CDS
Combined Defence Services Examination
The Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted by UPSC twice a year. It is for admission to officer-training courses at the Indian Military Academy and the Officers' Training Academy (Army), the Indian Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy. Women are considered only for the Short Service Commission course at OTA. Selection is an offline objective written examination, marked on an OMR sheet with negative marking. It is followed by an intelligence and personality test at a Services Selection Board and a medical examination. Eligibility, pattern, vacancies and dates are set in each UPSC notice.
Frequency
Twice a year (CDS (I) and CDS (II)). CDS (II) 2026 was held on 13 September 2026. UPSC's 2027 calendar schedules CDS (I) 2027 for 11 April 2027 (notification on 2 December 2026)
Duration
2 hours per paper: three papers for IMA, INA and AFA, and two for OTA (CDS II 2026 notice)
Format
Paper-based
Score range
Written: 300 for IMA, INA and AFA (English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, 100 each) and 200 for OTA (English and General Knowledge). The SSB interview carries the same maximum as the written exam for each course (CDS II 2026 notice)
Eligibility
Citizens of India, subjects of Nepal, and certain persons of Indian origin named in the notice; some need a Government of India eligibility certificate. IMA and OTA: a degree from a recognised university. INA: an engineering degree, or a B.Sc. with Physics (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2). AFA: a degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2, or a B.E. Final-year students may apply. Age (CDS II 2026): IMA and INA 19–24, unmarried men. AFA 20–24, or up to 26 with a DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence; candidates under 25 must be unmarried. OTA 19–25: unmarried men, and unmarried women or issueless widows or divorcees who have not remarried. Women are considered only for the OTA Short Service Commission course
Conducting body
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Registration fee
₹200; women, SC and ST candidates are exempt (CDS II 2026 notice)
Source: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Details here are for guidance only — fees, dates and eligibility change each cycle, so confirm on the official site before applying.
Verified against: UPSC — Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 notice No. 11/2026-CDS-II (PDF); UPSC — Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 examination page; UPSC — Programme of examinations 2027 (annual calendar, PDF); Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) — official site.
Last verified: 30 September 2026.
Related / Next steps
Explore studying in India →Guides that cover the CDS
9 min read
AFCAT vs NDA vs CDS: Which Defence Officer Exam to Take
AFCAT, NDA and CDS — conducting bodies, education stage, services and selection route — so you can pick the right officer exam.
7 min read
How to Join the Indian Armed Forces
The main routes to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force — NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and other entries — with links to official sites.
Need prep advice for the CDS?
Ask GSB for a personalised study plan.
Ask GSB →Studying in India
Continue exploring India
Universities, entrance tests, costs and visa facts for India — all in one place, each linked to its official source.
Popular topics · India
Popular guides
View all →