy standards.
4. Final Merit List
- Prepared based on performance in the written exam and SSB interview.
- Candidates are allotted academies based on merit and preference.
- Medical fitness and document verification must be cleared for final selection.
CDS 2026 Exam Overview – Summary Table
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a Year (CDS I & CDS II) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper Based) |
| Level | National Level |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Selection Process | 1. Written Exam2. SSB Interview3. Medical Test |
| Eligibility | Graduate Male & Female Indian Citizens |
| Age Limit | 19 to 25 years (varies by academy) |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours per paper |
| Number of Papers | IMA/INA/AFA: 3 PapersOTA: 2 Papers |
| Total Marks | IMA/INA/AFA: 300 MarksOTA: 200 Marks |
CDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2026 exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria set by UPSC:
1. Nationality
- Must be a citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention to settle permanently.
2. Age Limit & Marital Status
| Academy | Age Limit | Marital Status |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19 – 24 years | Unmarried males only |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19 – 24 years | Unmarried males only |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 – 24 years* | Unmarried males only |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men) | 19 – 25 years | Unmarried or married males |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Women) | 19 – 25 years | Unmarried women, issueless widows/divorcees |
Note: For AFA, upper age limit is 26 years if the candidate holds a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA (India).
3. Educational Qualification
| Academy | Minimum Qualification |
| IMA | Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university |
| INA | Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution |
| AFA | Graduation with Physics and Mathematics in 10+2 level OR B.E/B.Tech |
| OTA (Men/Women) | Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university |
4. Physical Standards
- Candidates must be physically fit as per prescribed medical standards by the Indian Armed Forces.
- Height, vision, hearing, and general health standards must be met.
5. Final Year Students
- Candidates in the final year of their degree are eligible to apply, provided they produce proof of passing before SSB interview.
CDS Syllabus 2026
The CDS syllabus 2026 is divided into three subjects for IMA, INA, and AFA, and two subjects for OTA (Officers’ Training Academy).
For IMA, INA & AFA
- English
- General Knowledge (GK)
- Elementary Mathematics
For OTA (Men & Women)
- English
- General Knowledge (GK)
Note: OTA candidates do not have to appear for Mathematics.
CDS Syllabus 2026
1. English
This section tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Key Topics:
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Spotting Errors
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Arrangement
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Idioms and Phrases
- Active and Passive Voice
- Sentence Improvement
2. General Knowledg
It checks the candidate’s awareness of current events and general subjects.
Key Topics:
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- History of India (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Geography (India and World)
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Economy
- Science & Technology
- Defence & Military Exercises
- Awards, Books, Sports
- Environmental Science
- Static GK
3. Elementary Mathematics (Only for IMA, INA & AFA)
Tests basic school-level mathematics (up to Class 10 level).
Key Topics:
- Arithmetic:
- Number System
- HCF & LCM
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentage
- Profit & Loss
- Time & Distance
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time & Work
- Algebra:
- Basic Operations
- Simple Equations
- Linear & Quadratic Equations
- Geometry:
- Lines & Angles
- Triangles
- Circles
- Quadrilaterals
- Mensuration:
- Areas and Volumes (Cube, Cylinder, Cone, Sphere)
- Trigonometry:
- Trigonometric Ratios
- Heights and Distances
- Statistics:
- Mean, Median, Mode
- Graph Interpretation
CDS Syllabus 2026 Summary Table
| Subject | Applicable To | Important Topics |
| English | All candidates | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension |
| General Knowledge | All candidates | History, Polity, Economy, Current Affairs, Defence, Science |
| Elementary Mathematics | Only IMA, INA, AFA | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Stats |
Conclusion
Preparing for the CDS exam is a journey that demands dedication, discipline, and a strategic approach. With a firm understanding of the CDS syllabus 2026 and the updated CDS exam pattern, aspirants can streamline their preparation and focus on high-scoring areas. Whether you’re aiming for IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA, knowing the detailed syllabus for each section—English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics—will give you a competitive edge.
Keep in mind, success in the CDS exam not only depends on academic knowledge but also on your awareness, personality, and leadership qualities tested during the SSB interview. Begin early, revise regularly, and follow a smart study plan aligned with the official CDS syllabus CDS 2026.
Stay motivated, stay consistent—and you’ll be one step closer to wearing the uniform with pride.
FAQs for CDS
1. Who can apply for CDS 2026?
Indian citizens—both men and women—who meet the educational, age, nationality, and physical fitness standards set by UPSC can apply for the CDS 2026 exam.
2. What is the age limit for CDS 2026?
- IMA/INA: 19 to 24 years (Unmarried males)
- AFA: 20 to 24 years (Relaxable up to 26 years for CPL holders)
- OTA (Men/Women): 19 to 25 years
3. Is CDS conducted online or offline?
The CDS exam is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based).
4. How many times is the CDS exam conducted in a year?
The CDS exam is held twice a year—CDS I (around February) and CDS II (around September).
5. What is the exam pattern of CDS 2026?
- IMA/INA/AFA: 3 papers (English, GK, Maths) – 100 marks each
- OTA (Men/Women): 2 papers (English, GK) – 100 marks each
Each paper is of 2 hours duration.
6. Is there negative marking in CDS?
Yes, there is negative marking. For every wrong answer, 1/3rd mark is deducted.
7. What educational qualification is required for CDS?
- IMA/OTA: Graduation in any discipline
- INA: Engineering degree
- AFA: Graduation with Physics and Maths in 10+2 or B.E/B.Tech
8. Can final year students apply for CDS 2026?
Yes, final-year students can apply, but they must submit proof of passing before the SSB interview.
9. Are women eligible for the CDS exam?
Yes, women can apply for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). They must be unmarried or widows/divorcees without dependents.
10. How many times can I attempt the CDS exam?
There is no limit on attempts as long as you meet the age and other eligibility criteria.