Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2026
Conducting body: UPSC · Official source: upsc.gov.in
Entry to Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Posts Offered
- IMA (Army)
- INA (Navy)
- AFA (Air Force)
- OTA (Short Service Commission)
Eligibility
- Age limit
- 19 to 25 years
- Education
- Graduation (IMA/OTA), Engineering (INA), Physics+Math in graduation (AFA)
Combined Defence Services (CDS) Key Dates
- Exam: 24 May 2026 — UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026
- Application: 22 Sept 2026 — UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Prelims 2027 — application closes
- Application: 06 Oct 2026 — UPSC Engineering Services Prelims 2027 — application closes
- Notification: 25 Nov 2026 — UPSC CISF AC (Executive) LDCE 2027 — notification
- Notification: 02 Dec 2026 — UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2027 — notification
- Notification: 02 Dec 2026 — UPSC CDS (I) 2027 — notification
- Application: 15 Dec 2026 — UPSC CISF AC (Executive) LDCE 2027 — application closes
- Application: 22 Dec 2026 — UPSC NDA & NA (I) and CDS (I) 2027 — applications close
Practise for Combined Defence Services (CDS) in Battle Arena
Real-time quiz battles against other candidates, with XP, streaks and a leaderboard. Battle Arena is free practice that complements your Combined Defence Services (CDS) preparation — it does not replace syllabus study, mock tests or previous-year papers.
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Other Upsc Exams
- UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) — UPSC · age 21–32
- National Defence Academy (NDA) — UPSC · age 16.5–19.5
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) — UPSC · age 20–25
- Indian Engineering Services (IES/ESE) — UPSC · age 21–30
- Indian Forest Service (IFS) — UPSC · age 21–32
- UPSC EPFO (Enforcement/Accounts Officer) — UPSC · age 21–30
- Combined Medical Services (CMS) — UPSC · age 21–32
- Combined Geo-Scientist Examination — UPSC · age 21–32
- Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) — UPSC · age 16.5–19.5
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who conducts Combined Defence Services (CDS)?
- Combined Defence Services (CDS) is conducted by UPSC. The official portal is upsc.gov.in.
- What is the age limit for Combined Defence Services (CDS)?
- Candidates must generally be between 19 and 25 years. Reserved categories receive the relaxation published in the current notification.
- What qualification is required for Combined Defence Services (CDS)?
- Graduation (IMA/OTA), Engineering (INA), Physics+Math in graduation (AFA)
- How do I apply for Combined Defence Services (CDS)?
- Applications are submitted only on the official UPSC portal (upsc.gov.in). This site links to the notification and tracks the vacancy, but never collects applications or fees.
Always verify notifications, dates, fees and eligibility on the official UPSC website before applying.