UPSC CDS OTA Exam 2026 | PYQ UPSC CDS OTA | Mock Test UPSC CDS OTA Exam 2026 | Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CDS OTA Exam 2026 | Exam Syllabus & Exam Pattern for UPSC CDS OTA Exam 2026
The UPSC CDS OTA Exam (Combined Defense Services – Officers Training Academy) is one of the most prestigious defense examinations in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This exam offers young graduates an opportunity to join the Indian Army as Short Service Commission (SSC) Officers through OTA Chennai.
Every year, thousands of aspirants apply for the CDS OTA Exam, aiming to serve the nation with pride, discipline, and honor. This article provides a complete detailed guide covering notification details, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, salary, career growth, preparation tips, and FAQs related to the UPSC CDS OTA Exam 2026.
Likh Padh will provide a well structured latest test series for UPSC CDS OTA exam 2026 along with all UPSC CDS exam with free PYQ, sample papers, mock test and previous year question papers bank. Likh Padh free online test series, PYQ for UPSC CDS OTA exam based on the trend analysis of UPSC CDS updates exam previously asked questions in OTA UPSC CDS exam.
What is UPSC CDS OTA Exam?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted twice a year by UPSC, namely CDS I and CDS II. Through this examination, candidates are selected for:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA)
The OTA entry is specifically meant for Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Indian Army, where both male and female candidates can apply.
UPSC CDS OTA 2026 – Important Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC CDS OTA |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
| Entry Type | Short Service Commission (SSC) |
| Training Academy | Officers Training Academy, Chennai |
| Training Duration | 49 Weeks |
| Commission Type | Short Service (Extendable) |
Important Dates To Remember
- Date of Notification: 10-12-2025
- Application Online Apply Start Date: 10-12-2025
- Online Apply Last Date: 30-12-2025
- Fee Payment Last Date: 30-12-2025
- Date for Correction: As Per Schedule
- Admit Card: Later Notify
- Exam Date: 12-04-2026
- Result Date: Later Notify
- Candidates are advised to verify the details from the Official Website of UPSC CDS 1.
Application Fee Payment
- Gen/OBC/EWS: ₹200/-
- SC/ST: ₹00/-
- Mode of fee payment online: Debit card, Credit card or Net banking
- Mode of fee payment offline: E-Challan
UPSC CDS OTA Notification 2026
UPSC releases the CDS OTA notification on its official website upsc.gov.in. The notification contains details regarding:
- Number of vacancies
- Important dates
- Eligibility criteria
- Exam pattern
- Syllabus
- Selection process
Candidates must read the notification carefully before applying.
UPSC CDS OTA Vacancy 2026
The number of vacancies for OTA Men and OTA Women varies every year. Vacancies are announced separately for:
- OTA (Men)
- OTA (Women – Non-Technical)
The competition level is very high due to limited seats and high number of applicants.
OTA UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
A candidate must be:
- A citizen of India
- Or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan
- Or a Tibetan refugee (conditions apply)
2. Age Limit for CDS OTA
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| OTA (Men) | 19 to 25 Years |
| OTA (Women) | 19 to 25 Years |
Candidates must be born between the dates mentioned in the official notification.
3. Educational Qualification
- Graduation degree from a recognized university
- Final-year students can also apply (subject to proof of passing)
No minimum percentage is required.
4. Marital Status
- OTA Men: Unmarried
- OTA Women: Unmarried / Divorcee / Widow (without children)
5. Physical & Medical Standards
Candidates must meet the physical fitness and medical standards prescribed by UPSC and the Indian Army, including:
- Height & weight standards
- Vision requirements
- General medical fitness
OTA UPSC CDS Exam Pattern
The CDS OTA written exam is simpler compared to IMA/INA/AFA entries.
Written Exam Structure
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 240 | 200 | 4 Hours |
Negative Marking
- 1/3rd marks deducted for each wrong answer
UPSC CDS OTA Syllabus (Detailed)
1. English Syllabus
Focuses on testing basic grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Important Topics:
- Reading comprehension
- Synonyms & antonyms
- Sentence improvement
- Spotting errors
- Fill in the blanks
- Idioms & phrases
- Ordering of sentences
2. General Knowledge Syllabus
Covers current affairs and static GK.
Major Sections:
- History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Geography (India & World)
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Indian Economy
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Defence-related current affairs
- National & international events
UPSC CDS OTA Selection Process
The selection process consists of three major stages:
1. Written Examination
- Conducted by UPSC
- Qualifying in nature
2. SSB Interview (5 Days)
Candidates who clear the written exam are called for SSB (Services Selection Board) interview.
SSB Stages:
- Stage I: OIR Test & PPDT
- Stage II:
- Psychology Tests
- Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
- Personal Interview
3. Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a medical test.
4. Final Merit List
Prepared based on:
- Written exam marks
- SSB interview marks
UPSC CDS OTA Training Details
Selected candidates undergo training at:
Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
- Training Duration: 49 weeks
- Training Type: Military, physical, academic & leadership training
After successful completion, candidates are commissioned as Lieutenant (SSC).
UPSC CDS OTA Salary & Allowances
Salary Structure (7th Pay Commission)
| Rank | Pay Level | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
Allowances
- Military Service Pay (₹15,500)
- Dearness Allowance
- HRA / Field Area Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Uniform Allowance
Career Growth in OTA (SSC Officers)
- Initial commission for 10 years
- Extendable by 4 years
- Permanent Commission (PC) possible (subject to merit & vacancies)
UPSC CDS OTA Preparation Strategy
The Likh Padh mobile test App provides everything which we have discussed above. Likh Padh test App provides free CBT mock papers for UPSC CDS OTA exam 2026 along with detailed explanation and solution. The Likh Padh Test App also provide OTA UPSC CDS free PYQ question papers that are asked in the previous years papers for UPSC CDS exam. Likh Padh also provides free previous year question paper PDF download for UPSC CDS OTA exam 2026.
1. Understand the Syllabus
Focus only on English & GK for OTA.
2. Make a Study Plan
- Daily English practice
- Current affairs revision
- Weekly mock tests
3. Solve Previous Year Papers
- Understand exam trend
- Improve speed & accuracy
4. Focus on SSB Preparation
- Improve communication skills
- Work on OLQs (Officer Like Qualities)
- Practice group discussions
Best Books for UPSC CDS OTA Preparation
English
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
General Knowledge
- Lucent GK
- NCERT (Class 6–10)
- Newspaper (The Hindu / Indian Express)
SSB
- Let’s Crack SSB Interview by SSBExperts
Why Choose CDS OTA?
- Entry into Indian Army without technical background
- Opportunity for both men & women
- Respect, honour & leadership role
- Attractive salary & benefits
- Chance to convert SSC into Permanent Commission
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring SSB preparation
- Relying only on rote learning
- Not revising current affairs
- Poor time management during exam
UPSC CDS OTA Exam FAQs
Q1. Is maths required for CDS OTA?
No, maths is not required for OTA.
Q2. Can girls apply for CDS OTA?
Yes, women can apply for OTA (SSC).
Q3. Is CDS OTA tough?
The written exam is moderate, but SSB is challenging.
Q4. Can final year students apply?
Yes, they can apply.
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS OTA Exam is an excellent opportunity for aspirants who dream of serving the Indian Army as commissioned officers. UPSC CDS Indian Military Academy (IMA) with proper planning, disciplined preparation, and focused SSB training, cracking the CDS OTA exam is absolutely achievable.
Likh Padh online mobile app free online test series, PYQ, mock test, previous year question papers to crack UPSC CDS OTA exam 2026. It is designed for OTA exam and is developed according to the latest pattern of UPSC CDS exam. These online test series are best for the exam preparation as it also covers the previous years asked questions of OTA UPSC CDS exam.
If your goal is to wear the uniform and lead from the front, CDS OTA 2026 can be your gateway to a prestigious defense career.