CDS Selection Process 2026: Complete Stages, SSB Interview, Medical Test & Final Merit List

Age Details

• Not specified in the posted content. Please refer to the official UPSC CDS notification for the exact age limits applicable to each academy.

Eligibility Details

CDS IMA, INA, and AFA

• Written Examination with four sections: English, General Knowledge, Mathematics (each 2 hours), followed by a five-day SSB Interview.
• For IMA, INA, and AFA, the English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics sections carry a maximum of 100 marks each. The SSB Interview carries 300 marks.

OTA (Officers’ Training Academy)

• Written Examination includes English, General Knowledge, and a 2-hour duration per section, with the SSB Interview carrying 300 marks.

Note: Shortlisting for SSB is based on written exam performance and preferences, as determined by UPSC.

Important Dates

• Updated: May 22, 2026 4:24 PM
• CDS 1 2026 Notification: 10 December 2025
• CDS 1 2026 Exam Date: 12 April 2026
• Publication of final merit lists and other dates will be announced by UPSC in due course.

Application Fees

• The post does not provide fee details. Please consult the official notification for current application fees by category.

Additional Instructions

• This post consolidates essential information on the CDS selection process, including the three-stage recruitment procedure and the final merit list. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, always refer to the official UPSC CDS notification and UPSC’s website. Social media and non-official sources have been excluded from this posting.