Are you aspiring to serve the nation and build a glorious career in the armed forces? The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is your golden ticket, conducted by the UPSC for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
The selection process is rigorous, comprising a written test, followed by an SSB Interview, medical examinations, and a final merit list. While the UPSC conducts the written exam, the respective service selection boards handle the SSB interviews.
For candidates aiming for the first cycle of 2027 (CDS 1 2027), Chanakya Career Institute’s Chandigarh Branch is gearing up to provide top-tier guidance and comprehensive preparation. Here is everything you need to know to kickstart your journey with us.
CDS 1 2027: Key Dates to Remember
Staying on top of the schedule is the first step toward success. Here is the official timeline for CDS 1 2027:
| Event | Date / Window | Details |
| Official Notification | 10 November 2026 | Download Now |
| Notification & Application Start | 10 December 2026 | Apply online on official portals |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2026 | Window usually ~30 days |
| Withdrawal/Correction Window | Mid-January 2027 | As enabled on UPSC portal |
| Admit Card Release | Late March 2027 | Download from portal |
| CDS 1 2027 Exam Date | 12 April 2027 (Sunday) | Mark your calendars! |
| Result (Written) | June 2027 (tentative) | Typically 3-4 weeks after exam |
| SSB Interviews | May/June 2027 onwards | Schedule allotted post-result |
(Note: CDS 2 2027 Exam Date is scheduled for 13 September 2027)
Vacancies & Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, ensure you meet the specific age, marital status, and educational requirements for your chosen academy. Age cut-offs are tied to specific birthdate ranges announced by UPSC, alongside strict medical standards.
| Academy | Age Range (Approx.) | Marital Status | Essential Education |
| IMA | 19-24 yrs | Unmarried | Graduation (any discipline) |
| INA | 19-22 yrs | Unmarried | B.E./B.Tech (or equivalent engineering degree) |
| AFA | 19-23 yrs | Unmarried | B.E./B.Tech or B.Sc. with Physics & Maths (10+2 with Maths & Physics) |
| OTA (Men) | 19-25 yrs | Unmarried | Graduation (any discipline) |
| OTA (Women) | 19-25 yrs | Unmarried | Graduation (any discipline) |
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The exam pattern depends on the academy you choose.
- Candidates for IMA, INA, and AFA must take three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
- Candidates for OTA only need to complete two papers: English and General Knowledge.
- All papers are 2 hours long, conducted in pen-and-paper mode, and feature only multiple-choice questions.
| Academy | Subjects | Total Duration | No. of Questions | Max. Marks |
| IMA / INA / AFA | English | 2 Hr | 120 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hr | 120 | 100 | |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hr | 100 | 100 | |
| OTA | English | 2 Hr | 120 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hr | 120 | 100 |
Marking Scheme: Accuracy is key! You are awarded +1 mark for each correct answer, but 0.33 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. Marking multiple answers for a single question is also counted as incorrect.
Subject-Wise Syllabus Snapshot
Here is a quick look at what you need to study:
| Subject | Topics Covered |
| English | • Reading Comprehension • Sentence Improvement • Cloze Test • Vocabulary • Grammar Usage |
| General Knowledge | • Current Affairs • Indian History • Indian Polity • Constitution • Geography • Science |
| Elementary Mathematics (For IMA/INA/AFA) | • Arithmetic • Algebra • Trigonometry • Geometry • Mensuration • Statistics (Matriculation level) |
How to Apply for CDS 1 2027
| Step | What to do | Where on UPSC site | Details / Notes |
| 1 | Create/Log in to OTR (One-Time Registration) | OTR/Registration | Use active email & mobile; verify via OTP; save OTR ID. |
| 2 | Open CDS 1 2027 application | Active Examinations – CDS | Read notification + instructions; click “Apply”. |
| 3 | Part-I: Fill basics | Application Form (Part-I) | Name, DOB, category, ID details, educational info, preferences for academies. |
| 4 | Part-II: Exam centre & preferences | Application Form (Part-II) | Choose exam city early (centres fill fast); select language where asked. |
| 5 | Upload photo, signature, photo-ID PDF (if asked) | Upload Section | Follow pixel, size, background rules. |
| 6 | Fee payment | Pay Fee | Online (cards/UPI/Net-banking) or offline challan. SC/ST/Female often fee-exempt. |
| 7 | Preview & submit | Final Preview | Check spelling, category, DOB, centre—then submit; save Application PDF. |
Why Prepare with Chanakya Career Institute
Preparing for the CDS 1 2027 exam demands a structured approach, expert faculty, and high-quality study materials. That is exactly what we bring to you at our Chandigarh Branch.
Students and parents highly trust Chanakya Career Institute because of our experienced faculty (especially instructors from a defence background), excellent SSB interview preparation, infrastructure, and strong past selection rates. Our batches are kept small to maintain an interactive classroom environment.
Highlights of our Upcoming CDS Batches:
- New Batch Starting Dates: 17th November 2026 and 24th November 2026. Early enrollment is advised to secure your preferred timing!.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Complete coverage of English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
- Effective Pedagogy: Concept classes, PYQ-based practice, and regular doubt-clearing sessions.
- Testing & Strategy: Structured weekly plans, topic-wise assignments, and full-length mock tests with OMR to build speed and accuracy.
- Smart Revision: Access to current-affairs capsules, defence updates, and static GK notes.
- SSB Orientation: We start early! You will learn PP&DT basics, communication drills, and profile building right alongside your written exam prep.
- Student Support: We offer administrative support, form-filling assistance, exam timeline reminders, and a transparent performance-tracking system. For outstation students, we also provide guidance on hostel and meal options near the academy.
Stay Connected! Keep an eye out for our recent blogs and YouTube videos to stay updated with the latest guidance, tips, exam updates, syllabus breakdowns, and selection strategies.
ENROLL NOW and take the first bold step toward your dream defence career with Chanakya Career Institute, Chandigarh Branch!
