Combined Defence Services 2027
UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) · Offline (OMR) · Twice a year
Key Dates
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CDS 2027 — Quick Answer
Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2027 is conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) in offline (omr) mode. The next CDS exam is scheduled for 13 Sep 2026 (CDS 2), Apr 2027 (CDS 1, expected), with registration 20 May - 11 Jun 2026 (CDS 2, closed), Dec 2026 (CDS 1, expected). The paper has 300 questions for 300 marks in 360 minutes (English, General Knowledge, Mathematics), with +1 for correct, -0.33 for incorrect. HenceProve offers free CDS mock tests, previous year papers, syllabus and cutoff analysis on this page.
Facts on this page last reviewed September 2026 against the sources cited below.
CDS Next Exam Date & Registration
| Next Exam Date | 13 Sep 2026 (CDS 2), Apr 2027 (CDS 1, expected) |
| Registration Window | 20 May - 11 Jun 2026 (CDS 2, closed), Dec 2026 (CDS 1, expected) |
| Conducting Body | UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) |
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 100 |
| Mathematics | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 300 | 300 |
Syllabus Highlights
Previous Year Cutoff
| Category | Marks | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| General | — | — |
| OBC | — | — |
| SC | — | — |
| ST | — | — |
| EWS | — | — |
Table of Contents
About Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2027
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) is one of the most competitive entrance exams, conducted by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). Preparing for the CDS requires systematic practice, conceptual clarity, and regular self-evaluation. Our platform offers dynamic mock tests, previous years' resolved papers, and AI-enabled analysis to help you secure a top rank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CDS 2027 exam pattern?
CDS has three papers of 100 questions each — English (120 min), General Knowledge (120 min), and Elementary Mathematics (120 min). Each paper carries 100 marks. OTA applicants appear only for English and GK.
What is the CDS eligibility for different academies?
IMA requires any graduate degree (age 19–24). INA requires Engineering degree (age 19–22). IAF Academy requires Physics + Maths in 12th with graduation (age 19–23). OTA accepts any graduate (age 19–25).
What is the CDS selection process after written exam?
Candidates shortlisted after written exam appear for SSB interview — a 5-day process with Officer Intelligence Rating test, Picture Perception, Group Testing, Psychology tests, and Interview. Final selection is based on written + SSB merit.
What is the expected CDS 2027 cutoff?
CDS cutoff (out of 300 for IMA) generally ranges from 105–130 for general category. CDS 2 2023 cutoff for IMA was 116, and INA was 126. OTA cutoff is comparatively lower at 85–100.
What is the salary of a CDS officer (Lieutenant)?
A commissioned Lieutenant through CDS earns basic pay ₹56,100 + Military Service Pay ₹15,500 + DA + HRA + transport allowance, totaling approximately ₹80,000–₹1,10,000 per month in-hand.
How to Prepare for CDS
Prepare English grammar — fill-in-the-blanks, sentence correction, and comprehension are high-scoring areas
Study current affairs with a focus on defence news, international relations, and Indian history for GK
Practise elementary mathematics — HCF/LCM, percentages, mensuration, and trigonometry are frequently tested
Solve previous 8 years CDS papers to identify recurring question patterns in each section