Combined Defence Services Examination for entry into Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy & OTA.
Notification – Dec 2025 (Expected)
CDS 1 Exam – Feb 2026
SSB Interview – April 2026 onwards
Key highlights of CDS across India
Conducting Body
Union Public Service Commission
Exam Duration
IMA/INA/AFA (3 papers), OTA (2 papers)
Mode
Pen & Paper (OMR)
Total Marks
IMA/INA/AFA: 300 | OTA: 200
Academies
Army, Navy, Air Force, OTA
Stay updated with all key events of CDS 2026
UPSC releases CDS 1 official notification
UpcomingOnline application begins on UPSC website
Live SoonSubmit CDS application form before deadline
DeadlineWritten exam conducted across India
Important5-day SSB interview process for shortlisted candidates
SelectionFinal selection based on written + SSB performance
Result*Dates are tentative and may change as per official UPSC notification.
Basic requirements to appear for CDS across India
Graduation is required depending on academy
Age varies by academy (strict criteria)
Candidates must meet defence fitness standards
Understand the structure of CDS 2026 written exam
Complete section-wise syllabus for CDS 2026
Expected CDS cut-off marks & final selection process
| Stage | Expected Marks | Competition Level |
|---|
*Cut-offs vary every year based on difficulty level, vacancies, and competition.
Join India's premier defence training academies after clearing NDA/CDS
📍 Pune, Maharashtra
World’s first tri-service academy training cadets for Army, Navy & Air Force together
📍 Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Final training academy for Army officers after NDA/CDS
📍 Ezhimala, Kerala
Trains future officers of the Indian Navy
📍 Hyderabad, Telangana
Premier academy for training Indian Air Force officers
📍 Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Trains officers for Short Service Commission (OTA entry)
🪖 One Exam → Army, Navy & Air Force Careers
NDA & CDS open pathways to become officers in India’s Armed Forces with world-class training.
Smart approach to crack NDA 2026 written exam & SSB interview
Learn what not to do for NDA success
❌ Avoiding Maths practice due to fear or weak basics.
✔ Maths is 300 marks. Practice daily and clear basics from NCERT.
❌ Studying theory without attempting full-length tests.
✔ Take weekly NDA mock tests and analyze mistakes.
❌ Focusing only on Maths and ignoring GAT.
✔ GAT carries 600 marks — prepare GK, Science, and English daily.
❌ Attempting all questions without accuracy.
✔ Avoid blind guessing. Maintain accuracy to maximize score.
❌ Preparing only for written exam and ignoring SSB.
✔ Start SSB prep early — communication, confidence & personality matter.
❌ Not focusing on fitness required for defence selection.
✔ Maintain daily exercise routine — running, stamina, strength.
🚨 Smart Preparation = NDA Selection 🪖
Maths + GAT + SSB + Fitness together decide your final selection in NDA.
Be fully prepared for NDA 2026 exam day
❌ No mobile phone, calculator, or electronic devices allowed
💡 NDA exam is conducted nationwide on the same day
✔ Fill OMR sheet carefully — no correction allowed
⚠ Stay Calm, Manage Time & Stay Accurate
NDA requires speed + accuracy + focus — manage time wisely across both papers.
5-Day selection process to become an officer in Indian Armed Forces
OIR Test + PPDT (Picture Perception & Discussion Test)
TAT, WAT, SRT & SD (Personality assessment)
Group Discussion, Group Planning, Outdoor tasks
Personal Interview with IO (Interviewing Officer)
Final decision by board + result declaration
🎯 SSB = Personality + Confidence + Leadership
SSB is not about knowledge — it tests your personality and officer potential.
Step-by-step journey after clearing NDA/CDS exam
Selection in NDA/CDS is based on written exam performance, SSB interview, medical fitness, and final merit list. There is no centralized counselling like other exams.
Clear NDA/CDS written exam
5-day personality & leadership test
Physical & medical fitness check
Based on Written + SSB marks
Join NDA/IMA/INA/AFA/OTA
💡 Academy allotted based on merit, preference & service
✔ Overall performance matters — not just written score
Best materials to crack NDA/CDS written exam & SSB interview
Solve NDA/CDS PYQs to understand pattern & difficulty
Full-length tests with analysis to improve speed & accuracy
Class 11–12 Maths, Physics & Chemistry (most important)
Daily news, defence updates & GK for GAT & SSB
📥 Smart Preparation = NDA/CDS Selection 🪖
PYQs + Mock Tests + NCERT + Current Affairs = Strong Written + SSB Performance 🚀
Access official UPSC portals for notification, application & updates
✅ Always Use Official UPSC Sources
Avoid fake websites. Use only UPSC portals for application, admit card, and results.
Get expert guidance for NDA written exam, SSB interview & final selection — all in one place.
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