CDS Selection Process 2026: Check Eligibility, Step-by-Step Process for Written Test and Interview

CDS Selection Process 2026 begins with the CDS 1 exam scheduled on April 12, 2026, followed by the CDS 2 exam on September 13, 2026. The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Combined Defence Services Examination to recruit eligible candidates for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The selection process consists of two major stages: a written examination and the SSB Interview, which assesses a candidate’s intelligence, personality, and overall suitability for a career in the Armed Forces. Only those who qualify the written test are called for the SSB, and the final merit list is prepared based on performance in both stages.

CDS Selection Process 2026 is conducted to recruit candidates for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The process evaluates candidates through written exams, interviews, and medical tests. It is structured and systematic to ensure that suitable candidates are selected for officer-level training. 

The CDS Selection Process 2026 involves a detailed written test, a multi-stage SSB Interview, and a medical examination. Here we have explained the process clearly, including eligibility, age limits, educational requirements, and the step-by-step selection method.

CDS Selection Process 2026 Overview

Candidates who aim to join the defence forces must go through all the stages of the CDS Selection Process 2026. The written exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), while the SSB Interview and medical tests are conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB). The process ensures a complete assessment of mental ability, physical fitness, communication skills, and leadership qualities.

Stages in the CDS Selection Process 2026

1. Written Examination
2. SSB Interview (Stage I and Stage II)
3. Medical Examination
4. Document Verification

The process is the same for all academies, but the exam pattern varies for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. 

CDS Selection Process 2026 Step by Step

CDS Selection Process 2026 includes all the key stages that candidates must clear to join the Indian Armed Forces. Below are all the stages discussed in detail to help you understand how the selection journey moves from the written exam to the final merit list.

Stage 1: CDS Selection Process 2026 Written Examination

The first hurdle is the written exam conducted by the UPSC. It consists of objective-type (Multiple Choice Questions) papers.

Exam Pattern

The pattern of the written exam differs for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) and the other three academies (IMA, INA, AFA).

Marking Scheme

• You get 1 mark for every correct answer.
• There is a negative marking of 0.33 marks deducted for every incorrect answer.
• You must score a minimum of 20% marks in each paper to be considered for the merit list.

Stage 2: SSB Interview (5-Day Process)

Candidates who clear the written exam cut-off are called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. This is a five-day process that evaluates your intelligence, personality, and potential to become an officer.

The SSB interview is divided into two main stages:

Stage 1 (Screening Test)

This stage takes place on Day 1 and is a screening process. You must clear this stage to stay for the next four days.

1. Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test: This involves verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions to check your basic intelligence.
2. Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT): You are shown a hazy picture for a short time, and you must write a story about it. Later, you discuss the story with a group.

Stage 2 (In-Depth Testing)

Candidates who pass Stage 1 proceed to the next four days of in-depth testing.

1. Psychological Test: This involves a series of tests to judge your mind and thoughts:
   • Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
   • Word Association Test (WAT)
   • Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
   • Self-Description (SD)
2. Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks: These are outdoor tasks to check your teamwork, leadership, and social qualities:
   • Group Discussion
   • Group Planning Exercise
   • Progressive Group Task
   • Lecturette
3. Personal Interview: A long, detailed interview with the Interviewing Officer.
4. Conference: On the final day, all candidates and assessors meet for a brief final review.

Stage 3: Medical Examination and Final Merit List

After the SSB interview, candidates who are recommended are sent for a comprehensive medical examination.

Medical Examination

The medical exam is a strict procedure that typically takes four to six days. The Armed Forces have specific physical and mental standards. Candidates must be physically and mentally fit, free from any serious diseases or disabilities. Your height and weight will be checked against prescribed standards.

Document Verification

During the SSB and medical stages, you must present your original documents for verification. These include:

• Educational Certificates (Class 10, 12, and Graduation).
• Proof of Identity (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, etc.).
• Birth Certificate.
• Proof of Residence.
• Category Certificate (if applicable).

Final Merit List

The UPSC prepares the final merit list based on the total marks scored in the Written Examination and the SSB Interview. The cut-off marks are separate for each academy (IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA). Being recommended by the SSB and declared medically fit does not automatically guarantee selection; final selection depends on your position in the merit list and the number of vacancies available.

CDS Selection Process 2026 Eligibility

Eligibility is an important part of the CDS Selection Process 2026. Candidates must meet age, education, and nationality requirements before applying. The CDS selection process age limit varies for different academies.

Age Limit for CDS 2026

The CDS selection process age limit ensures that candidates fall within the required training age range.

• IMA: 19–24 years
• INA: 19–24 years
• AFA: 20–24 years
• OTA: 19–25 years

Educational Qualification for CDS 2026

The educational requirements differ based on the academy.

• IMA & OTA: Graduation in any stream.
• INA: Engineering Degree.
• AFA: Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.

Many candidates ask about CDS eligibility 12th percentage, CDS qualification marks in 12th, and the percentage required for CDS in 12th.  UPSC does not specify any minimum 12th percentage requirement. Thus, the percentage required for CDS in 12th is not defined.
Only the graduation requirement is compulsory for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.

Percentage Required for CDS in Graduation

UPSC does not prescribe any minimum graduation percentage. Candidates only need a valid degree from a recognised university.

Stage Wise CDS Selection Process 2026 

CDS Selection Process 2026 step by step covers the entire journey from the written exam to the final merit list. Below is a clear breakdown.

CDS Written Exam Structure

The written examination is a major part of the CDS Selection Process 2026. UPSC conducts this exam offline.

1. For IMA, INA, AFA

Check the table below for IMA, INA, and AFA exam structure: 

2. For OTA

Here is the table carrying exam structure for OTA: 

All papers are objective and candidates must clear minimum scores to qualify for the SSB stage.

SSB Interview Stages

The SSB Interview is the second part of the CDS Selection Process 2026. It evaluates personality, thinking skills, group behaviour, and leadership qualities. It is conducted for five days.

Final Assessment Marks

Provided here is the table carrying the final assessment marks: 

CDS Medical Exam 2026

After clearing the SSB, candidates go through the medical exam. This part of the CDS Selection Process 2026 checks physical health, eyesight, and overall fitness. The exam takes 4–6 days.

Documents Required

Candidates must carry:

• Passport-size photos
• Address proof
• Qualification certificates
• Birth certificate
• Identity proof
• Category certificate (if applicable)

Only original documents are accepted.

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What’s Next After CDS Interview?

After the interview stage of the CDS Selection Process 2026, document verification is conducted. Candidates must submit two self-attested copies of all documents. Original documents are returned after verification.

Candidates who change their communication address must inform the respective headquarters for IMA, OTA, Navy, or Air Force.

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