CDS 2026 Overview
CDS 2026 is a competitive government examination. Check the official notification for complete details on eligibility, exam dates, syllabus and salary.
| Exam Name | CDS 2026 — CDS 2026 |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | CDS |
| Level | National |
| Mode | Offline |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Language | English & Hindi |
| Total Vacancies | TBD |
| Official Website | cds.nic.in |
| Negative Marking | -.297 |
Important Dates — CDS 2026
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | Check notification | Released |
| Application Start | Check notification | Open |
| Application End | Check notification | Closed |
| Admit Card | Check notification | Awaited |
| Exam Date | Check notification | Scheduled |
| Answer Key | Check notification | Awaited |
| Result Declaration | Check notification | Awaited |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet eligibility criteria for CDS 2026 as per the official notification.
Educational Qualification
Graduate from a recognized university. Check official notification for specific requirements.
Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | 18 – 40 years |
| SC / ST | SC/ST: 5 years relaxation |
| PwD | PwD: 10 years relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per government norms |
Always verify eligibility from the official notification before applying.
Selection Process
Overview
Overview as per the official CDS 2026 pattern.
Important Dates
Candidates shortlisted after written exam are called for verification.
Eligibility
Final selection based on written score and document verification.
Exam Pattern 2026
CDS 2026 exam. Negative marking: -.297.
| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Aptitude & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 400 | 400 | 2 Hours |
Negative Marking: -.297. Verify from official notification.
Syllabus 2026
CDS 2026 syllabus covers the following subjects as per the official notification.
CDS — Core Subjects
- General Studies
- Aptitude & Reasoning
- Current Affairs
CDS — Advanced Topics
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
Free Mock Tests — CDS 2026
Practice with 80+ tests as per the latest CDS 2026 pattern. 5 tests free — no card needed!
Salary 2026
Salary table */ .salary-table th{background:#1040b0;color:#fff} /* Responsive */ @media(max-width:900px){ .content-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr} .sidebar{position:static} .footer-top{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr} .mock-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr} } @media(max-width:600px){ .hamburger{display:flex} .nav-search{display:none} .nav-action
| Post | Basic Pay | DA | HRA | Gross | In-Hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDS | As per notification | — | — | — | As per notification |
How to Prepare for CDS 2026
Build a 3–4 Month Study Plan
Cover concepts first, then shift to mock tests and PYQ practice in the final month.
Solve 10 Years of PYQ Papers
Past papers reveal patterns, high-weightage topics and typical difficulty levels.
Attempt 30+ Mock Tests
Builds speed, accuracy and time management. Analyse every test — don't just attempt.
Stay Updated on Current Affairs
Daily news + monthly CA capsules are high-ROI in GK-heavy exams like CDS.
FAQs — CDS 2026
Get free CDS alerts, study material & current affairs