What are the different academies under UPSC CDS 2027?

UPSC CDS 2027 offers entry to IMA (Indian Military Academy, Dehradun), INA (Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala), AFA (Air Force Academy, Hyderabad), and OTA (Officers Training Academy, Chennai for SSC entries). IMA, INA, AFA require Math paper; OTA does not.

What is UPSC CDS exam pattern?

For IMA/INA/AFA: 3 papers — English (100Q, 100 marks), GK (100Q, 100 marks), Elementary Mathematics (100Q, 100 marks). Each paper is 2 hours. For OTA: 2 papers — English and GK only. All have +1/-0.33 marking.

What is UPSC CDS salary after commissioning?

After commissioning as Lieutenant: ₹56,100-₹1,77,500 per month (Level 10). With Military Service Pay (₹15,500/month), Field Area Allowance, DA, and free accommodation, the total package is ₹80,000-₹1,10,000 per month for a fresh officer.

How many vacancies are expected in UPSC CDS 2027?

UPSC CDS 2027 typically has 350-450 vacancies per cycle (2 cycles per year). CDS I 2024 had 457 vacancies while CDS II 2024 had 342 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.

What is SSB interview in UPSC CDS?

SSB (Services Selection Board) is a 5-day assessment for written-qualified candidates. Day 1: PPDT and OIR Test (screening). Days 2-4: Psychology Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD), Group Tests (GTO), and Personal Interview. Day 5: Conference. Only about 40-60% of SSB attendees get recommended.

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UPSC CDS Preparation Guide

UPSC (Union Public Service Commission)

Your Complete Preparation Guide for UPSC CDS 2027 — strategy, study plan, tips & more.

DifficultyHard

Total Marks300

Duration120 min

Start Practising Now →Free Mock Tests

Exam Overview

Mode

Offline (Pen & Paper)

Frequency

Twice a year

Next Exam Date

February 2027

EEligibility Criteria

Graduate degree, age 19-25 years

ANumber of Attempts

Twice a year

Study Plan by Subject

English

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

General Knowledge

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Elementary Mathematics (for IMA/INA/AFA)

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Expert Preparation Tips

English section tests grammar, sentence correction, vocabulary, and comprehension — daily reading of quality English newspapers builds this skill

GK section in CDS covers Indian and World History, Geography, Science, Polity, and current affairs from last 6 months

Elementary Mathematics covers class 10 level — Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics are key topics

SSB preparation requires personality development — practice Group Discussions, leadership exercises, and develop a reading habit on current affairs

Exam Pattern at a Glance

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration (est.)
English	33	100	40 min
General Knowledge	33	100	40 min
Elementary Mathematics (for IMA/INA/AFA)	33	100	40 min
Total	100	300	120 min

Important Dates

Registration Opens

October 2026

Next Exam Date

February 2027

Conducted By

UPSC (Union Public Service Commission)

Frequently Asked Questions

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