CDS Exam Guide 2026
CDS 2026 notification updates and complete exam guide. Check exam dates, vacancies, eligibility criteria, selection process, syllabus, and application details.
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📊 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam name | Combined Defense Services Examination |
| Conducting institute | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Category | Government Exam |
| Exam Cycle | CDS 2 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 9th June 2026 11th June 2026 (Extended) |
| Exam Date | 13th September 2026 |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam frequency | Twice a year |
| Exam Language | English and Hindi |
| Number of question | General English: 120 General Knowledge: 120 Elementary Maths: 100 |
| Number of papers | IMA, INA, & AFA: 3 (General English, General Knowledge, & Elementary Mathematics) OTA: 2 (General English & General Knowledge) |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Exam stages | Written exam and SSB Interview |
| Exam Purpose | Selecting Candidate as a Commissioned officer in the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy. |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours for each paper |
| Total Marks | Written Exam OTA: 200 IMA, INA and AFA: 300 SSB Interview: OTA: 200 IMA, INA and AFA: 300 |
| Exam fees | General and OBC male candidates: Rs. 200 Female, SC, and ST candidates are exempted from fee payment: Nil |
| No. of Exam Centers | 84 |
| Application Fees | 200/- |
| Qualification | Passed or appearing for graduation |
📊 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
| Subjects |
|---|
| Most Asked General Knowledge Question in CDS Exam in Past Years - |
| Most Asked General Science Question in CDS Exam in Past Years - |
| Most Asked Quantitative Aptitude Question in CDS Exam in Past Years - |
| Most Asked Logical Reasoning Question in CDS Exam in Past Years - |
📊 CDS Exam Pattern (INA, IMA, Indian Airforce Academy)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
📊 UPSC CDS Exam Pattern for OTA
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
📊 Post Details & Salary Structure
| Sr. No. | Ranks | Pay Scale | Pay Matrix Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lieutenant | Rs. 56,100 - 1,77,500/- | Level 10 |
| 2 | Captain | Rs. 61,300 - 1,93,900 | Level 10B |
| 3 | Major | Rs. 69,400 - 2,07,200 | Level 11 |
| 4 | Lieutenant Colonel | Rs. 1,21,200 - 2,12,400 | Level 12A |
| 5 | Colonel | Rs. 1,30,600 - 2,15,900 | Level 13 |
| 6 | Brigadier | Rs. 1,39,600 - 2,17,600 | Level 13A |
| 7 | Major General | Rs. 1,44,200 - 2,18,200 | Level 14 |
| 8 | Lieutenant General | Rs. 1,82,200 - 2,24,100 | Level 15 |
| 9 | HAG + Scale | Rs. 2,05,400 - 2,24,400 | Level 16 |
| 10 | VCOAS/ Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Rs. 2,25,000 (fixed) | Level 17 |
| 11 | COAS | Rs. 2,50,000 (fixed) | Level 18 |
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📅 5 Sept 2026
📌 Our Topics Covered
- CDS Eligibility Criteria & Age Limit 2026
- CDS Exam Pattern & Selection Process
- CDS Educational Qualification & Attempts
- CDS Salary Structure & Pay Scale
- CDS Syllabus & Preparation Guide
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.Is CDS 2 Notification 2026 released?
The CDS 2 2026 Notification has been released on 20 May on the official website @upsc.gov.in.
Q2.What is UPSC CDS 2 2026 Exam Date?
The written exam will be conducted on 13th September 2026.
Q3.What is the last date to apply for CDS Exam?
The last date to submit the application form is 9th June 2026.
Q4.What is CDS Age Limit 2026?
The age limit generally ranges between 19 to 24 years depending on the academy.
Q5.How many vacancies have been announced in CDS 2 Notification 2026?
A total of 400+ vacancies have been notified.
Q6.What is the selection process?
CDS 2 2026 Selection process includes written exam, SSB Interview, DV & Medical Examination
Q7.Can girls apply for the CDS exam 2026?
Yes, female candidates can apply. Women candidates are eligible for admission to Officers Training Academy (OTA) through Short Service Commission entry.
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