At what time should the candidate reach the CDS examination centre?

It is advised to the candidates to reach the CDS exam centre one hour before the given time. They should carry hall ticket along with them otherwise they will not be able to give the exam.

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.

What should a candidate do if he or she faces an issue in downloading the CDS admit card?

Candidate should check the internet connection. It should be stable. Latest version of browsers can be used like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Clean the catche and try to download the admit card. If still problem occurs, contact the UPSC for support.

What are the prohibited items in the CDS exam centre?

There are some of the items that candidate can not take with themselves while giving the CDS examination. Such items are mobile phones, laptops, tablets, calculators, etc. That is electronic items are not allowed. If any of the candidate found with such items in the exam centre then he or she will not be allowed to sit in the exam.

What was the overall difficulty level of the CDS 1 2025 exam?

As per the students' feedback, the overall difficulty level and good attempts of CDS 1 2025 exam are mentioned below: Exam paper Overall Difficulty Level Good attempts English Moderate 87-93 GK Moderate 85 to 90 Maths Moderate 70-80

Is the CDS English section scoring?

Yes, the English section of the CDS exam is scorable if it is prepared properly. Usually the difficulty level of the exam is moderate.

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.

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

Where can a candidate find the download link of CDS 1 Result 2026?

The download link for the CDS 1 Result 2026 will be available on the UPSC website and also on our Shiksha page.

How do I check CDS OTA Result?

The CDS OTA Result releases at upsc.gov.in. Candidates can check below the methods. Visit at upsc.gov.in. Click on the CDS OTA result link. Click on the result PDF link. It will appear on the screen. Download the scorecard PDF and save it for later use.

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.

Is the CDS 1 2026 result out?

The CDS 1 result will be declared online in the form of PDF at upsc.gov.in. The exam will be held on April 12, 2026. It will consists of the roll numbers of those candidates who will clear the exam. Then, they will give the SSB interview.

How many vacancies are announced in CDS 2026?

The Union Public Service Commission released the CDS 1 examination 2026 vacancies on the official website. A total of 451 vacancies has been announced. The CDS 1 notification released on December 10.

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.

How many vacancies were released for the CDS 2 exam in 2025?

The authority released a total of 453 vacancies for the CDS 2 exam 2025 for admission to the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy for courses.

What is UPSC OTR for CDS exam?

The OTR stands for One Time Registration. The UPSC introduced this system to simplify the application process for several UPSC examinations, including CDS. Candidates will be able to register their basic details and documents once. This information can be reused by the candidates for future UPSC exam applications, which saves time and effort.

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 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 it compulsory to give CDS mock test?

The CDS exam requires in depth knowledge and clarity of concepts or conceptual clarity. So, regular solving of mock tests is important. It provides an additional advantage that a candidate requires to score good in the exam.

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.

Where can a candidate find the download link of CDS 1 Result 2026?

The download link for the CDS 1 Result 2026 will be available on the UPSC website and also on our Shiksha page.

How do I proceed after CDS 2 Result 2026?

The candidates who will qualify for the CDS 2 result in 2026 will proceed to the SSB interview. The CDS 2 result 2026 will be released on the official website. Basically, the result PDF, cut-off marks, and the final merit-list will guide candidates on their next steps, mainly for the SSB interview round.

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.

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.

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 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.

What is the Full Form of CDS?

CDS full form is the Combined Defence Services Examination. While some people also refer CDS full form as Chief of Defence Staff, this rank is given to the head of the Indian Armed Forces. It is a national-level exam which is conducted twice a year in April and September.

What are the best books for the English subject for CDS preparation?

Some of the books, help candidates in their CDS preparation are given below: High School English Grammar & Composition Edition by Wren and Martin Objective General English by SP Bakshi Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis English Grammar & Composition by S.C Gupta

Which book is best for Maths CDS preparation 2026?

It is important for a candidate to clear basics and concepts. Questions asked in this section are of Class 10 standard. Candidates can check below CDS Maths books that will help in the preparation: Mathematics for CDS by RS Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Aggarwal Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant Publications

Is CDS Question Paper 2026 released officially?

Yes, the examination authority will release the CDS Question Papers 2026 officially at upsc.gov.in. The question papers will be released in the form of PDF. Candidates can download the CDS question papers 2026 from this page also for free. The question papers will help candidates to check the difficulty level of the exam, questions asked, pattern changed or not, etc.

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.

What is the age limit for CDS 1 2026?

Candidates can check below the CDS 1 2026 age limit: IMA: Candidates for IMA should be unmarried and must have been born not earlier than January 2, 2003, and not later than January 1, 2008. INA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2003, and not later than January 1, 2008, can apply for INA. AFA: To apply for AFA, the age of candidates should be between 20 and 24 years. They must have been born not earlier than January 2, 2003, and not later than January 1, 2007. The upper age limit of candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years (i, e born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2007).

How to make corrections in the CDS Application Form 2026?

Candidates can check below the methods to make corrections in the CDS 1 application form 2026: Visit at upsc.gov.in Click on the link available for CDS 1 form correction Log in to the registered account using login credentials Make corrections to the application form Save and print a copy of the modified copy of registration form Log out from the registered profile

Has UPSC launched a new online application portal for CDS exam?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) launched a new Online Application Portal to streamline the registration process for all exams. The new portal was live at upsconline.nic.in and replaces the older One-Time Registration (OTR) module, which now will no longer be functional. As per the official notification, candidates are advised to use their Aadhaar Card as ID documents for easy, effortless and seamless verification and authentication of ID and other details. The New Application Portal officially launched on May 28, 2025. Applications for the CDS 2 exam 2025 was accepted through the new online application portal.

Where to apply for CDS 2026 exam?

The Commission released the CDS 1 2026 notification on December 10, 2025 at upsconline.nic.in. The online application link was available from Dec 10 to Dec 30, 2025. Candidates could download notification via direct link provided below.

Has the exam conducting authority released CDS written exam answer key?

The authority (UPSC) will release the CDS answer key for the written examination on the official website.

How do I download CDS answer key 2026?

Candidates can download the answer key of CDS as given below. Click the given links for the UPSC CDS answer key. On a new page, the answer key opens in PDF format. Download the answer key and save it.

Is CDS Question Paper 2026 released officially?

Yes, the examination authority will release the CDS Question Papers 2026 officially at upsc.gov.in. The question papers will be released in the form of PDF. Candidates can download the CDS question papers 2026 from this page also for free. The question papers will help candidates to check the difficulty level of the exam, questions asked, pattern changed or not, etc.

How do I download CDS Question papers 2026?

Candidates can check below the methods to download the CDS question papers for free. Visit our website; Shiksha.com. Create your profile by mentioning certain details. Once a profile is generated, you will be able to download the question papers for free. Download and save it.

What is the Full Form of CDS?

CDS full form is the Combined Defence Services Examination. While some people also refer CDS full form as Chief of Defence Staff, this rank is given to the head of the Indian Armed Forces. It is a national-level exam which is conducted twice a year in April and September.

When will the CDS 1 2026 exam be conducted?

The Commission released the CDS 1 and 2 exam date at upsc.gov.in. The CDS 1 exam will be conducted on April 12, 2026 and the CDS 2 on September 13. Candidates must be aware that these dates are released by the UPSC.

In which mode the CDS exam is conducted?

The CDS exam is conducted offline or pen and paper mode. Objective questions will be asked in the examination. Candidates need to mark their choices of answers in the sheet that was provided during the exam. CDS 1 2026 notification released on December 10.

How to give preference in the application form of the CDS exam?

Candidates can provide their preference in the application form for the CDS exam by choosing the IMA, INA, AFA, OTA.

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.

In which mode the CDS exam is conducted?

The CDS exam is conducted offline or pen and paper mode. Objective questions will be asked in the examination. Candidates need to mark their choices of answers in the sheet that was provided during the exam. CDS 1 2026 notification released on December 10.

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 to check the CDS cut off marks 2026?

The methods to check the CDS cut off marks is provided below: Visit at upsc.gov.in. Click on the :Examination" tab. Go to the "Cut Off Marks" dropdown menu. Click on the download link and save it for future reference.

Where to check the CDS cut off marks?

Candidates can check the cut off marks for the CDS exam by visiting the official website at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC will release the cutoff according to the academy or course.

What is the duration of each subject paper in CDS 2026 exam?

The duration of each subject paper in the CDS 2026 exam is mentioned below. 1. For Admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy: English, General Knowledge and Mathematics all have two hours duration. 2. For Officers' Training Academy (OTA)-English and GK for both separately 2 hours duration

How do I proceed after CDS 2 Result 2026?

The candidates who will qualify for the CDS 2 result in 2026 will proceed to the SSB interview. The CDS 2 result 2026 will be released on the official website. Basically, the result PDF, cut-off marks, and the final merit-list will guide candidates on their next steps, mainly for the SSB interview round.

CDS 2026: CDS 1 Exam Date, Pattern, Syllabus, Analysis, Answer Key & Prep Tips

550 Students Q&A

Exam On - 12 Apr '26

Updated on Jan 13, 2026 16:48 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

CDS 2026: The Commission will conduct the CDS 1 exam on April 12, 2026 at various exam centres across the country in offline mode. Candiates who want to appear in the upcoming exam should start revision of important topics and practice mock test. This is the high time for preparation. Candidates should go through the syllabus and pattern of an exam thoroughly once and check if any topic is left for the preparation or not. The CDS 1 admit card will be released few days prior to the exam date. After the completion of the examination, we will provide the CDS exam analysis here. The CDS 1 application dates were December 10 to 30, 2025. The CDS 1 notification was also released on December 10.

A total of 451 vacancies were released for the CDS 1 exam. Further, the CDS 2 application will start on May 20, 2026 along with the announcement of the notification. The last date to apply will be June 9, 2026.The CDS 2 exam will be held on September 13, 2026. Check below more about the CDS 2026 exam, including CDS exam pattern, CDS Syllabus, dates, CDS eligibility, selection process, etc.

Table of contents

CDS Notification & Application Form 2026
CDS Exam Dates & Schedule 2026
CDS Vacancy 2026
What is CDS Exam?
CDS Syllabus & Pattern 2026
CDS Books & Preparation Tips 2026
CDS Admit Card 2026
CDS Exam Analysis 2026
CDS Answer Key & Question Papers 2026
CDS Result 2026
CDS Expected Cut Off 2026
UPSC CDS Selection Process & Recommended Marks 2026
CDS Exam 2026 FAQs

CDS Notification & Application Form 2026

DeskCalendar Registration: 20 May ' 26 - 09 Jun ' 26

CDS Exam Dates & Schedule 2026

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CDS 2026 exam

Dates	Upcoming Exam Dates
12 Apr ' 26	CDS 1 Exam 2026
Apr ' 26	CDS 1 2026 Result TENTATIVE
20 May ' 26	CDS 2 Notification 2026
20 May ' 26 - 09 Jun ' 26	CDS 2 Application Process 2026
13 Sep ' 26	CDS 2 Exam Date 2026