How do I download the UPSC CDS 2026 recommended marks?

Candidates can download the UPSC CDS 2026 recommended marks by the following manner: Visit at upsc.gov.in. Click on the CDS 2026 recommended marks link. Click on the PDF link. The marks PDF will appear on the screen. Download and save it for later use.

What is the SSB interview?

The SSB Interview is a selection process of around five days which is designed to assess the candidates' mental and physical fitness, leadership qualities, the ability to work under pressure and overall personality. It includes a series of tests, including the screening test, Psychological Test, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, Personal Interview, and the Conference. Day 1 starts with the Screening test which includes an intelligence test and a picture perception and description test. Further, Day 2 to 5 will be Psychological Testing, Group Tasks and Interview. It includes the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self-Description Test (SDT). Group discussions, group planning exercises and personal interviews also take place during this stage.

How are candidates assessed in CDS SSB Interview?

The CDS selection process consists of two stages: a written exam and an SSB interview. All candidates who qualify for the written exam are required to register themselves online on the Indian Army Recruiting within two weeks of the announcement of the written test result. After that, candidates are allotted SSB dates and centres.The SSB procedure has two-stage selection process—stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear stage I are permitted to appear for stage II. Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Tests (PP&DT). Stage II Comprises of an interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the conference.

What subjects are included in the General Knowledge section of the CDS exam?

In the CDS exam, the GK subject consists of Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Sociology, Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), Environment, Sports etc. It is advised to the candidates to know about the exam and solve previous year question papers.

How many papers are there in the CDS 2026 exam?

In CDS, written exam comprises three papers namely English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics aiming for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA). There are two papers for candidates aiming for the Officers Training academy (OTA). For IMA, INA, AFA: English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics For OTA: English and General Knowledge

What details are mentioned in the CDS Result PDF?

The CDS exam consists of English, General Knowledge, and Maths. The result will be prepared in PDF and have the names and roll numbers of all successful candidates. The scorecard will be released at upsc.gov.in.

Why is it important to give CDS mock tests?

The CDS exam is conducted twice a year for admission to IMA, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. Basically, it works as a tool for students to prepare for an upcoming exam. Candidate will get an idea of the actual examination. Mock tests make candidates realise their mistakes that must be taken care of before going to the exam.

What are the last month tips to prepare for CDS 1 2026 exam?

The CDS 2026 exam dates were released by the authority. In the last month of the preparation, candidates should focus more on revision of all the important topics. Give test regulary. Revise and update yourself with current affairs. Maintain physical and mental health. Take proper sleep. Revise and practice previous year question papers. Also, focus on time management, etc.

Is there a negative marking in the CDS exam?

Yes. In the CDS exam there is a negative marking. One-third mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer. No mark will be deducted for unanswered questions.

What is the syllabus of CDS Math 2026?

The syllabus of Mathematics consists of Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.

What are the CDS 2026 exam dates?

The Commission released the CDS 1 notification at upsconline.nic.in. It was released on December 10, 2025. The CDS 1 2026 application dates are December 12 to December 30, 2025. The UPSC CDS 1 exam will be held on April 12, 2026. On the other hand, CDS 2 notification will be announced on May 20, 2026 and the last date to apply will be June 9. The CDS 2 2026 exam will be conducted on September 13, 2026.

CDS Selection Process 2026: Written Test, SSB Interview & Document Verification

551 Students Q&A

Exam On - 12 Apr '26

Updated on Dec 4, 2025 14:41 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

CDS Selection Process 2026: The selection process of CDS exam consists of the stages including Written Test, SSB and Medical Test. Candidates need to qualify all the stages to get selected in the CDS Defence exam. The CDS 1 notification will be released on December 10 at upsc.gov.in. The CDS 1 application process will start from December 10 to 30, 2025. The written exam of CDS 1 2026 will be conducted on April 12.

The UPSC prescribes the CDS selection process to select eligible candidates as Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. All candidates who qualify for the written exam are required to register themselves online on the Indian Army Recruiting website - joinindianarmy.nic.in within two weeks of the announcement of the written test result. After that, candidates are allotted SSB dates and centres.

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