CDS Result 2026 – Combined Defence Services Written Score Card

Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) • Official Website: upsc.gov.in • Last Updated: 2026-04-20

About Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2026

CDS (Combined Defence Services) 2026 is conducted twice a year by UPSC for graduate candidates seeking officer-level entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). CDS I 2026 was held in February 2026 and CDS II 2026 will be held in September 2026. CDS is the primary graduate entry route for defence officer positions.

CDS written exam consists of English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks), and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks). OTA candidates are tested only on English and GK (no Math). There is negative marking of 1/3rd. Written result is released on upsc.gov.in as a list of qualified roll numbers. Qualified candidates appear for SSB Interview (5 days) at respective SSBs for their chosen service.

Key Exam Details

Academies	IMA (Dehradun), INA (Ezhimala), AFA (Hyderabad), OTA (Chennai)
Pay Scale	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500/month (Lieutenant to Colonel range)
Eligibility	Graduation (stream varies by academy), Age 19-24 years
Application Fee	₹200 (General/OBC); Nil for SC/ST/Women
Training Duration	18 months – 3 years (academy specific)

Important Dates – 2026

Event	Date / Status
CDS I 2026 Written Exam	February 2, 2026
CDS I Written Result	April 2026 (Expected)
CDS I SSB Interview	May-Sept 2026
CDS II 2026 Written Exam	September 7, 2026
CDS I Final Merit List	Dec 2026 (Expected)

How to Check Result – Step by Step

Visit upsc.gov.in after result declaration
Go to "Written Results" under Examinations
Find "Combined Defence Services Examination 2026 Written Result"
Download the PDF list of qualifying candidates
Search Roll Number using Ctrl+F
Await SSB interview call letter from respective service HQ

Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2026 – 2026 Updates

Check Result Online →

Official website: upsc.gov.in

What to Do Next – After Result

After qualifying CDS written exam, prepare for SSB Interview focusing on OLQ development, GD practice, psychological test preparation (TAT/WAT/SRT/SDT), and map reading/current affairs for technical questions. Medical examination after SSB is also very strict — ensure physical fitness meets service-specific standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between CDS and NDA?

NDA is for 12th pass candidates (age 16.5-19.5 years); it leads to a 4-year course at National Defence Academy. CDS is for graduates (age 19-24 years); it leads to 18-month training at IMA, INA, AFA, or 11-month training at OTA. CDS gives direct officer rank after graduation.

2. What is the CDS 2026 cut-off?

Expected CDS I 2026 written cut-off for IMA (General) is 100-115 marks (out of 300). For OTA: 85-95 marks (out of 200 for English+GK). Cut-off varies by service and year. Official cut-off is released after SSB completion.

3. Can I appear for CDS without Engineering degree?

Yes, Arts, Commerce, and Science graduates can apply for IMA, INA (specific streams), and OTA. Engineering graduates can apply for all academies. AFA requires Physics and Mathematics in 12th standard and degree in Engineering/Physics/Math for pilot training.

4. How many SSB centers are there for CDS interview?

There are 8 SSBs (Services Selection Boards) across India: Allahabad, Bhopal, Bangalore, Kapurthala, Mysore, Bhopal, Varanasi, and Lansdowne. Each SSB serves specific services — Army SSBs, Navy SSBs (Bangalore/Bhopal), and Air Force (Mysore/Varanasi).

5. What is the joining procedure after CDS final merit list?

After the final CDS merit list, candidates receive a call letter to report to the respective training academy. For IMA: report to Chetwode Building, Dehradun. A pre-joining medical examination is conducted at military hospitals. The joining involves surrendering civilian clothes and beginning the military training life.

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