CDS 2018: Important Dates
| Events | Dates |
| UPCS CDS 2018 Notification Date | 8th August 2018 |
| Last Date of UPSC CDS Application Form | 3rd September 2018 |
| UPSC CDS Admit Card Download Date | November 2018 |
| UPSC CDS Exam Date | 18th November 2018 |
| UPSC CDS Result Date | December 2018 |
| UPSC CDS Final Merit List | before 1 Month of Joining |
Eligibility Criteria
The candidates are advised to check the eligibility criteria before applying for CDS examination. Candidates should fulfill the exam at the following levels:
1. Nationality:- A candidate should be:
1. The Citizenship of India.
2. Age Limit:- The aspirants can check the age limit of the CDS 2018 Exam (II) for various posts in Combined Defence Services from the table below:
| CDS Department | Age |
| Indian Military Academy | not earlier than 2nd July 1995 and not later than 1st July 2000 |
| Indian Naval Academy | not earlier than 2nd July 1995 and not later than 1st July 2000 |
| Indian Air Force Academy | 20 to 24 years as on 1st July 2019 |
| Officers’ Training Academy | 2nd July 1994 and not later than 1st July 2000 |
| Officers’ Training Academy—(SSC Women Non-Technical Course) | not earlier than 2nd July 1994 and not later than 1st July, 2000 |
Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The aspirants who are preparing for UPSC CDS 2018 exam should be aware of the latest CDS exam pattern and Syllabus. Analysis of the pattern and proper understanding of the important topics of the syllabus will help students score better in this exam.
1. CDS 2018 Exam Pattern
The exam pattern of CDS 2018 is divided into two sections:
1. Written Examination
2. Intelligence & Personality Test Interview
The exam pattern of CDS examination is different for Officer Training Academy and Indian Naval Academy/Indian Military Academy/Indian Air Force.
CDS Exam Pattern for NAVY/ ARMY/ AIR FORCE
The exam of Indian Naval Academy/Indian Military Academy/Indian Air Force comprises of 3 papers, which carry a total of 300 marks. The total duration of each exam is 2 hours.
| Subjects | Marks | Duration |
| English | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hours |
CDS Exam Pattern for Officer Training Academy (OTA)
The exam of Officer Training Academy (OTA) consists of 2 subjects with total 200 Marks. The duration of the two exams is 4 hours (2 hours for each exam).
| Subjects | Marks | Duration |
| English | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
Educational Qualification:
Candidates should possess Degree of a recognised University or equivalent for S.No-1, Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/ Institution for S.No-2, Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering for S.No-3 Posts.
Selection Process:
Candidates will be selected based on SSB (Stage I & II). Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are Picture Perception, Description Test (PP&DT) (Stage I) & Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference (Stage II).