Home

UPSC CDS I

UPSC • Official Lifecycle & AI Intelligence Hub

Recruitment Lifecycle & Timeline

AI FORECAST
27

UPSC CDS I (2027)

Active
NotificationAI Forecast
10 Dec 2026
Application StartAI Forecast
10 Dec 2026
Application EndAI Forecast
30 Dec 2026
Written ExamAI Forecast
11 Apr 2027
Written ResultAI Forecast
25 May 2027
SSB InterviewAI Forecast
20 Jun 2027
Final Merit ListAI Forecast
30 Sept 2027
Final Appointment / JoiningAI Forecast
1 Jan 2028
26

UPSC CDS I (2026)

Active
Notification
10 Dec 2025
Application Start
10 Dec 2025
Application End
30 Dec 2025
Written Exam
12 Apr 2026
Written Result
25 May 2026
SSB Interview
20 Jun 2026
Final Merit ListAI Forecast
30 Sept 2026
Final Appointment / JoiningAI Forecast
1 Jan 2027
25

UPSC CDS I (2025)

Completed
Notification
1 Dec 2024
Application Start
1 Dec 2024
Application End
30 Dec 2024
Written Exam
1 Feb 2025
24

UPSC CDS I (2024)

Completed
Notification
1 Dec 2023
Application Start
1 Dec 2023
Application End
30 Dec 2023
Written Exam
1 Feb 2024
23

UPSC CDS I (2023)

Completed
Notification
1 Dec 2022
Application Start
1 Dec 2022
Application End
30 Dec 2022
Written Exam
1 Feb 2023
22

UPSC CDS I (2022)

Completed
Notification
1 Dec 2021
Application Start
1 Dec 2021
Application End
30 Dec 2021
Written Exam
1 Feb 2022
21

UPSC CDS I (2021)

Completed
Notification
1 Dec 2020
Application Start
1 Dec 2020
Application End
30 Dec 2020
Written Exam
1 Feb 2021
20

UPSC CDS I (2020)

Completed
Notification
1 Dec 2019
Application Start
1 Dec 2019
Application End
30 Dec 2019
Written Exam
1 Feb 2020
19

UPSC CDS I (2019)

Completed
Notification
1 Dec 2018
Application Start
1 Dec 2018
Application End
30 Dec 2018
Written Exam
1 Feb 2019
AI Overview • Direct Answer Summary
Verified via Official Gazette & Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services Examination) is a national competitive recruitment examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates appointed receive an estimated in-hand monthly salary of as per 7th CPC standards, with general eligibility requiring ages between 18 to 30/32 years.

Conducting BodyUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Monthly In-Hand7th CPC
Age Limit18-32 Yrs
Official Sourceupsc.gov.in

About UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services Examination)

UPSC CDS recruits graduates for IMA, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and OTA as commissioned officers.

Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)Official Portal: https://upsc.gov.in

💡 Why Prepare for UPSC CDS?

  • ✓Commissioned officer rank in Armed Forces
  • ✓Respect, adventure and leadership opportunities
  • ✓Attractive pay and post-retirement benefits

📋 UPSC CDS Exam Pattern & Selection Stages

StageModeSubjects / ModulesDurationTotal MarksNegative MarkingDifficulty
Written ExamPen & Paper (Objective (MCQ))English, GK, Elementary Mathematics2 Hours each3000.33/0.83 per wrong answerModerate
SSB InterviewInterview & Tests (Psychological & Physical)GTO tasks, Psychology tests, Interview5 Days300Not applicableDifficult

🎯 Who Should Apply / Target Audience

Graduates aiming for Armed Forces officer roles

Aspirants for IMA, Navy, Air Force, OTA

Candidates seeking short/permanent commission

🚀 How to Start Preparing for UPSC CDS

  1. 1Verify eligibility, age limits and qualification for UPSC CDS
  2. 2Review the latest exam pattern and detailed syllabus
  3. 3Collect standard books and solve previous 5-year papers
  4. 4Take section-wise and full-length mock tests regularly
  5. 5Analyze mock test scorecards and revise weak topics

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (UPSC CDS)

Q: Who conducts UPSC CDS?

A: UPSC CDS is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.

Q: Is UPSC CDS conducted every year?

A: Yes, UPSC CDS is generally held annually as per the official recruitment calendar.

Q: Is there negative marking in UPSC CDS?

A: Most objective stages carry negative marking; check the official notification for exact deduction.