Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
UPSC CDS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) written exam syllabus — English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics — plus SSB interview overview.
Quick overview
- Board / org
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Important dates
One timeline — no hunting through tables.
As per latest official notice
Syllabus / pattern
Who can apply
Confirm full criteria in the official notification.
Other eligibility
- ✓Degree from a recognised university (academy-wise — see CDS notice).
- ✓Age, marital status and nationality conditions as in the UPSC CDS notification.
Selection process
Clear one stage to move to the next.
01
Written exam
Objective papers as per academy (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA).
02
SSB interview
Two-stage Services Selection Board testing.
03
Medical
Service medical standards as applicable.
How to use this syllabus
Plan from the official PDF — this page is a clearer summary.
- 1Open the official notification / syllabus PDF from the commission website.
- 2Note which subjects appear in Prelims / Mains (or Paper I / Paper II).
- 3Make a topic checklist and revise weak areas first.
- 4Practise previous-year papers and mock tests in the official pattern.
- 5Re-check the latest notice for any syllabus change before the exam.
Official link: Open on official website
Preparation tips
Generic guidance — adjust to your exam pattern.
- ✓Treat the official PDF as the only syllabus source of truth
- ✓Note sectional cutoffs if the board publishes them
- ✓Balance speed and accuracy if there is negative marking
- ✓Keep current affairs / general awareness updated for Tier-I style papers
FAQs
Quick answers visitors usually look for.
Is UPSC CDS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 final?
Syllabus can be revised in a new notification. Always verify the latest PDF on the official website.
Where should I download the official syllabus?
Use only the official commission / board links listed on this page.
Notes
UPSC CDS is conducted twice a year for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA courses. **Written examination** typically includes: - English - General Knowledge - Elementary Mathematics (not for OTA — check notice for paper set) Qualified candidates appear for **SSB Interview** (Intelligence & Personality Test) and medical examination.
Related updates
Same exam family or next stage.