UPSC CDS I Exam Syllabus 2026 – Subject Wise Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Vacancy 394 Posts
Description
Check UPSC CDS I Syllabus 2026, exam pattern, subjects, eligibility, vacancy details and preparation tips for CDS exam.
UPSC CDS I Syllabus 2026 – Overview
- The UPSC CDS I Exam 2026 is an important defence recruitment exam for candidates who want to join Indian Armed Forces. The exam will be conducted on 12 April 2026, and candidates should clearly understand the syllabus before starting preparation.
- The selection is done for Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. The written exam mainly includes English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics subjects.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date : 10 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply : 30 December 2025
- Last Date for Fee Payment : 30 December 2025
- Exam Date : 12 April 2026
- Admit Card Available : 02 April 2026
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS : ₹100
- SC / ST : ₹0
- Female Candidates : ₹0
- Payment Mode : Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / E-Challan
Age Limit
- IMA & INA : 19 to 24 Years
- Air Force Academy : 20 to 24 Years
- OTA : 19 to 25 Years
- Age relaxation is applicable as per rules.
Vacancy Details (Total 394 Posts)
Post Name — Total Posts — Eligibility
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) — 100 — Bachelor Degree in any stream
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) — 26 — Engineering Degree
- Air Force Academy (AFA) — 32 — Degree with Physics & Math OR Engineering
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) — 236 — Bachelor Degree in any stream
UPSC CDS I Exam Pattern 2026
For IMA, INA & AFA
- English — 100 Marks
- General Knowledge — 100 Marks
- Mathematics — 100 Marks
For OTA
- English — 100 Marks
- General Knowledge — 100 Marks
UPSC CDS I Syllabus 2026 (Subject Wise)
English Syllabus
The English section checks your grammar, vocabulary, and understanding ability. It is important to practice regularly.
Main topics include reading comprehension, sentence correction, synonyms, antonyms, error detection, and fill in the blanks.
General Knowledge Syllabus
This section tests awareness of current events and basic knowledge of different subjects.
Important topics include current affairs, Indian history, geography, polity, economics, and general science.
Mathematics Syllabus
Mathematics is important for IMA, INA, and Air Force candidates.
Topics include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and number system.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have completed graduation from a recognized university. Some posts require technical qualifications like engineering or science background. Final year students can also apply.
Preparation Tips for CDS 2026
Start preparation with a clear understanding of the syllabus. Focus on strengthening basic concepts. Practice previous year papers and take mock tests regularly. Reading newspapers daily helps improve general knowledge.
Why CDS Exam is Important
This exam provides a great opportunity to join the Indian Armed Forces as an officer. It offers a respected career, job security, and a chance to serve the nation.
Used Naturally
sarkari job, sarkari naukri, UPSC CDS syllabus 2026, government jobs 2026, defence jobs 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What subjects are included in CDS I Exam 2026?
The exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.
Q2. Is Mathematics required for all candidates?
No, OTA candidates do not need to appear for Mathematics.
Q3. What is the exam date for CDS 2026?
The exam will be held on 12 April 2026.
Q4. What is the qualification required?
Candidates must have a graduation degree from a recognized university.
Q5. How to prepare for CDS exam?
Focus on basics, practice regularly, and stay updated with current affairs.