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UPSC CDS 2027
UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination · यूपीएससी संयुक्त रक्षा सेवा परीक्षा
What is UPSC CDS?
UPSC CDS selects graduates for officer training at the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers' Training Academy, through a written exam and an SSB interview. It is held twice a year.
IMA, INA and AFA candidates take three papers (English, GK, Elementary Mathematics). OTA candidates take only English and GK.
- Conducting body
- UPSC
- Qualification
- IMA and OTA: any graduate
- Age limit
- Varies by post
- Exam stages
- 3 stages: Written exam (IMA / INA / AFA), Written exam (OTA), SSB interview
- 2027 vacancies
- Vacancies to be notified
- Negative marking
- One-third of the marks of that question
UPSC CDS (I) 2027: important dates
UpcomingFull 2027 details →
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification | 2 Dec 2026 (tentative) |
| Last date to apply | 22 Dec 2026 (tentative) |
| Written exam | 11 Apr 2027 (tentative) |
Latest UPSC CDS updates
No UPSC CDS updates have been published yet. We check the official website twice a day.
How to apply for UPSC CDS
- 1Create or update your One Time Registration (OTR) profile on upsconline.gov.in
- 2Fill the online application for CDS on upsconline.gov.in while the notification is open
- 3Upload photograph, signature and photo ID details, and choose your exam centre
- 4Pay the fee online (or in cash at an SBI branch where permitted) unless exempt
- 5Submit and download the completed application
Apply on upsconline.gov.in ↗Official portal. JobJha never collects applications or fees.
UPSC CDS eligibility
- Educational qualification
- IMA and OTA: any graduate. INA: engineering degree. AFA: graduate with Physics and Mathematics at Class 12, or an engineering degree.
- Age limit
- Varies by post
- Nationality
- Citizen of India, or other categories as specified in the notification.
Application fee
| Category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (male) | ₹200 |
| Women, SC and ST | Exempted (no fee) |
UPSC CDS exam pattern
| Stage | Mode | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam (IMA / INA / AFA) | Objective, OMR | — | 300 | 360 min |
| Written exam (OTA) | Objective, OMR | — | 200 | 240 min |
| SSB interview | Intelligence and personality test | — | 300 | — |
UPSC CDS syllabus
Written exam
English
Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension
Written exam
General Knowledge
Current events, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, General science
Written exam
Elementary Mathematics
Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics
Selection process
- 1Written examination
- 2SSB interview
- 3Medical examination
- 4Merit list by academy
How to prepare for UPSC CDS
Practice for UPSC CDS
Reading the syllabus is step one. Timed practice under the real UPSC CDS pattern is what moves your score. Our partner platform EduJha offers practice with instant scoring and explanations.
UPSC CDS: frequently asked questions
What is the educational qualification for UPSC CDS?
To apply for UPSC CDS: IMA and OTA: any graduate. INA: engineering degree. AFA: graduate with Physics and Mathematics at Class 12, or an engineering degree.
What is the selection process of UPSC CDS?
The UPSC CDS selection process is: Written examination → SSB interview → Medical examination → Merit list by academy.
Is there negative marking in UPSC CDS?
Yes. Written exam (IMA / INA / AFA): One-third of the marks of that question; Written exam (OTA): One-third of the marks of that question.
How to apply for UPSC CDS?
Apply online on the official portal (https://upsconline.gov.in): 1) Create or update your One Time Registration (OTR) profile on upsconline.gov.in; 2) Fill the online application for CDS on upsconline.gov.in while the notification is open; 3) Upload photograph, signature and photo ID details, and choose your exam centre; 4) Pay the fee online (or in cash at an SBI branch where permitted) unless exempt; 5) Submit and download the completed application.