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UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) Pathway

India · Government Examination

Official BriefUPSC CDS Syllabus 2026 – OverviewCDS English SyllabusCDS General Knowledge SyllabusCDS Elementary Mathematics SyllabusDownload the Official UPSC CDS SyllabusEligibility CriteriaExpert Preparation TipsCDS Cut Off – OverviewHow the CDS Cut Off is DeterminedFactors Affecting the CDS Cut OffYear-wise CDS Written Exam Cut OffCDS Final Cut Off (Written + SSB)Expected CDS Cut Off 2026Year-on-Year CDS Cut Off Trend (IMA Written)Key Insights from the CDS Cut Off AnalysisTips for Candidates Based on CDS Cut Off TrendsSample Practice QuestionsCitizen Queries

Official Brief

The UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) Examination is a national-level exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year — CDS I and CDS II. It is the primary gateway for university graduates to become commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces, making it one of the most prestigious and competitive defence exams in the country. 

Through CDS, candidates are recruited into four premier training academies: the Indian Military Academy (IMA), the Indian Naval Academy (INA), the Air Force Academy (AFA), and the Officers' Training Academy (OTA). UPSC usually releases the CDS I notification in December (exam in April) and the CDS II notification in May (exam in September), giving aspirants two opportunities each year. 

The CDS selection process has two stages: a written examination conducted by UPSC, followed by an interview and assessment by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Candidates who clear both, along with the medical examination, are admitted to their chosen academy for officer training. 

To be eligible, a candidate must hold a graduate degree from a recognised university (with specific degree requirements for each academy) and fall within the prescribed age limit of roughly 19 to 25 years, which varies by academy. This page brings together everything you need for the CDS exam — eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, admit card, and result. For the official notification, visit the UPSC website at upsc.gov.in, and apply online through the official portal at upsconline.nic.in. 

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026 – Overview

The UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026 is designed to test clarity of fundamental concepts rather than advanced knowledge, with most questions pitched at the school level. The syllabus varies slightly by academy: candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA) are tested in three subjects — English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics — while Officers' Training Academy (OTA) candidates take only English and General Knowledge. All papers are objective in nature and reward accuracy and speed. The table below shows which subjects apply to each academy.

SubjectIMA / INA / AFAOTA
EnglishYesYes
General KnowledgeYesYes
Elementary MathematicsYesNo

CDS English Syllabus

The CDS English syllabus tests the practical use of the language through grammar, vocabulary and comprehension. The key topics are:

  • Grammar: tenses, articles, prepositions, conjunctions and rules of sentence structure
  • Spotting errors and sentence improvement / correction
  • Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases
  • Reading comprehension: identifying the main idea, tone and inference from passages
  • Sentence arrangement (jumbled sentences) and sentence completion
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Ordering of words and sentences

CDS General Knowledge Syllabus

The CDS General Knowledge syllabus is wide-ranging, combining static subjects with current affairs. Candidates should cover national and international events of the last 12 months, including government schemes, defence, international relations, awards and key appointments.

  • History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern India, with emphasis on the freedom struggle and national leaders
  • Geography: Physical geography and Indian geography — rivers, climate, soils and natural resources
  • Polity: the Indian Constitution, fundamental rights, structure of government and the judiciary
  • Economy: national income, GDP, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy, and welfare schemes
  • General Science: Class 10-level Physics, Chemistry and Biology with everyday applications
  • Current Affairs: national and international events, defence, sports and awards of the last 12 months

CDS Elementary Mathematics Syllabus

The CDS Elementary Mathematics paper is set at the Class 10 level and applies only to the IMA, INA and AFA — OTA candidates do not take this paper. It is broadly divided into Arithmetic and Advanced Mathematics. In recent years, the share of advanced mathematics has increased, so candidates should not over-focus on arithmetic alone.

Arithmetic:

  • Number system
  • Percentage; ratio and proportion; averages
  • Profit and loss; simple and compound interest
  • Time and work; time, speed and distance

Advanced Mathematics:

  • Algebra: simple and quadratic equations, and identities
  • Geometry: lines, angles, triangles and circles
  • Mensuration: areas and volumes of standard shapes
  • Trigonometry: ratios, identities, heights and distances
  • Statistics: mean, median, mode and basic data interpretation

Download the Official UPSC CDS Syllabus

For the complete and authoritative syllabus, always refer to the official UPSC CDS notification. Click below to access the official UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 page.

View Official UPSC CDS Syllabus & Notification

Eligibility Criteria

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UPSC CDS Nationality CriteriaAs per the UPSC CDS eligibility criteria, a candidate must be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal, or a subject of Bhutan. A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling here, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka or the East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanent settlement in India, is also eligible. Candidates other than Indian citizens must produce an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.
UPSC CDS Educational QualificationThe UPSC CDS educational qualification varies by academy. For the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and the Officers' Training Academy (OTA), candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. For the Indian Naval Academy (INA), a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) degree is required. For the Air Force Academy (AFA), candidates need a graduation degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering. Final-year graduation students can also apply provisionally, provided they submit proof of qualification at the time of the SSB interview.
UPSC CDS Age LimitThe UPSC CDS age limit differs across academies and is calculated as per the official notification of each cycle. As a general guide, candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA) should be around 19 to 24 years old, those for the Air Force Academy (AFA) between 20 and 24 years (relaxable up to 26 years for valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence holders), and OTA candidates between 19 and 25 years. There is no caste-based age relaxation in the CDS exam, so the age limit is the same across categories. Candidates should check the exact date-of-birth range in the official UPSC CDS notification.
UPSC CDS Marital Status & GenderOnly unmarried candidates are eligible for the IMA, INA and AFA. Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried, and marriage during the training period is not permitted. The Officers' Training Academy (OTA) admits both men and women — unmarried men for the SSC (Men) course, and unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried for the SSC Women (Non-Technical) course. Male divorcees and widowers are not treated as unmarried candidates for any of the CDS academies.
UPSC CDS Physical & Medical StandardsCandidates must meet the physical and medical fitness standards prescribed by UPSC. These include a minimum height (with relaxation for candidates from the North-East, Gorkhas, Garhwal and Kumaon regions), weight proportionate to height, and vision standards that vary by academy — the Air Force Academy has the strictest vision and medical requirements. Since many candidates are rejected on medical grounds, aspirants are advised to get themselves medically examined before applying.

Expert Preparation Tips

UPSC CDS Exam – Quick Overview 

The UPSC CDS written exam differs by academy. For the IMA, INA and AFA, candidates write three papers — English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics — for a total of 300 marks. For the OTA, only English and General Knowledge are required (no Mathematics), for a total of 200 marks. Each paper is 2 hours long and carries 100 marks, and there is negative marking of 1/3 of the marks for every wrong answer. 

UPSC CDS Preparation Tips 2026 

CDS is one of the most competitive defence exams, so a focused, paper-wise strategy matters more than long study hours. Here's how to prepare the smart way. 

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus First 
Before you open a book, get the full CDS exam pattern and Syllabus clear — which papers apply to your chosen academy, the marks split, and the 1/3 negative marking rule. Map your strong and weak topics against the syllabus so you invest time where it counts. Always cross-check against the official syllabus in the UPSC notification at upsc.gov.in. 

2. Strengthen Your English 
English is common to every academy, so it's the highest-leverage paper. Focus on grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, spotting errors, sentence improvement, synonyms and antonyms. Standard references like Wren & Martin's High School English Grammar and Norman Lewis's Word Power Made Easy cover most of what's tested. 

3. Build Strong General Knowledge 
GK is also common to all academies and rewards consistency. Cover the static subjects — History, Geography, Polity and General Science — and give equal weight to current affairs from the last 6 to 8 months. Reading a good English daily newspaper every day is the single most effective GK habit. 

4. Master Elementary Mathematics 
Required for IMA, INA and AFA (OTA candidates can skip it). The difficulty is pitched at roughly Class 10 level, so prioritise arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry and mensuration. Build conceptual clarity rather than rote formulas, and use NCERT Maths (Classes 9–12) and R.S. Aggarwal as your base. Speed comes from regular practice. 

5. Solve Previous Year Papers and Take Mock Tests 
This is non-negotiable. Solve CDS previous year question papers to spot recurring topics, and take full-length, timed mock tests to simulate exam conditions. After each test, review every wrong answer — that analysis is where real improvement happens. 

6. Get Your Timing and Negative-Marking Strategy Right 
With 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer, blind guessing hurts. Attempt the questions you're confident about first to lock in marks, then return to the tougher ones. Practise pacing in mocks so you finish each 2-hour paper comfortably. 

7. Prepare for the SSB Interview Alongside the Written Exam 
Clearing the written paper only gets you to the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview, which runs over roughly five days in two stages. Stage I covers the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT); Stage II includes the interview, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, and psychology tests. Build officer-like qualities, communication skills and current-affairs awareness early — don't leave SSB prep for after the result. 

8. Stay Physically Fit and Keep a Consistent Schedule 
CDS selection includes physical and medical standards, so maintain regular fitness alongside study. A steady schedule of around 6 to 8 hours a day, with dedicated weekly revision, covers the vast syllabus far better than last-minute cramming. 

CDS Cut Off – Overview

The CDS Cut Off is the minimum aggregate score that the last qualified candidate must secure to clear a stage of the UPSC Combined Defence Services examination. Unlike most UPSC exams, the CDS cut off is released academy-wise — separately for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers' Training Academy (OTA) — and not category-wise, since the CDS exam has no caste-based reservation. Written exam cut-offs are calculated out of 300 marks for IMA, INA and AFA, and out of 200 marks for OTA.

UPSC releases two sets of figures: a written exam cut off (the aggregate of the last candidate shortlisted for the SSB interview) and a final cut off (the combined written and SSB score of the last recommended candidate). Candidates must also clear a mandatory minimum of 20% in each subject. Studying the CDS previous year cut off, academy by academy, helps aspirants set realistic target scores.

How the CDS Cut Off is Determined

The CDS cut off is not fixed in advance. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) calculates it after each exam, based on candidates' performance and the number of vacancies in each academy. First, a candidate must score at least 20% in every subject of the written exam. The aggregate score of the last candidate shortlisted for the SSB interview becomes that academy's written exam cut off. After the SSB interview and medical examination, the combined written and SSB score of the last recommended candidate becomes the final cut off. Because it depends on actual performance and available vacancies, the CDS cut off changes every cycle and differs for each academy.

Factors Affecting the CDS Cut Off

Several factors push the CDS cut off up or down from one cycle to the next. Understanding them explains the year-on-year movement seen in the tables below.

FactorEffect on Cut Off
Difficulty of the papersA tougher written paper lowers scores and pulls the cut off down.
Number of vacanciesMore vacancies in an academy widen the shortlist and ease the cut off; fewer vacancies tighten it.
Number of candidatesA larger, stronger applicant pool raises the qualifying bar.
AcademyEach academy (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) has its own separate cut off, with AFA usually the highest and OTA the lowest.
20% sectional minimumCandidates must score at least 20% in each subject, regardless of their aggregate.

Year-wise CDS Written Exam Cut Off

The table below shows the academy-wise CDS written exam cut off (aggregate marks of the last qualified candidate) over recent cycles. IMA, INA and AFA marks are out of 300; OTA marks are out of 200.

Exam CycleIMAINAAFAOTA (Men)OTA (Women)
CDS 1 20251201041288181
CDS 2 2024117901268181
CDS 1 20241201001288787
CDS 2 2023127110136104104
CDS 1 2023132122142101101
CDS 2 20221261181369898
CDS 1 2022136128147100100
CDS 2 2021138132148102102
CDS 1 2021145136158107107

CDS Final Cut Off (Written + SSB)

The CDS final cut off combines the written exam and SSB interview scores of the last recommended candidate. The table below shows the recent academy-wise final cut-offs.

Exam CycleIMAINAAFAOTA (Men)OTA (Women)
CDS 1 2025243230253163171
CDS 2 2024241220248161166
CDS 1 2024244230250168168
CDS 1 2022258256269181184
CDS 1 2021268260281189191

Expected CDS Cut Off 2026

UPSC has not yet released the official CDS 2026 cut off. Based on previous-year trends, the expected CDS 2026 cut-off ranges are given below. These are indicative estimates to help with target-setting — not official figures.

AcademyWritten (Expected)Final (Expected)
IMA (Indian Military Academy)119–131244–256
INA (Indian Naval Academy)104–121232–246
AFA (Air Force Academy)146–151267–271
OTA (Men)73–84161–170
OTA (Women)75–85164–170

Year-on-Year CDS Cut Off Trend (IMA Written)

This CDS cut-off analysis tracks the IMA written exam cut off cycle by cycle, showing the change from the previous one — a quick read on whether the qualifying bar tightened or eased.

Exam CycleIMA Written Cut OffChangeObservation
CDS 1 2021145—Highest in the window
CDS 2 2021138-7Easing
CDS 1 2022136-2Slight dip
CDS 2 2022126-10Sharp drop
CDS 1 2023132+6Minor rebound
CDS 2 2023127-5Easing again
CDS 1 2024120-7Continued decline
CDS 2 2024117-3Lowest in the window
CDS 1 2025120+3Slight recovery

Key Insights from the CDS Cut Off Analysis

A few clear patterns emerge from the CDS previous year cut off data:

  • The Air Force Academy (AFA) consistently records the highest written cut off, while the OTA records the lowest — so your target depends heavily on the academy you choose.
  • CDS written cut-offs have broadly declined over recent cycles — the IMA written cut off fell from around 145 in CDS 1 2021 to about 120 in CDS 1 2025.
  • OTA (Men) and OTA (Women) written cut-offs are usually identical or very close.
  • The final cut off (after SSB) is far higher than the written cut off, showing how heavily the SSB interview weighs in the final selection.
  • Since CDS has no category reservation, the same cut off applies to all candidates for a given academy.

Tips for Candidates Based on CDS Cut Off Trends

Use the CDS cut-off trends to set a realistic, data-driven target rather than to predict an exact number.

  • Aim comfortably above the historical written cut off for your academy — roughly 130+ for IMA/INA, 150+ for AFA, and 90+ for OTA (all with a safety margin).
  • Never ignore the 20% sectional minimum — strong overall marks won't help if you fail any single subject.
  • Because the final cut off is much higher than the written one, prepare seriously for the SSB interview from the start.
  • Balance your effort across English, General Knowledge and Mathematics rather than relying on one strong paper.
  • Always confirm the latest figures against the official UPSC cut off PDF, since post-result data is the only authoritative source.

Check Official CDS Cut Off Marks

Sample Practice Questions

Q1: What is the tactical advantage of 'High Altitude Warfare' training for Indian soldiers stationed in areas like Ladakh?
  • A) Improves combat efficiency and acclimatization to hypoxic conditions
  • B) Helps soldiers learn desert warfare skills
  • C) Focuses on naval combat skills
  • D) Trains soldiers in jungle warfare exclusively
Answer: null
Training at high altitudes prepares soldiers to operate effectively in oxygen-deficient, cold, and rugged terrains.
Q2: In military logistics, what does the term 'Force Multiplier' refer to?
  • A) An element that increases the effectiveness of a military force
  • B) Additional troops sent without weapons
  • C) A weapon with double firing capacity
  • D) The total logistical cost of an operation
Answer: null
A force multiplier is any factor, such as technology, terrain, or morale, that increases the combat potential of a force.
Q3: Choose the option that best explains the main purpose of the 'Union List' as per the Indian Constitution.
  • A) It lists subjects on which only the State Legislature can make laws.
  • B) It enumerates subjects on which both Parliament and State Legislatures can legislate simultaneously.
  • C) It contains subjects on which only the Parliament can make laws.
  • D) It lists subjects relating to local bodies and municipalities.
Answer: null
The Union List in the Indian Constitution specifies subjects on which only the Parliament can legislate. This ensures a clear division of legislative powers between the Union and the States, with exclusive subjects for the Union Government listed in the Union List.
Q4: Which Indian thinker is best known for the concept of 'Sarvodaya'?
  • A) Jawaharlal Nehru
  • B) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
  • C) Mahatma Gandhi
  • D) Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: null
Mahatma Gandhi popularized the concept of Sarvodaya which means welfare for all or universal uplift.
Q5: The 'Look East Policy' of India primarily aims to:
  • A) Enhance defense ties with Western Europe
  • B) Develop strategic and economic relations with Southeast Asian countries
  • C) Increase trade exclusively with Middle Eastern countries
  • D) Focus on Arctic exploration
Answer: null
The Look East Policy is focused on increasing engagement with Southeast Asia to bolster economic, strategic, and cultural ties.

Citizen Queries

What is the age limit for the CDS exam?▾
The CDS age limit varies by academy and is calculated as per each cycle's official notification. As a general guide, candidates for the IMA and INA should be around 19 to 24 years old, AFA candidates between 20 and 24 years (relaxable up to 26 for valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence holders), and OTA candidates between 19 and 25 years. There is no caste-based age relaxation in the CDS exam.
Can final-year college students apply for CDS?▾
Yes. Final-year graduation students can apply for the CDS exam provisionally, provided they have no backlogs at the time of applying. They must submit proof of passing their degree at the time of the SSB interview or document verification.
What is the educational qualification required for OTA?▾
For the Officers' Training Academy (OTA), candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. There is no specific subject requirement, which makes OTA the most flexible CDS academy in terms of educational background.
Is there a negative marking scheme in the CDS exam?▾
Yes. The CDS written exam has negative marking — one-third (0.33) of the marks allotted to a question is deducted for every wrong answer. Marking more than one option also counts as a wrong answer, while unattempted questions carry no penalty.
Can women apply for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) through CDS?▾
No. Women cannot apply for the IMA, INA or AFA through CDS — these academies admit only male candidates. Women are eligible only for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA), through the Short Service Commission (Women Non-Technical) course.
What is the syllabus and exam pattern for CDS OTA?▾
For OTA, the CDS written exam has only two papers — English and General Knowledge — each carrying 100 marks with a 2-hour duration, for a total of 200 marks (there is no Mathematics paper). The English paper tests grammar, vocabulary and comprehension, while General Knowledge covers history, geography, polity, economy, science and current affairs. Qualifying candidates then face the SSB interview, worth 200 marks for OTA.
What is a passing or good cut-off score for CDS?▾
The CDS cut-off is academy-wise and changes every cycle, so there is no fixed passing score. In recent years, the written cut-offs (out of 300 for IMA/INA/AFA and 200 for OTA) have ranged roughly from 120 to 145 for IMA, 90 to 136 for INA, 126 to 158 for AFA, and 81 to 107 for OTA. Candidates must also score at least 20% in each subject, so aiming comfortably above these benchmarks is a safe target.
How long is the training period at the Officers' Training Academy?▾
The training period at the Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, is about 49 weeks (roughly 11 months). On successful completion, candidates are commissioned as officers in the Indian Army under the Short Service Commission (SSC).
What is the starting salary or pay scale for a Lieutenant commissioned through CDS?▾
A Lieutenant commissioned through CDS is placed in Pay Matrix Level 10 (7th Pay Commission), with a starting basic pay of around ₹56,100 per month plus Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500. Including Dearness Allowance and other allowances, the gross starting salary generally works out to roughly ₹80,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month, varying with posting and current allowance rates.
How can I prepare for the CDS General Knowledge paper?▾
To prepare for the CDS General Knowledge paper, build a strong base in the static subjects — History, Geography, Polity, Economy and General Science — and stay updated on current affairs from the last 12 months. Reading a good English newspaper daily, focusing on high-weightage topics, and solving previous year question papers are the most effective habits for scoring well in GK.
What is the difference between CDS and NDA?▾
The main difference is the eligibility stage: CDS is for graduates (or final-year students) and leads to the IMA, INA, AFA and OTA, while the NDA is for candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 (10+2) and leads to the National Defence Academy. Both exams are conducted by UPSC and are followed by an SSB interview, but CDS requires a degree whereas NDA requires only a 10+2 qualification.
How many attempts are allowed for the CDS exam?▾
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the CDS exam. A candidate can appear as many times as they wish, as long as they continue to meet the age and other eligibility criteria for their chosen academy.

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