The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a significant entry point of candidates who want to be integrated into the Indian Armed Forces. Since the CDS 2026 notification will occur shortly, the aspirants should know the most recent changes in terms of the exam, such as eligibility, selection, and the key dates. The most important thing to do when preparing a well-organized strategy is to keep up with the latest information.

Must Read: CDS Exam: What to Focus on in the Final 30 Days?

Buy Now: cds previous year question paper

CDS 2026 Notification

The CDS notification is issued by the UPSC twice a year. The notification includes the essential details that include the number of vacancies, eligibility, and application procedure, and exam centers. In the case of CDS 2026, it is recommended that the candidates keep visiting the official UPSC site to ensure that they do not miss the application dates.

What is included in the CDS Syllabus?

The first step to successful preparation is to understand the CDS syllabus. The exam is broken into various papers, which will vary according to the academy you are applying to. In the case of IMA, INA, and AFA, the written test is made of English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. In the case of OTA, English and General Knowledge are the only two languages that are tested.

Applicants must concentrate on the exam pattern and topics that are covered in each subject. A clear vision of the CDS syllabus can be used in time management and to cover all the important subjects.

When is the CDS 2026 exam?

CDS 2026 exam dates are tentatively set to be in June 2026 and in November 2026 in the first and second sessions, respectively. The official schedule and the notification will be released by UPSC.

What are the eligibility criteria of CDS 2026?

The candidates should be citizens of India, unmarried, and should satisfy the age requirements of the respective academies. The academic requirements are also different according to the academy, with IMA and OTA graduation required and AFA 10+2 with physics and mathematics.

What should I begin to do to prepare for the CDS exam?

The CDS syllabus has to be well understood. Applicants are advised to emphasize on the main subjects, practice the past year question papers, and ensure that they perfect their time management skills when taking the written exam.

Are You a Teacher? Apply for FREE CDS Specimen Books For Teachers from our end.

Does the CDS 2026 exam pattern change?

At this point, the CDS 2026 trend is not different than in the past years. The candidates are advised to check official updates to determine whether there are any changes.

Finally, it is essential to remain updated on the CDS 2026 notification, exam dates, and syllabus as a prospective aspirant. Early planning and a systematic approach to the preparation and tracking of official updates will go a long way in enhancing the probability of success in this esteemed examination.