Latest update — 6 October 2026
This guide supports CDS 2026–27 preparation using the latest published CDS II scheme and official papers. CDS I 2027 is provisionally scheduled for 11 April; its notification is planned for 2 December 2026.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Latest examination | CDS II 2026, held 13 September |
| Next calendar date | CDS I 2027, 11 April; tentative |
| Current syllabus reference | CDS II 2026 official notification; recheck the next notification |
| Academy choice | OTA uses English and GK; IMA/INA/AFA also require Mathematics |
What to use for the current session
Use the most recent official syllabus and the actual question papers for practice. Keep academy-specific eligibility and paper combinations together. The 2027 calendar supplies planning dates; it does not confirm new vacancies or carry forward birth-date cut-offs.
Official notification and syllabus PDF
Detailed guide: CDS 2026–27: Notification, Exam Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus & Latest Updates
CDS official detailed notification and Appendix I
CDS written papers at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| IMA, INA and AFA | English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics; 100 marks and 2 hours for each paper |
| OTA | English and General Knowledge only; 100 marks and 2 hours each |
| Question format | Objective; GK and Mathematics booklets are in Hindi and English |
| Wrong-answer penalty | One-third of the marks assigned to the question; no penalty for a blank answer |
Manage the written-paper balance
GK is required for OTA and the three-paper entries. Protect time for English and, where applicable, Mathematics. A strong score in one practice subject does not establish that all competitive and subject-level thresholds will be cleared.
Connect news to the static syllabus
Use reliable reporting for an event and check the relevant institution, location or basic concept. Keep concise notes with the event date and source. Update a note when the fact changes rather than retaining an outdated headline as a current fact.
Related guides and official practice papers
Current CDS eligibility · Complete examination pattern · Subject syllabus · Official previous-paper library.
Choose the correct year, session and subject. An official question paper is not automatically an answer key. Keep coaching explanations separate from UPSC-issued keys, and do not carry an old application deadline into a future study plan.
Understand the official scope
The notification includes current events, everyday scientific knowledge, Indian history and geography. It does not prescribe a fixed number of months of news or a guaranteed topic weightage. Avoid narrowing preparation to an unsupported prediction.
Revise history, geography and science
Organise history chronologically, practise geographical relationships on maps and study everyday scientific principles with examples. Use official papers to identify how concepts are tested; do not assume repeated topics will appear in the same proportion again.
Test recall and review uncertainty
Use short self-tests, explain incorrect answers and revisit errors after a gap. When a question depends on a date, verify the period being asked. Treat an unofficial answer key as provisional practice guidance until an official key is available.
2027 session planning
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| CDS I / NDA I notification | 2 December 2026 |
| CDS I / NDA I application deadline | 22 December 2026 |
| CDS I / NDA I examination | 11 April 2027 |
| CDS II / NDA II notification | 12 May 2027 |
| CDS II / NDA II application deadline | 1 June 2027 |
| CDS II / NDA II examination | 19 September 2027 |
The calendar provides dates. The next notification must establish its vacancies, eligibility cut-offs and application rules.
Related preparation resources
CDS previous-year papers · CDS syllabus checklist · 3- and 6-month study plans · CDS cut-off guide. Begin with the academy-specific paper combination, then practise official questions under each paper’s time limit.
Official sources
Checked on 6 October 2026. Later official amendments take precedence. Preparation plans are GovtAdhikari editorial guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Does a preparation plan guarantee selection?
No. Written qualification, SSB, medical suitability, eligibility and available vacancies all matter.
Is Mathematics required for OTA?
Not in the OTA written examination. Candidates seeking IMA, INA or AFA take it under the cited scheme.
Can I use the same rules for a later examination?
Use this as preparation guidance and recheck the notification for the actual session you enter.