CDSE (COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICE EXAM) 2026 Overview
The CDSE 2026 Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for candidates who
aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. Through this examination, eligible
graduates can get admission into prestigious training academies such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA),
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
Candidates who have completed their graduation or are appearing in the final year of their degree can apply
for the CDS Examination 2026 according to the eligibility criteria mentioned in the official notification.
The selection process includes a written examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB)
interview and medical examination. Candidates who successfully clear all stages receive professional
military training before joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers.
The written examination evaluates candidates in subjects such as English, General Knowledge, and Elementary
Mathematics. The exam is conducted in offline mode with objective-type questions and negative marking for
incorrect answers. CDSE is considered one of the most respected defence examinations in India because it
offers candidates the opportunity to serve the nation with leadership responsibilities, disciplined career
growth, attractive salary packages, and additional defence-related benefits.
| Exam Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS 1 2026) |
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | INA, IMA, OTA & AFA |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medicals |
| CDS 1 2026 Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Syllabus for CDSE (COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICE EXAM)
Mathematics (100 Question) |
Basic Calculation, Number System, Decimal Fraction, Simplification, Square Roots & Cube Roots, Surds & Indices, HCF & LCM, Time & Work, Pipe & Cistern, Problem on Trains, Time and Distance, Boat & Stream, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Mixture & Allegation, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Partnership, Problem on Ages, Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Algebra, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Statistics. |
General English (120 Questions) |
Verb, Tense, Passive Voice, Narration, Question Tag, Subject-Verb Agreement, Conditional Sentences, Identifying Parts of Speech, Infinitive, Gerund, Participle, Inversion, Mood, Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Conjunction, Article, Preposition, Adverb, and Parallelism. |
Other |
Word Arrangement, Sentence Improvement, Cloze Test, Superfluous Expression, Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, Detecting Error, Word Often Confused & Misused, Vocabularies from Root, Synonyms & Antonyms, One Word Substitution, Idioms & Phrases, Phrasal Verbs, and Spellings. |
General Studies (120 Questions) |
History, Geography, Sports, Polity, Economy, General Science, and Current Affairs. |
Exam Conducted – Twice in a Year April (CDS Ist) September (CDS IInd)
| Age | IMA, INA AFA OTA | 19 TO 24 YEARS (MALE CANDIDATES ONLY) 20 TO 24 YEARS (MALE CANDIDATES ONLY) 19 TO 25 YEARS (MALE & FEMALE) |
| Qualification | IMA & OTA | For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai — Degree of a recognised University or equivalent. |
| INA | For Indian Naval Academy— Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution | |
| AFA | For Air Force Academy—Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering |
| CDSE : EXAM PATTERN | |||||
| Paper’s | Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
| Paper-1 | ENGLISH | 120 | 100 | 2 hours | 0.27 |
| Paper-2 | GK | 120 | 100 | 2 hours | 0.27 |
| Paper-3 | Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 2 hours | 0.33 |
| 340 | 300 | 6 hours | - | ||
| SSB INTERVIEW | 5 Days | Stage-1: Screening Test- (1) Verbal & non-verbal tests (2) PPDT (Picture Perception and Discussion Test) Stage-2: Psychological Test- (1) Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) (2) Word Association Test (WAT) (3) Situation Reaction Test (SRT) (4) Self Description Test (SD) Group Testing Officers Test- (1)GD (Group Disscussion) (2) GPE (Group Planning Exercise) (3) PGT (Progressive Group Task) (4) HGT (Half Group Task) (5) IOT (Individual Obstacle Task) (6) Command Task (7) Snake race/Group Obstacle Race (8) Individual lecture (9) FGT (Final Group Task) Personal InterviewConference |
| 6 to 10 Day | Document Verification & Medical |
Note- OTA Aspirants are not Eligible for Mathematics Exam.
Why Choose Chanakya College Dehradun for CDSE Preparation in India?
Chanakya College Dehradun is a good choice for CDSE preparation because it offers simple and structured guidance for all subjects. Fully Residential Coaching Programme. Students get regular practice through mock tests and revision sessions, which helps improve their performance. The faculty supports students with clear concepts, doubt solving, and basic exam strategies. A focused environment helps students stay consistent in their preparation.
The teaching approach for CDSE at Chanakya College Dehradun is effective because it focuses on clear
understanding rather than memorizing topics. Concepts are explained in a simple way so that students can
easily apply them in the exam.
Classes are planned according to the CDSE syllabus, covering English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics
step by step. Regular practice, revision sessions, and mock tests help students stay prepared and
improve their performance over time.
Teachers also guide students on how to manage time during the exam, attempt questions smartly, and avoid
common mistakes. This practical approach helps students feel more confident and prepared for the actual
exam.
Yes, Chanakya College Dehradun provides proper guidance for the CDSE written exam. All subjects, including English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics, are covered in a simple and structured way so that students can understand the concepts clearly. Regular classes, practice sessions, and revision help students stay consistent with their preparation. Mock tests are also conducted to help students understand the exam pattern and improve their speed and accuracy. Teachers guide students on how to approach questions, manage time during the exam, and avoid common mistakes, which helps in building confidence and improving overall performance.
Yes, mock tests and practice sessions are regularly conducted for CDSE preparation at Chanakya College Dehradun. These tests help students understand the exam pattern and check their level of preparation. Practice sessions are arranged to improve problem-solving skills and accuracy, especially for subjects like Mathematics and General Knowledge. Students also get enough opportunities to revise important topics through these sessions. Along with this, basic feedback is provided so students can understand their mistakes and improve step by step. This regular practice helps in building confidence and preparing for the actual exam environment.
Yes, basic guidance for the SSB interview is provided for CDSE students at Chanakya College Dehradun. Students are introduced to the SSB process so they understand what to expect after clearing the written exam. Guidance includes tips on communication skills, confidence building, and how to present your thoughts clearly. Students are also made aware of common interview questions and general behavior expected during the selection process. This support helps students feel more prepared and confident when they face the SSB interview stage.
Chanakya College Dehradun helps beginners by starting with the basics and gradually building their understanding of the CDSE exam. Students are first guided about the syllabus, exam pattern, and subjects so they know how to begin their preparation in the right way. Classes are conducted in a simple manner, making it easier for beginners to understand concepts without feeling overwhelmed. Regular practice sessions and revision help them strengthen their foundation over time. Teachers also support beginners with doubt clearing, study guidance, and basic exam strategies, which helps them gain confidence and stay consistent in their preparation.
Yes, Chanakya College Dehradun provides personalized attention to CDSE students to help them improve their preparation. Students can ask questions during or after classes and get their doubts cleared without hesitation. Teachers guide students based on their individual performance, helping them focus on weak areas and improve step by step. Regular interaction and support make it easier for students to stay on track. This approach helps students feel more confident and comfortable throughout their preparation journey.