CDS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026-2027 have been featured here! Students who are going to appear for the exam need to know all the details of its syllabus and exam pattern.
CDS, known as “Combined Defence Services,” is one of the reputed exams in India conducted by The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This exam is conducted twice a year to hire a bunch of candidates for several posts, including Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy.
Those who are unmarried and have graduated are eligible to apply for this examination. Those who will be able to pass this exam successfully can be part of the interview. The details of the entire CDS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026-2027 have been mentioned in this section. So you need to follow every piece of information in detail and analyze it in the proper way to crack the exam in one go and grab the appropriate marks.
Highlights!
| Name of Exam | Combined Defence Services (CDS 1 & 2) |
| Conducted by | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Mode of exam | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Number of sections | IMA, INA, and AFA – 3 Sections | OTA – 2 Sections |
| Total marks of the test | IMA, INA, and AFA – 300 | OTA – 200 |
| Nature of questions | Objective Type (MCQs) |
| CDS 1 2026 Exam Date | April 12, 2026 (Sunday) |
| CDS 2 2026 Exam Date | September 13, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Language of paper | Hindi and English |
| Duration of the test | 2 hours for each section |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
CDS Syllabus 2026-2027: Detailed Subject-Wise Topics
Understanding the syllabus is your first step toward success. The UPSC CDS curriculum is designed to test your academic proficiency and general awareness. Below is the breakdown of topics for all three subjects.
1. English Syllabus
The English paper aims to evaluate your understanding of grammar and professional language usage. Key topics include:
- Reading Comprehension & Cloze Test
- Spotting Errors & Sentence Improvement
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- Ordering of Words and Sentences (Para Jumbles)
- Fill in the Blanks & Word Substitution
2. General Knowledge Syllabus
This section assesses your awareness of the world around you. It is not just about facts, but about an “intelligent person’s” perspective on society and science.
- History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History (Indian National Movement).
- Geography: Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World.
- Polity: Indian Constitution, Governance, and Political System.
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Matriculation level).
- Current Affairs: National and International events, Awards, Sports, and Defense-related news.
- Economics: Basics of Indian Economy and Five-Year Plans.
3. Elementary Mathematics Syllabus (Not for OTA)
For those targeting IMA, INA, or AFA, the Mathematics paper is crucial. It covers Class 10th level concepts:
- Arithmetic: Number System, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest.
- Algebra: Polynomials, Quadratic Equations, HCF/LCM, and Laws of Indices.
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric Ratios, Identities, and Heights & Distances.
- Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, and Theorems on Parallelograms.
- Mensuration: Areas of Plane Figures, Surface Area and Volume of Cuboids, Cones, Cylinders, and Spheres.
- Statistics: Collection of Data, Graphical Representation (Histograms/Pie Charts), and Measures of Central Tendency.
CDS Exam Pattern 2026-2027
The CDS Exam Pattern is important for the aspirants who are going to appear for the exam. Below, we have covered the detailed subject-wise duration and marks.
IMA, INA, AFA Pattern
- English: 120 Questions | 100 Marks | 2 Hours
- General Knowledge: 120 Questions | 100 Marks | 2 Hours
- Elementary Mathematics: 100 Questions | 100 Marks | 2 Hours
OTA Pattern
- English: 120 Questions | 100 Marks | 2 Hours
- General Knowledge: 120 Questions | 100 Marks | 2 Hours
Marking Scheme & Score Calculation
To calculate your score, use the following logic for English and GK papers:
Final Score = (Correct Answers × 0.83) – (Wrong Answers × 0.27)
- Negative marking is applicable: one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for wrong answers.
- No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
Academy-Specific Eligibility & Age Limit (2026-2027)
Before you apply, it is vital to know that eligibility varies by academy. We have categorized the requirements below to help you identify your target:
| Academy | Educational Qualification | Age Limit (Approx. Birth Range) |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | Degree of a recognized University or equivalent. | 19–24 Years (Jan 2, 2003 – Jan 1, 2008) |
| INA | Degree in Engineering from a recognized University. | 19–24 Years (Jan 2, 2003 – Jan 1, 2008) |
| AFA | Degree with Physics & Math at 10+2 OR Bachelor of Engineering. | 20–24 Years (Jan 2, 2003 – Jan 1, 2007) |
| OTA | Degree of a recognized University or equivalent. | 19–25 Years (Jan 2, 2002 – Jan 1, 2008) |
Physical Standards (Minimum Requirements)
Maintaining physical fitness is non-negotiable for defense aspirants. Here are the basic height requirements:
- Male Candidates: 157.5 cm (157 cm for Navy, 162.5 cm for Air Force).
- Female Candidates: 152 cm (Eligible for OTA only).
- Weight must be proportionate to your age and height as per UPSC medical charts.
Selection Process: The 5-Day SSB Interview
Passing the written exam is only the first step. You will then be called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, which is a rigorous 5-day process:
- Stage 1 (Day 1): Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage 2 (Days 2-5): Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Interview with the President of the Board, and Final Conference.
Watch: CDS 2026 Selection Process & Strategy
FAQs!
What is the CDS exam eligibility?
The candidate must possess a graduate degree to be eligible for the CDS examination. Final year students are also eligible to apply.
What is the salary of CDS Officers?
Commissioned officers receive a competitive pay scale under the 7th Pay Commission. We have listed some starting ranks below:
| Rank | Level | Pay Scale (Excluding MSP) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | INR 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10 B | INR 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
Important Link Area
Final words!
We expect that featuring this information about the CDS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026-2027 will play a vital role for you. If you find any issues or want to ask anything, do comment in the below section.
References & Authority Sources:
- UPSC Official Website (Annual Calendar 2026)
- NIRF 2025 Academic Rankings
- UPSC CDS Gazette Notification (2026-I & II)
