CDS Mock Test, Syllabus & Pattern
Prepare online for the CDS Recruitment Exam. Get access to online mock tests, practice papers, full syllabus, and pattern details.
Hired under UPSC for the post of CDS.
Recruitment Highlights
- Total Vacancies: 451
- Applicants Volume: TBD
- Pay Scale / Salary: ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500
- Eligibility Criteria: Graduation
- Last Date to Apply: 2026-06-09
Detailed Exam Syllabus & Criteria
Overview
CDS Eligibility 2026: CDS Eligibility Criteria has been released along with the CDS Notification 2026. Candidates can check the eligibility criteria to understand what is required from them to apply for CDS Recruitment 2026. The eligibility criteria includes various important details like nationality, educational qualifications, age, marital status and physical standards required to apply for the examination. To apply for CDS 1 2026 Examination, candidates need to fulfill all the requirements otherwise their application forms won't be accepted. Candidates must read each and every eligibility criteria detail very carefully before applying for CDS 1 2026.
CDS Eligibility for Female
The CDS Eligibility 2026 is different for both male and female candidates. The details of the eligibility criteria for the female candidates who are applying for the examination are given below. All the aspirants are required to fulfill the eligibility requirements otherwise their application forms will be rejected
| CDS Eligibility Criteria for Women | Details | Educational Qualification | Minimum Bachelor's degree from a recognized university. | Nationality |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Must be a citizen of India or a subject of Bhutan or Nepal or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962. | Marital Status | Only unmarried females, widows who have not remarried, and divorcees who have not remarried and possess divorce documents are eligible for OTA. Only unmarried male candidates are eligible for IMA, INA, AFA. | Physical Standards | Minimum acceptable height for female candidates is 152 cm. |
CDS exam Eligibility for Female candidates, They can apply only for OTA (non-technical) while male candidates can apply for any post of CDS Examination, as long as they fulfill other eligibility criteria. Candidates must fulfill all the requirements mentioned by the official body. If any discrepancy is found in any of the eligibility conditions, the candidate will not be allowed to apply for the exam
CDS Nationality/Citizenship
In order to fit the CDS exam eligibility a candidate who can give the CDS exam must be either be:
- A Citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A refugee from Tibet who came over to India before the 01st January 1962 to set in India permanently, or
- Indian origins who have migrated from Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Zaire, Zambia, and Ethiopia or Vietnam to settle permanently in India.
Important Points to Note: To fit the CDS Eligibility Criteria following are some of the major points to be noted by the candidates.
- Candidates under criteria 2, 3, 4, and 5 must have an Indian Government certificate or proof supporting their claims.
- Candidates who are Gorkha subjects of Nepal are not required to show any CDS eligibility certificate.
- A candidate who requires a certificate of CDS eligibility in 2026 may be permitted to the test provisionally pending receipt of the appropriate certificate from the government before UPSC announces the CDS result.
Check out CDS previous year papers to boost your preparation.
CDS Age Limit, Gender & Marital Status
The CDS Age Limit eligibility criteria is different for both male and female candidates. The marital status eligibility is also different for various departments. According to the official CDS 1 Notification 2026, female candidates are eligible to apply for OTA (non-technical). Male candidates can apply for any CDS examination post as long as they meet other eligibility conditions. The CDS Age Limit Eligibility Details can be checked below in the table.
| Various Departments | Age Criteria in each case |
| --- | --- |
| Age Limit | |
| Marital Status | |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | |
| Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July, 2002 and not later than 1 st July 2007 only are eligible | |
| 18-23 years | |
| Unmarried | |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | |
| Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July 2002 and not later than 1st July 2007 only are eligible. | |
| 18-23 years | |
| Unmarried | |
| Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) | |
| 20 to 24 years as on 1st July 2026 i.e. born not earlier than 2nd July 2002 and not later than 1st July 2006 | |
| 20-24 years | |
| Married/Unmarried | |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA) (SSC course) (Men) | |
| Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July 2001 and not later than 1st July, 2007 | |
| 19-25 years | |
| Unmarried | |
| Officers' Training Academy—(SSC Women Non-Technical Course) | |
| Candidates born not earlier than 2nd July, 2001 and not later than 1st July, 2007 | |
| 19-25 years | |
| Unmarried Females, issueless widows who haven’t remarried, and issueless divorcees who have not remarried. | |
Important Note: Following are some of the important points to keep in mind regarding marital status for candidates to fit the CDS Eligibility Criteria.
- Candidates should be less than 25 years of age & must be unmarried.
- Marriage is not permitted during your training period.
- Married candidates above 25 years of age can also apply, but during their training period, they will not be provided with the accommodation of their partner. They are also not allowed to live outside the Academy premises with their family.
- Date of birth as recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate or an equivalent certificate will be accepted by the Commission.
Know the latest updated UPSC CDS Exam Pattern
CDS Physical Eligibility
The physical eligibility criteria to apply for CDS examination is given below. The Physical eligibility criteria is different for both male and female candidates. The physical eligibility criteria includes details of height and weight required to fill the application form.
| CDS Physical Eligibility | Gender |
| --- | --- |
| Minimum Height | |
| Height Relaxation for Certain Groups | |
| Male | |
| 157 cm | |
| 152 cm for Navy <br> 162.5 cm for Air Force Flying Branch <br> 157.5 cm for Air Force Ground Duty <br> 152 cm for Gorkhas, Assamese, Garhwalis, etc. <br> 5 cm shorter for people from the hills of India's north-eastern region such as Garhwali and Kumaon | |
| Female | |
| 152 cm | |
| 147 cm for Gorkhas, Assamese, Garhwalis, etc. <br> 5 cm shorter for people from the hills of India's north-eastern region such as Garhwali and Kumaon <br> 2 cm shorter for candidates from Lakshadweep | |
| All | |
| 148 cm | After all kinds of waivers/dispensations, the minimum height for all entries is 148 cm. If not, the candidate will be labelled a dwarf. <br> CDS Physical Eligibility for Male Candidates in the Army and Navy <br> To join the Army and Navy, male candidates must pass the standards of prescribed height and weight. Below, we have given the list of weight and height parameters for the different age groups of male candidates. Refer to the table for more details. |
| CDS Height and Weight Requirements for Army & Navy | |
| Height in Centimetres (Without Shoes) | |
| Weight (Kgs) | |
| 18 years | |
| 20 years | |
| 22 years | |
| 24 years | 152 |
| 44* | 46 |
| 47 | 48 |
| 155 | 46 |
| 48** | 49 |
| 50 | 157 |
| 47 | 49 |
| 50 | 51 |
| 160 | 48 |
| 50 | 51 |
| 52 | 162 |
| 50 | 52 |
| 51 | 54 |
| 165 | 52 |
| 53 | 55 |
| 56 | 168 |
| 53 | 55 |
| 57 | 58 |
| 170 | 55 |
| 57 | 58 |
| 59 | 173 |
| 57 | 59 |
| 60 | 61 |
| 175 | 59 |
| 61 | 62 |
| 62 | 178 |
| 61 | 62 |
| 63 | 64 |
| 180 | 63 |
| 64 | 65 |
| 66 | 183 |
| 65 | 67 |
| 67 | 68 |
| 185 | 67 |
| 69 | 70 |
| 71 | 188 |
| 70 | 71 |
| 72 | 74 |
| 190 | 72 |
| 73 | 74 |
| 76 | 193 |
| 74 | 76 |
| 77 | 78 |
| 195 | 77 |
| 78 | 79 |
| 81 <br> CDS Physical Eligibility for Male Candidates in the Air Force <br> Below, we have given a detailed list of height and weight required for male candidates willing to join the Indian Air Force. The acceptable weight for Air Force candidates will be ± 10% of the average. (For FAT % (<20) of Normal Individuals). | |
| CDS Height and Weight Requirements for Airforce | |
| Height (mm) | |
| Weight (Kgs) | |
| 15- 17 years | |
| 18-22 years | |
| 23-27 years | |
| 28-32 years | |
| 33-37 years | |
| 38-42 years | |
| 43-47 years | |
| >48 years | 1520 |
| 46 | 47 |
| 50 | 54 |
| 54 | 54 |
| 55 | 54 |
| 1530 | 47 |
| 47 | 51 |
| 55 | 55 |
| 54 | 56 |
| 54 | 1540 |
| 47 | 48 |
| 51 | 56 |
| 55 | 55 |
| 57 | 55 |
| 1550 | 48 |
| 49 | 52 |
| 56 | 56 |
| 56 | 57 |
| 56 | 1560 |
| 48 | 49 |
| 53 | 57 |
| 57 | 56 |
| 58 | 56 |
| 1570 | 49 |
| 50 | 54 |
| 58 | 58 |
| 57 | 58 |
| 57 | 1580 |
| 49 | 50 |
| 54 | 58 |
| 58 | 58 |
| 59 | 58 |
| 1590 | 50 |
| 51 | 55 |
| 59 | 59 |
| 59 | 60 |
| 58 | 1600 |
| 51 | 52 |
| 56 | 59 |
| 60 | 59 |
| 60 | 59 |
| 1610 | 51 |
| 52 | 56 |
| 60 | 60 |
| 60 | 61 |
| 60 | 1620 |
| 52 | 53 |
| 57 | 61 |
| 61 | 61 |
| 62 | 60 |
| 1630 | 52 |
| 54 | 58 |
| 61 | 62 |
| 61 | 62 |
| 61 | 1640 |
| 53 | 54 |
| 59 | 62 |
| 63 | 62 |
| 63 | 62 |
| 1650 | 53 |
| 55 | 59 |
| 63 | 63 |
| 63 | 64 |
| 62 | 1660 |
| 54 | 56 |
| 60 | 63 |
| 64 | 64 |
| 64 | 63 |
| 1670 | 54 |
| 56 | 61 |
| 64 | 65 |
| 64 | 65 |
| 64 | 1680 |
| 55 | 57 |
| 61 | 65 |
| 65 | 65 |
| 65 | 65 |
| 1690 | 55 |
| 57 | 62 |
| 65 | 66 |
| 66 | 66 |
| 65 | 1700 |
| 56 | 58 |
| 63 | 66 |
| 67 | 67 |
| 67 | 66 |
| 1710 | 56 |
| 59 | 64 |
| 66 | 68 |
| 67 | 67 |
| 67 | 1720 |
| 57 | 59 |
| 64 | 67 |
| 68 | 66 |
| 68 | 67 |
| 1730 | 58 |
| 60 | 65 |
| 68 | 69 |
| 69 | 69 |
| 68 | 1740 |
| 58 | 61 |
| 66 | 68 |
| 70 | 69 |
| 69 | 69 |
| 1750 | 59 |
| 61 | 66 |
| 69 | 71 |
| 70 | 70 |
| 69 | 1760 |
| 59 | 62 |
| 67 | 70 |
| 71 | 71 |
| 71 | 70 |
| 1770 | 60 |
| 62 | 68 |
| 70 | 72 |
| 72 | 71 |
| 71 | 1780 |
| 60 | 63 |
| 69 | 71 |
| 73 | 72 |
| 72 | 71 |
| 1790 | 61 |
| 64 | 69 |
| 72 | 73 |
| 73 | 73 |
| 72 | 1800 |
| 61 | 64 |
| 70 | 72 |
| 74 | 74 |
| 73 | 73 |
| 1810 | 62 |
| 65 | 71 |
| 73 | 75 |
| 75 | 74 |
| 73 | 1820 |
| 62 | 66 |
| 72 | 74 |
| 76 | 75 |
| 74 | 74 |
| 1830 | 63 |
| 66 | 72 |
| 74 | 76 |
| 76 | 75 |
| 75 | 1840 |
| 64 | 67 |
| 73 | 75 |
| 77 | 77 |
| 76 | 75 |
| 1850 | 64 |
| 68 | 74 |
| 75 | 78 |
| 77 | 76 |
| 76 | 1860 |
| 65 | 68 |
| 74 | 76 |
| 78 | 78 |
| 77 | 77 |
| 1870 | 65 |
| 69 | 75 |
| 77 | 79 |
| 79 | 78 |
| 77 | 1880 |
| 66 | 69 |
| 76 | 77 |
| 80 | 80 |
| 78 | 78 |
| 1890 | 66 |
| 70 | 77 |
| 78 | 81 |
| 80 | 79 |
| 79 | 1900 |
| 67 | 71 |
| 77 | 79 |
| 81 | 81 |
| 80 | 79 |
| 1910 | 67 |
| 71 | 78 |
| 79 | 82 |
| 82 | 80 |
| 80 | 1920 |
| 68 | 72 |
| 79 | 80 |
| 83 | 82 |
| 81 | 81 |
| 1930 | 68 |
| 73 | 79 |
| 81 | 83 |
| 83 | - |
| - <br> CDS Exam Eligibility for Female Candidates - Height & Weight Standards <br> Female candidates who want to join the OTA, must qualify the height and weight standards decided by the exam conducting body. The following is a list of the height and weight criteria for female applicants to work in OTA. | |
| CDS Height and Weight Standards for Female Candidates | |
| Height in Cms. (Without shoes) | |
| Weights (Kgs) | |
| 18 years | |
| 20 years | |
| 30 years | 148 |
| 39 | 41 |
| 43 | 150 |
| 40 | 42 |
| 43.5 | 153 |
| 42 | 43.5 |
| 45 | 155 |
| 43 | 44 |
| 46 | 158 |
| 45 | 46 |
| 48 | 160 |
| 46 | 47 |
| 49 | 163 |
| 47 | 48 |
| 51 | 165 |
| 49 | 51 |
| 53 | 168 |
| 50 | 52 |
| 54 | |
Check out the complete CDS Eligibility details in the video below.
CDS Medical Standards
According to the UPCS rules, candidates must be physically and mentally fit. On medical grounds, a large number of qualified candidates are disqualified. As a result, candidates are highly urged to have a medical examination before applying for the CDS exam. Check out the table summarizing the medical eligibility criteria for CDS exam:
| Medical CDS Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Physical Standards | Candidates must meet the minimum physical standards set by the CDS, such as a minimum acceptable height of 152 cms for female candidates. |
| Medical Fitness | |
| Candidates must be physically and mentally fit as per the medical standards set by the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). | |
| Visual and Hearing Standards | |
| Candidates must meet visual and hearing standards set by UPSC. The standards might vary depending on the role candidates are applying for. | Medical Examination |
| Candidates will undergo a medical examination conducted by the Armed Forces Medical Board (AFMB) to determine their medical fitness. Any candidate found to be medically unfit will not be allowed to continue with the recruitment process. | |
It is important for candidates to meet the medical eligibility criteria along with other eligibility criteria before applying for the CDS exam. Below are some common medical defects are:
- Condition of Overweight / Underweight
- Under Sized Chest
- Piles
- Wax (Ears)
- Deviated Nasal Septum
- Tonsillitis
- Gynaecomastia
- Varicocele
- Hydrocele / Phimosis
CDS Exam Eligibility - Spinal Conditions
Past medical history of diseases or any spine injury or Sacroiliac joints, either with or without objective signs which have prevented the candidate from successfully living a physically active life, will be a cause of rejection to get commissioned in the Indian Air Force. History of spinal fracture/prolapsed intervertebral disc and operation for these conditions can be a reason for rejection. If a candidate gets detected with the conditions given below during the medical examination, then a candidate will not qualify for Air Force service. Check the CDS eligibility criteria given below:
| CDS Eligibility Criteria for Spinal Diseases | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Granulomatous disease of the spine | |
| Not eligible. | Arthritis/Spondylosis |
| Rheumatoid arthritis and allied disorders, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Osteoarthrosis, Spondylosis, and degenerative joint diseases; Not eligible | |
| Non-articular Rheumatism | |
| Lesions of the rotator cuff, recurrent lumbago, tennis elbow, and others; Not eligible | |
| Miscellaneous Disorders | |
| Including SLE, Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis, Vasculitis; Not eligible | |
| Spondylolisthesis/ Spondylolysis/ Spondylosis | |
| Not eligible. | |
| Compression fracture of vertebrae | |
| Not eligible. | |
| Scheuermann’s disease (Adolescent Kyphosis) | |
| Not eligible. | |
| Loss of Cervical Lordosis | |
| If associated with clinically restricted movements of the cervical spine, not eligible. | |
| Cervical Ribs | |
| Unilateral/bilateral Cervical ribs and a demonstrable neurological or circulatory deficiency, not eligible. | |
CDS Eligibility - Dental Conditions
Conditions which needs to be taken care for Dental standards and problems for CDS candidates are mentioned. CDS eligibility criteria are given below:
| CDS Eligibility Criteria for Dental Conditions | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Incipient pathological conditions of the jaws | |
| Progressive or recurrent, not eligible. | |
| Significant jaw discrepancies | |
| Between the upper and the lower jaw, which can hamper efficient chewing and/or speech, not eligible. | |
| Symptomatic Temporo-Mandibular Joint | |
| With clicking and tenderness, not eligible. | |
| Restricted mouth opening | |
| Less than 30 mm measured at the incisal edges, dislocation of the TMJ on a wide opening, not eligible. | |
| Potentially cancerous conditions | |
| Not eligible. | |
| Submucous fibrosis | |
| With or without the restriction to mouth opening, not eligible. | |
| Poor oral health status | |
| In the form of gross visible calculus or bleeding from gums or periodontal pockets, not eligible. | |
| Loose teeth | |
| More than two mobile teeth, not eligible. | |
| Cosmetic or post-traumatic Maxillofacial surgery/trauma | |
| Candidate will be considered unfit for at least 24 weeks after the surgery/injury, whichever is later. | |
| Malocclusion of teeth | |
| Hampers structured mastications, the maintenance of oral hygiene, general nutrition, or duties performed well, not eligible. | |
CDS Eligibility - Chest Conditions
The candidates will get rejected if they do not follow specific criteria related to chest conditions. Details are given below, which should be known to the candidate if they are going to be medically tested. Check the below points:
- Tuberculosis, or evidence of tuberculosis, lesions of lungs and heart, also if Musculoskeletal lesions of the chest wall are found.
- Abdominal and Genitor-urinary System: Problems like Hernia, Varicocele, Organomegaly, Solitary kidney, Horseshoe kidney & Cysts in the kidney/liver, Undescended testis, stones in the gall-bladder, Renal and Ureteric stones, Lesions/Deformities of urogenital organs, Sinuses, Lymphadenitis/Pathy, and Piles
CDS Eligibility - Nervous System
- Tremors, speech impediments, and imbalance entail rejection.
- Skin Problems: Vitiligo, Warts, Dermatitis, Corns, skin infections, Haemangiomas
- Growths and Hyperhidrosis of the nervous system.
CDS Eligibility - Physical Fitness
Candidates who are going for a medical check-up are advised to keep themselves in good physical condition. A candidate can follow some daily routine which is below-mentioned. Check the suggestions and try to follow to get the final selection, as it will be the last stage:
- Running: Try to complete 2 to 4 km running in 15 minutes
- Pushups & Sit-ups: Minimum 20 each
- Chin-ups: Min. 8
- Rope Climbing: 3 to 4 meters
- Skipping
Check the SSB Interview Preparation Strategy
Overview
CDS Salary 2026: Check out the latest updates on CDS salary for the year 2026. According to the official notification by UPSC, candidates who join the Combined Defence Services (CDS) as Lieutenants can expect a monthly pay ranging from Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500. This salary structure varies based on the officer's rank. The salary gradually increases with increase in ranks. The CDS training period salary for officers in the Army, Navy or similar positions is a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month. Explore the intricate details of CDS salaries including allowances, compensations and perks associated with different posting locations.
Check More details on the CDS Eligibility Criteria.
CDS Salary 2026: Overview
Candidates wanting to learn about CDS salary should know that in 2026, CDS officer salary will be determined by their rank. With each rank, the salary of CDS officers will rise. The salary of CDS officers is structured as follows:
- Training Stipend: The starting salary for CDS officers is the training stipend, which is INR 56,100 per month. This is the same for all categories, including OTA.
- Basic Pay: After the training period, officers are commissioned and receive a basic pay that varies depending on their designation and academy. For example, candidates who join CDS as a Lieutenant get a pay of Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 per month.
- Allowances: In addition to basic pay, CDS officers receive various allowances such as DA, High Altitude Allowance, Uniform Allowance and others. The amount of the salary will vary depending on the designation and academy of the officers.
The CDS salary of officers in 2026 is a competitive package that includes several benefits, making it an attractive career option for many.
| CDS Salary Overview | Name of the exam | CDS exam |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Commonly known as | CDS examination | |
| Conducting authority | Union Public Service Commission | |
| Frequency of exam | Twice a year | |
| CDS training period salary | Rs. 56, 100 | |
| CDS general salary | Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 per month | |
| CDS salary composition | Basic pay + grade Pay + allowance + other benefits | |
| Mode of exam | Offline | |
| Stages of exam | Written Exam SSB Interview (5 days) <br> Check the details of UPSC CDS Previous Year Papers. <br> 📚 Exclusive Top Most Important Questions Asked in Salary and Job Profile Exam in Past Years | |
| Subjects | PDF Link | |
| Most Asked General Knowledge Question in Salary and Job Profile Exam in Past Years - Download PDF | Download Link | |
| Most Asked General Science Question in Salary and Job Profile Exam in Past Years - Download PDF | Download Link | |
| Most Asked Quantitative Aptitude Question in Salary and Job Profile Exam in Past Years - Download PDF | Download Link | |
| Most Asked Logical Reasoning Question in Salary and Job Profile Exam in Past Years - Download PDF | Download Link | |
| Most Asked Logical Reasoning Question in Salary and Job Profile Exam in Past Years - Download PDF | Download Link | |
CDS Pay Scale & Post-Wise Salary
The CDS salary is determined by the CDS pay scale, which decides the range of pay and growth potential depending on factors such as rank, experience, and tasks. This thorough framework describes the payment system used to compensate CDS personnel for their services. It assures fair pay based on job profile and post.
The Post-Wise Salary specifies the exact salary associated with distinct CDS posts. Every job post is compensated differently based on factors such as seniority, skill requirements and the level of responsibility associated with the post. The CDS salary structure is transparent and clear, allowing individuals to understand their earnings in their respective roles.
| CDS Salary 2026 - Posts Wise Salary | Sr. No. |
| --- | --- |
| Ranks | |
| CDS Pay Scale | |
| In-hand Salary (Approximate) | |
| Pay Matrix Level | 1 |
| Lieutenant | |
| Rs. 56,100 - 1,77,500/- | |
| Rs. 68,000/- | |
| Level 10 | 2 |
| Captain | |
| Rs. 61,300 - 1,93,900 | |
| Rs. 75,000/- | |
| Level 10 B | 3 |
| Major | |
| Rs. 69,400 - 2,07,200 | |
| Rs. 1,00,000/- | |
| Level 11 | 4 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | |
| Rs. 1,21,200 - 2,12,400 | |
| Rs. 1,12,000/- | |
| Level 12 A | 5 |
| Colonel | |
| Rs. 1,30,600 - 2,15,900 | |
| Rs. 1,30,000/- | |
| Level 13 | 6 |
| Brigadier | |
| Rs. 1,39,600 - 2,17,600 | |
| Rs. 2,00,000/- | |
| Level 13 A | 7 |
| Major General | |
| Rs. 1,44,200 - 2,18,200 | |
| Rs. 2,50,000 -3,50,000/- | |
| 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 | |
Check More details of the UPSC CDS Syllabus here.
CDS Training Period Salary vs CDS General Salary
The CDS Training Period salary is the stipend received by individuals during their training period, whereas the CDS General Salary is the salary received by individuals once their training is over and they join regular duty with the CDS. Individuals become eligible for the general salary offered to employees based on the CDS pay scale after successfully completing their training and transitioning into active duty. The CDS general salary is often greater than the training period salary and is decided by criteria such as rank, experience and duties related to the specific CDS post.
| Salary Component | CDS Training Period Salary | CDS General Salary |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic Pay | Fixed stipend of INR 56,100 per month | |
| Ranges from INR 56,100 to INR 1,77,500 per month | Pay Level | |
| Level 10 | Varies depending on the rank and pay level of the officer | |
| Allowances | None | |
| Includes grade pay, allowances, and other benefits. Allowances cover various expenses such as housing, medical, and travel | Commission Service | |
| Not counted as commission service | Commission service starts after the training period | |
Check Details on the UPSC CDS Books Here.
CDS Salary 2026 - Perks and Allowances
The candidates serving in the defence forces are entitled to numerous perks and benefits in the form of allowances. Aspirants can have a look at the following allowances.
| CDS Perks & Allowances | Allowance | Eligibility |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Amount | Qualification Grant | |
| Employees governed according to the newly proposed Higher Qualification Incentive (HQI) | Order is yet to be issued by MoD | |
| Flying Allowance | Army Aviators (Pilots) serving in the Army Aviation Corps, i.e., Lieutenant and above rank in level 10 | |
| Rs. 25,000 per month | Dearness Allowance | |
| Same conditions as applicable to civilian personnel | Same rate applies to civilian personnel from time to time | |
| Kit Maintenance Allowance | Combined with the newly proposed dress | |
| Rs. 20,000 per year | Field Area Allowance | |
| Officers posted to Field Areas depending upon rank and area of posting | Lieutenant and above ranks with level 10 and above are eligible for the following allowances: <br> Highly Active Field Area Allowance: Rs. 16,900 per month <br> Field Area Allowance: Rs. 10,500 per month <br> Modified Field Area Allowance: Rs. 6,300 per month | |
| High Altitude Allowance | Officers for Level 10 and above | |
| CAT I - Rs. 3,400 per month <br> CAT II - Rs. 5,300 per month <br> CAT III - Rs. 25,000 per month | Siachen Allowance | |
| Candidates posted to Siachen | Rs. 42,500 per month | |
| Uniform Allowance | Newly proposed dress allowance | |
| Rs. 20,000 per year | Transport Allowance | |
| Varies depending on the city of the officer as per pay level 9 | Higher TPTA cities: Rs. 7200 + DA per month <br> Officers of NDA in Pay Level 14 and above: Rs. 15,750 + DA per month <br> Officers working in level 9 or above: Rs. 3600 + DA per month <br> Physically disabled service personnel: Rs. 2,250/ + Dearness Allowances | |
| Children Education Allowance | Allowance is given only for the two eldest children only from Nursery up to Class 12th | |
| Rs. 2250 per month | House Rent Allowance | |
| To officers not provided Govt. Accommodation | 10-30% of Basic Pay Pay Band + Grade Pay + MSP | |
| Special Forces Allowance | Officers posted in Special Forces | |
| Rs. 1200 / per month | Parachute Pay | |
| Officers Posted in Active Parachute BNs/Regt | Rs. 9000/ per month | |
| Free Ration | Officers serving in field areas & peace | |
| Entitled to free ration | | |
Note: The candidates must note that some of the above-given allowances may not be applicable and can be subject to posting location, rank, etc. Candidates can check the in depth details on about the allowances and perks offered by the government in the Committee of Allowances Report.
Instructions Regarding Travel Allowance
Candidates should check out these important instructions regarding travel allowance in CDS Salary here:
- Higher TPTA Cities (UA) are Patna, Lucknow, Kolkata, Delhi, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad, Surat, Kochi, Bengaluru, Kozhikode, Indore, Nagpur, Pune, Greater Mumbai, Jaipur, Coimbatore, Ghaziabad, Chennai.
- The allowance is admissible for the calendar months wholly covered by leave.
- The TPTA allowance is admissible to those service personnel of CDS who have been provided with the facility of Government transport.
- Officers of CDS in Pay Level 14 and above, who are entitled to use an official car, have the option to avail official car facility or to draw the TPTA of Rs 15,750/ +DA thereon.
Click Here to Know More About CDS Exam Pattern.
CDS Salary - Military Service Pay (MSP)
Military Service Pay (MSP) is a component of the salary of officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Here is what the search results say about MSP in CDS:
- MSP is a fixed amount of INR 15,500 per month for officers in the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier
- MSP is granted only to limited officers, ranking from Lieutenant to Brigadier (Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier)
- The 6th Pay Commission introduced MSP for the Indian Armed Forces
- The 7th Pay Commission recommended an MSP for all ranks up to and inclusive of Brigadiers and their equivalents.
CDS Salary - Additional Benefits
Officers of the armed forces are entitled to certain additional benefits apart from CDS Salary and other allowances, the additional perks are listed below.
| Type of Benefit | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Leave and Leave Travel Concession | |
| Officers in the Navy/ Army/ Air Force can get an annual leave of 60 days per year and a casual leave of 20 days per year. <br> Officers of CDS can encash their Annual Leave up to 10 days in addition to the Leave Travel Concession till 60 days in a career span to cover incidental travel expenses. | |
| Other Privileges | |
| Officers and their family members get other benefits like free medical aid, group insurance scheme, accommodation on concessional rent, canteen facilities, group housing scheme, family assistance scheme, etc. | |
CDS Salary - Formula for Salary Calculation
In 2026, the monthly CDS Officer Salary will range between Rs 56,100 and Rs 2,50,000. The CDS salary is generally divided into three components: basic salary, allowances, and deductions. The basic salary is the fixed portion of the salary that is determined by the CDS officer's rank and position. The grade pay is also included in the basic salary and is determined by the officer's pay level. Allowances are another component of the CDS salary that are paid to officers to cover various expenses such as housing, medical, and travel. Salary deductions include tax deductions and contributions to pension funds. To calculate the CDS salary, use the formula below.
Total Salary = Basic Pay + Grade Pay + Allowance + Other benefits
Check More Details of the CDS Selection Process here.
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
The UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026 outlines the structure of the written examination for different academies under the Combined Defence Services. It helps candidates understand subject-wise marks, duration, and total papers for effective preparation.
| UPSC CDS Exam Pattern Overview 2026 | Exam Mode |
| --- | --- |
| Offline | Total Number of sections |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA)- Three <br> Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)- Two | |
| Language asked in the question paper | |
| Hindi and English | |
| Total Duration of the test | Two hours for each section of the test |
| Total Marks | |
| IMA, INA and AFA- 300 <br> OTA- 200 | |
| Type of questions | |
| Objective type | |
To get the detailed CDS Selection Process, candidates can visit the linked article.
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026 - Written Test
The pattern of examination is not the same for all military academies. The exam conducted for the Officers' Training Academy varies slightly in terms of the number of sections. However, the questions in both papers will be objective type only. The paper will be bilingual. The details are as follows:
Get to know how to crack CDS on the first attempt with detailed strategies and guides to prepare for your examination here.
A. UPSC CDS Exam Pattern For Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy
A total of three sections will be included in the test namely English, GK, and Elementary Mathematics. Each section will carry 100 marks and the duration will be 2 hours.
| Subjects/ Sections | Total Duration | No. of Questions | Max. Marks |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| English | 2 hours | 120 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 hours | 120 | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 | |
| 100 <br> For details on the CDS Previous Year Question Papers, refer to the linked article. <br> B. UPSC CDS Exam Pattern For Officers’ Training Academy <br> The Elementary Mathematics section is not included in this exam. All other aspects like duration and total marks remain the same as discussed above. | Subject | Duration | |
| No. of Questions | Marks | English | 2 hours |
| 120 | 100 | General Knowledge | 2 hours |
| 120 | 100 | | |
To get the detailed UPSC CDS Admit Card, candidates can visit the linked article.
CDS Exam Marking Scheme 2026
- There will be four alternatives provided as an answer to each question. For every wrong answer, 1/3rd of the mark i.e 0.33 times the mark assigned to that question will be deducted.
- If two or more choices have been marked as answers, there will be a deduction of 1/3rd mark the same as mentioned above.
- There will be no penalty in the case of unattempted questions.
| Details about the UPSC CDS Exam | Mathematics | English Exam | General Knowledge | Total marks | 100 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 100 | 100 | Marks for Negative marking | -0.33 marks for each wrong answer | -0.33 marks for each wrong answer | |
| -0.33 marks for each wrong answer | | | | | |
For details on the UPSC CDS Apply Online, refer to the linked article.
CDS Syllabus 2026
Now since the aspirants are aware of the exam pattern and marking scheme, they can have a look at the basic overview of the UPSC CDS Syllabus.
A. English
This section will judge the candidates' understanding of English and workmanlike use of words. The level of English will be such as may be expected of a graduate of an Indian University.
For details on the UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria, refer to the linked article.
B. General Knowledge
The difficulty level of this section will be also according to that expected of a educated person who have not made a special study of scientific subjects.
- Current events
- Matters of everyday observation
- Scientific aspects as expected from a layman
- History of India
- Geography
To get the detailed CDS Syllabus, candidates can visit the linked article.
C. Elementary Mathematics
The standard of the papers in the Elementary Mathematics section will be that of the Matriculation level.
- Athletics
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
Check UPSC CDS online Coaching Here!
CDS Exam Pattern 2026 - SSB Interview
The maximum marks for the Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview will be 300 for IMA, INA & AFA. For OTA, it will be conducted for 200 marks. The candidate's performance will be judged by three officers namely Interviewing Officer (IO), a Psychologist, and Group Testing Officer (GTO). There is no separate weightage for each test. The marks are allotted by assessors only after taking into consideration the performance of the candidate holistically in all the tests. The SSB Interview can be classified into two stages:
A. Stage 1
- OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) Test
- PP & DT ( Picture Perception Description Test)
Check out CDS Salary and Job Profile here.
B. Stage 2
- Interview
- Group Testing Officer Tasks
- Psychology Tests
- Conference
Get details about CDS exam centres here.
The Psychological Test includes:
- Situation Reaction Test
- Self Description Test
- Word Association Test
- Thematic Apperception Test
The various Group Activities includes:
- Group Discussion
- Group Obstacle Race
- Lecturette
- Group Planning Exercise
- Individual Obstacles
- Command Task
- Final Group Task
- Progressive Group Task
- Half Group Task
For details on the UPSC CDS Books refer to the linked article.
CDA Exam 2026: Instructions to Fill the Answer Sheet
Candidates are urged to carefully follow the directions for filling out the OMR sheet, as the answer sheets will be analyzed by a computer, and any deviation from these instructions may result in a score decrease. Candidates must fill in relevant details on the Answer Sheet before marking answers on the sheet. Candidates must confirm that the CDS Answer Sheet is numbered at the bottom after getting it. If it isn't numbered, it must be replaced with one that is. While filling out the CDS answer sheet, keep the following instructions in mind:
- Candidates must make use of a black ball pen to mark their responses/answers.
- The Exam Booklet Series will be denoted in the upper right-hand corner of the Booklet by the letters A, B, C, or D.
- The proper subject code may be found in the exam booklet. After that, using black ink, encrypt the exam booklet series, subject code, and roll number.
- After getting the Test Booklet, write and encode a set of tests. For instance, you must encode the subject code for an English paper from the ‘A' Test Booklet Series.
- After this, Roll No. must be encoded in the following step.
Also check out NDA Online Coaching here.
CSD Exam Analysis
The candidates can have a look at the subject-wise exam analysis of the CDS Exam. This analysis has been carried out by referring to the previous years' question papers. This analysis can help the aspirants get an idea regarding the general trend of questions asked in the CDS exam.
Check the Exam Pattern for OTA in CDS here.
A. Elementary Mathematics
The exam analysis including the weightage in terms of the number of questions asked is as follows:
| Sr. No. | Topic | Level of Difficulty | Number of Questions |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Mensuration | Easy to Moderate | 15 |
| 2 | Algebra | Easy | 8 |
| 3 | SI/ CI | Easy | 5 |
| 4 | Speed and Distance | Easy | 6 |
| 5 | Number System | Easy to Moderate | 18 |
| 6 | Mixture | Easy | - |
| 7 | Percentage | Easy | 2 |
| 8 | Profit/Loss | Easy | 1 |
| 9 | Geometry | Moderate | 20 |
| 10 | Time and Work | Easy | 3 |
| 11 | Trigonometry | Moderate to Difficult | 14 |
| 12 | Mean-Median-Mode | Moderate | 4 |
| 13 | Clock | Easy | |
| 2 <br> To get the detailed UPSC CDS Answer Key, candidates can visit the linked article. <br> B. General Knowledge <br> The aspirants can find the difficulty level of various GK topics asked in the CDS Exam. | Sr. No. | Topic | |
| Difficulty Level | Total Questions | 1 | |
| History | Moderate | 19 | 2 |
| Science | Easy to Moderate | 27 | 3 |
| Polity | Easy | 20 | 4 |
| Ecology | Easy to Moderate | 6 | 5 |
| Military Wings/ Forces | Easy to Moderate | 15 | 6 |
| Economy/Trade | Difficult | 11 | 7 |
| Geography | Moderate | 22 <br> Check out CDS GK Questions for Interview here! <br> C. English <br> The topic-wise difficulty level along with the weightage is as given below in the table. | |
| Sr. No. | Topic | Difficulty Level | |
| Total Questions | 1 | Cloze Test | |
| Easy | 20 | 2 | |
| Reading Comprehension | Easy to Moderate | 22 | 3 |
| Synonyms/ Antonyms | Easy to Moderate | 15 | 4 |
| One Word Substitution | Moderate | 5 | 5 |
| Para-Jumble | Easy to Moderate | 10 | 6 |
| Sentence-Jumble | Moderate | 7 | 7 |
| Error Detection | Easy | 20 | 8 |
| Sentence Improvement | Easy | 20 | |
For details on the UPSC CDS Cut Off, refer to the linked article
Overview
The selection process is released in the Combined Defence Service notification 2025 with two stages. Candidates will proceed further in the UPSC CDS Exam 2025 Recruitment Process by clearing the selection process stages. Candidates will be selected based on a written examination and then be shortlisted for an interview process. It will be conducted to test the intelligence as well as conduct a personality test for the candidates.
- The shortlisted candidates will be chosen based on merit and preference for the respective academies like the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Indian Air Force Academy, etc.
- Each candidate needs to understand what is the selection procedure for the CDS Recruitment 2025.
This article will give you complete information about every step of recruitment such as the number of papers and interview details, and required documents for your better understanding of this recruitment selection process. The CDS Selection Process 2025 has been released with the official release of the CDS 2025 notification.
Stage 1: Written Examination
Exam Pattern for INA, IMA & IAF
The candidates should be aware of the exam weightage in the case of the written examination stage which comprises 3 objective papers for a total of 300 marks(100 marks each).
There will be negative marking of 0.33 marks for every wrong answer. In the case of Maths, you will get +1 for every correct answer and -0.33 for every wrong answer. Let us go through the table to understand better.
| Various Subjects | No. of Questions | Total Marks of each subject | Duration of each paper |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| English | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 2 hours <br> For details on the CDS Eligibility Criteria, refer to the linked article. <br> Exam Pattern for Officer Training Academy (OTA) <br> The written exam stage for the OTA comprises 2 papers for a total of 200 marks. The candidates who clear this exam with the minimum qualifying marks will be further shortlisted for the interview round. There will be a negative marking of 0.33 marks for every wrong answer. Let us look at the table below to understand better. |
| Various Subjects | No. of Questions | Total Marks of each subject | |
| Duration of each paper | English | 120 | 100 |
| 2 hours | General Knowledge | 120 | 100 |
| 2 hours | | | |
To get the detailed CDS Admit Card, candidates can visit the linked article.
Stage 2: SSB Interview/ Personality Test
Only candidates who clear the written examination stage will proceed to the CDS interview round. It will comprise of two stages as given below:
Stage I: Candidates will have to appear for a Picture Perception & Description Test which will test their Intelligence and personality.
Stage II: Stage two consists of 4 days assessment which tests candidates' psychology towards this Job, Physical fitness and confidence to represent the defence system of India.
- Psychological Tests,
- Interview round,
- Group testing office tasks
- A conference round.
CDS Officer Intelligence Rating
The Officer Intelligence Rating test is the first step in the CDS Interview 2025 Stage 2 selection process. The test is divided into two sections: verbal reasoning and nonverbal reasoning. Candidates must answer 55-60 questions from both parts to pass this test.
For details on the UPSC CDS Cut Off, refer to the linked article.
CDS Picture perception and Description test
This section of the Stage 1 CDS Interview is difficult because it tests the candidate's memory retention and comprehension skills. This screening test is fun to take because candidates have only 30 seconds to look at a hazy image and then have to explain it in three minutes. Candidates must concentrate on seven fundamental parameters in this limited time frame:
- Character
- Mood
- Age
- Sex
- Past (what happened in the picture situation just before the click)
- Present (what events currently take place)
- Future (what will happen next in the picture)
CDS Interview Day by Day Schedule
| Dates | UPSC CDS Interview Day by Day Events | Day 1 | Day 1 includes the Reporting, Filling of forms, Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Day 2 | Day 2 includes a Psychological Test which includes the TAT (Thematic Apperception Test), WAT (Word Association Test), SRT (Situation Reaction Test). SD (Self-Description) | Day 3 | |
| The most important leg of the CDS Interview is Group Tasks wherein candidates have to prove their physical as well as mental prowess. Also, Officer Qualities are judged based on these tasks. The tasks allotted to candidates include Group Discussion, Military Planning Exercise, Progressive Group Task, Group Obstacle Race, and Half Group Task | Day 4 | includes Individual Obstacle Task (IOT), Command Task, Final Group Task (FGT), Personal Interview and Individual Lecturette | |
| Day 5 | includes Conference Round and the Document Verification | | |
What after CDS Interview 2025?
After the CDS 2025 interview process is completed, the candidate is verified, which includes document verification. Candidates who pass the interview must bring their original documents, as well as two self-attested copies, to the SSC (Services Selection Center) after the interview. The list of documents that must be carried out at the time of selection is given below.
- Qualification Certificates
- Proof of Identity (Pan Card, Aadhar Card, Voter ID, etc.)
- Passport Size Photographs
- Category Certificate for the Reserved Category Candidates
- Proof of Residence
- Birth Certificate
The last but most crucial step is the medical examination. This step is used to determine whether or not the chosen aspirant is physically capable of serving in the officer cadre. This confirmation is required. You must complete all verification procedures before being considered for final employment.
Note: You have to qualify for the personality tests mentioned above to proceed to the document verification and medical test rounds.
For details on the CDS Previous Year Question Papers, refer to the linked article.
CDS Disqualification Criteria
- Candidates who were admitted to the Air Force Academy, Indian Military Academy, National Defence Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Officers' Training Academy, Chennai, but were removed due to objectionable behaviour will not be considered for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy, Indian Naval Academy, or the Army's Short Service Commission.
- Candidates who have withdrawn from the Indian Military Academy due to a lack of Officer-Like Qualities (OLQ) will not be considered for admission.
- Candidates who were previously chosen as Special Entry Naval Cadets but were subsequently withdrawn from the National Defence Academy or Naval Training Establishments due to a lack of Officer-like qualities will be ineligible for admission to the Indian Navy Academy.
- Candidates who dropped out of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers' Training Academy (OTA), National Cadet Corps (NCC), or Graduate course due to a lack of officer-like qualities would not be considered for a Short Service Commission in the Army.
CDS Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern: Highlights
The CDS (Combined Defence Services) syllabus is for a UPSC exam in India for officer positions in the military. It covers English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics to test candidates' skills and knowledge. The comprehensive CDS exam syllabus PDF can be found in this article and downloaded for future reference.
OTA vs IMA Pattern
One of the most consequential aspects of the CDS 2026 exam overview is the difference in paper structure between the two application categories. The following table presents this distinction clearly:
| Parameter | IMA / INA / AFA | OTA (Officers' Training Academy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Number of Papers | 3 | 2 |
| Subjects | English, GK, Elementary Maths | |
| English, GK | Total Marks (Written) | 300 |
| 200 | Duration per Paper | 2 Hours |
| 2 Hours | Negative Marking | |
| Yes (1/3 mark) | Yes (1/3 mark) | |
| Total Duration | 6 Hours | 4 Hours |
Check out CDS Salary here.
UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026 Overview
The CDS syllabus is divided into three subjects: General Knowledge, English, and Elementary Mathematics (not required for OTA). UPSC conducts the CDS exam twice a year, providing students with the opportunity to take the exam more frequently. To crack the UPSC CDS 2026 exam, it is crucial to know the syllabus, which is the basis for the exam questions. The detailed syllabus, along with a CDS Syllabus PDF version, is provided below for the candidate's benefit.
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CDS General Knowledge Syllabus
The General Knowledge paper is widely regarded as the most expansive component of the CDS Syllabus 2026, covering a broad thematic range that spans history, geography, polity, science, and current affairs. It demands both long term conceptual preparation and short term current awareness maintenance.
Static GK
Static general knowledge (GK that does not change over time) forms the foundational layer of this paper:
Indian History:
- Ancient India: Vedic Age, Mauryan and Gupta Empires, major dynasties
- Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Bhakti and Sufi movements
- Modern India: British colonialism, Indian independence movement, key personalities
Indian and World Geography:
- Physical features: Mountain ranges, rivers, plateaus, coastal regions
- Climate patterns and monsoon systems
- Geopolitical boundaries and international organisations
- World geography: Continents, oceans, important straits and passes
Indian Polity and Constitution:
- Constitutional framework: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles
- Parliament, Executive, Judiciary structure and functions
- Constitutional Amendments of significance
- Defence related constitutional provisions
Indian Economy:
- National income concepts: GDP, GNP, NNP (Gross/Net National Product)
- Five Year Plans and NITI Aayog
- Monetary and fiscal policy basics
- Major economic indices and institutions
Current Affairs Last 12 Months
Current affairs coverage in the CDS GK paper focuses on the most recent 12 months preceding the examination, with particular emphasis on:
- National and international political developments
- Defence acquisitions, exercises, and strategic agreements
- Science and technology milestones in India
- Sports championships and major awards
- Government schemes and social sector policies
General Science NCERT Based Approach
The General Science component follows the NCERT Class VIII–X framework and covers:
- Physics: Laws of motion, work and energy, light, sound, electricity
- Chemistry: Elements and compounds, acids bases salts, metals and non metals, carbon compounds
- Biology: Cell biology, human physiology, nutrition, reproduction, ecology and environment
- Science in Defence: Basic principles of radar, missiles, satellite technology, and nuclear energy
Check out CDS Apply Online Process to know all details regarding the application process
CDS English Syllabus
The English section of the CDS Exam Syllabus tests candidates' understanding of basic English, including vocabulary, basic grammar, error detection, and idioms & phrases. The syllabus for the CDS English paper is divided into three sections: Vocabulary, Reading Passage, and Grammar.
| CDS English Syllabus Topics | Section | Topics |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Description | Vocabulary | Basic Grammar , Idioms & Phrases , Synonyms & Antonyms , Sentence Completion, etc. |
| This section tests the candidate's knowledge of English vocabulary. | Reading Passage | |
| Reading Comprehension Solving , Para Jumbles , Understanding the main idea and supporting details, Answering questions based on the passage, etc. | This section tests the candidate's ability to understand and interpret written English. | |
| Grammar | Error Spotting , Sentence Improvement, Cloze test, Active and passive voice, Direct and indirect speech, Transformation of sentences, etc. | This section tests the candidate's knowledge of English grammar. |
Check out the CDS previous year papers to boost your preparation.
CDS Maths Syllabus
The CDS Maths Syllabus is vast and further divided into sections like Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Static. The CDS Maths Syllabus section is included in the written exam for INA and IMA, whereas candidates appearing for OTA need not prepare for this section. Check the details of all the sections given below.
| CDS Maths Syllabus Topics | Section | Topic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Arithmetic | - Number System: Natural numbers, Rational & Real numbers, Integers <br> - Fundamental operation: Subtraction, multiplication, addition, division, Square roots, Decimal fractions <br> - Time and work <br> - Percentage <br> - Time and distance <br> - Simple & Compound interest <br> - Ratio and proportion <br> - Profit and loss <br> - Elementary Number Theory: Division algorithm <br> - Prime and composite numbers: Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11. <br> - Multiples and factors <br> - Factorisation Theorem <br> - L.C.M. and H.C.F. <br> - Euclidean algorithm <br> - Logarithms to base 10, use of logarithmic tables <br> - Laws of logarithms | |
| Algebra | - Basic Operations <br> - Simple factors <br> - H.C.F. and L.C.M. <br> - Remainder Theorem <br> - Theory of polynomials <br> - Solutions of quadratic equations, the relation between its roots & coefficients (Only real roots to be considered) <br> - Linear inequalities in two variables and their solutions <br> - Linear equations in two unknownsanalytical & graphical solutions <br> - Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequalities in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable & their solutions <br> - Rational expressions and conditional identities <br> - Set language & set notation <br> - Laws of indices. | |
| Trigonometry | - Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90° Values of sin ×, cos × and tan ×, for × = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° <br> - Simple trigonometric identities. <br> - Use of trigonometric tables. <br> - Simple cases of heights and distances. | |
| Geometry | - Plane & plane figures, Lines & angles <br> - Theorems on <br> - Properties of angles at a point <br> - Parallel lines <br> - Sides & angles of a triangle <br> - Congruency of triangles <br> - Similar triangles <br> - Concurrence of medians and altitudes <br> - Properties of angles, sides and diagonals of a parallelogram, square and rectangle <br> - Circles and their properties including tangents and normals <br> - Loci | |
| Mensuration | - Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangles and circles. <br> - Surface area and volume of cuboids, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book), surface area and volume of spheres | |
| Statistics | - Collection and tabulation of statistical data <br> - Graphical representation frequency: Polygons, Histograms, Bar charts, Pie charts <br> - Measures of central tendency | |
UPSC CDS Syllabus for Intelligence and Personality Test
The SSB selection process consists of two stages stage I and stage II. Candidates who clear stage I can appear for stage II.
Candidates' personalities are assessed by three assessors: Interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO), and Psychologist. There is no separate weightage for each test, and marks are given based on overall performance in all tests, including Conference. IO, GTO, and Psych tests are designed to identify Officer Like Qualities and trainability. Candidates' recommendations are based on their SSB performance.
| CDS Syllabus for SSB Selection | Stage | Test |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stage 1 | - Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) <br> - Picture Prescription and Descriptive Test | |
| Stage 2 | - Interview <br> - Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks <br> - Psychology Test <br> - Conference | |
| Stage 3 | Group Discussion | |
CDS Exam Pattern 2026
The CDS Exam pattern consists of a written examination and an interview process. The written test includes papers on English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, each varying in duration and marks. The interview assesses candidates' personalities, leadership qualities, and suitability for commissioning into the Indian Armed Forces.
Exam Pattern for IMA, INA, AFA
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| --- | --- | --- |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
Exam Pattern for OTA
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| --- | --- | --- |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
Check the UPSC CDS Exam Pattern here in detail to know the marking scheme , type of questions and sectional weightage in detail.
Hope this article on the CDS syllabus 2026 was informative for you. If you have any queries regarding any topic or syllabus, leave a comment below. Further, you can also download the Testbook App for comprehensive courses, PDF study notes, and new test series for your exam preparation.
