UPSC CDS IMA Exam 2026 | PYQ UPSC CDS IMA | Mock Test UPSC CDS IMA Exam 2026 | Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CDS IMA Exam 2026 | Exam Syllabus & Exam Pattern for UPSC CDS IMA Exam 2026

The UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS) Examination is one of the most prestigious national-level examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC CDS IMA for recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces. Among the four major academies offered through CDS, the Indian Military Academy (IMA) holds a special place as it trains future Commissioned Officers of the Indian Army.

The CDS IMA entry is meant for young graduates who dream of wearing the olive green uniform and serving the nation with honor, courage, and discipline. Every year, thousands of aspirants appear for the UPSC CDS Exam, but only a limited number are finally selected for training at the historic Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.

Likh Padh will provide a well structured latest test series for UPSC CDS IMA 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 IMA exam based on the trend analysis of UPSC CDS updates exam previously asked questions in IMA UPSC CDS exam.

This article provides a complete and detailed guide to UPSC CDS IMA, covering eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, training, salary, career growth, preparation strategy, and FAQs.

What is UPSC CDS IMA?

UPSC CDS IMA refers to the entry into the Indian Military Academy through the Combined Defence Services Examination, conducted twice every year as:

• CDS I
• CDS II

Candidates recommended by SSB (Services Selection Board) for IMA are granted Permanent Commission in the Indian Army as Lieutenants after successful completion of training.

Indian Military Academy (IMA) – An Overview

The Indian Military Academy, located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, was established in 1932. It is one of the premier military training institutions in the world.

Key Highlights of IMA

• Motto: “Veerta Aur Vivek” (Valour and Wisdom)
• Training Duration: 18 months
• Commission Type: Permanent Commission
• Final Rank after Training: Lieutenant

IMA has produced legendary officers, including Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and General Bipin Rawat.

UPSC CDS Exam for IMA – Important Highlights

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 IMA Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the CDS IMA exam, candidates must satisfy the eligibility conditions laid down by UPSC.

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 IMA

• Minimum Age: 19 years
• Maximum Age: 24 years

(The exact dates are notified in the official UPSC CDS notification.)

3. Educational Qualification

• Graduate degree from a recognized university
• Final year students can also apply (subject to proof of passing before training)

4. Marital Status

• Only unmarried male candidates are eligible for CDS IMA.

5. Physical Standards

Candidates must be:

• Physically fit
• Medically fit as per Army Medical Standards

Common requirements include:

• Height: Minimum 157.5 cm (relaxations for certain regions)
• Vision: 6/6 or 6/9 correctable
• No permanent body tattoos except permitted areas

UPSC CDS IMA Exam Pattern

The CDS written examination for IMA consists of three papers.

CDS IMA Written Exam Pattern

• Objective-type questions
• Negative marking: ⅓ marks deducted
• Standard: Graduation level (Maths up to Class 10)

UPSC CDS IMA Syllabus (Detailed)

1. English Syllabus

The English paper tests candidates’ understanding of the language.

Important Topics:

• Reading Comprehension
• Synonyms & Antonyms
• Error Spotting
• Sentence Improvement
• Fill in the Blanks
• Idioms & Phrases
• Vocabulary
• Ordering of Sentences

2. General Knowledge Syllabus

This section evaluates awareness of current events and general science.

Topics Include:

• Indian History & Freedom Movement
• Geography (India & World)
• Indian Polity & Constitution
• Economics & Social Development
• Physics, Chemistry & Biology (basic)
• Defense & Security
• Current Affairs (National & International)

3. Elementary Mathematics Syllabus

Math is based on Class 9 & 10 level.

Important Topics:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Trigonometry
• Geometry
• Mensuration
• Statistics

UPSC CDS IMA Cut Off Marks

The CDS IMA cut-off varies every year based on:

• Difficulty level of exam
• Number of vacancies
• Performance of candidates

Expected CDS IMA Cut Off (Written)

• 110 – 120 marks (out of 300)

Final merit is prepared after SSB Interview (300 marks).

SSB Interview for CDS IMA

Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the 5-day SSB Interview.

SSB Stages

Stage I (Screening):

• OIR Test
• PPDT

Stage II:

• Psychology Tests
• GTO Tasks
• Interview
• Conference

Total SSB Marks: 300

SSB tests:

• Officer Like Qualities (OLQs)
• Leadership
• Confidence
• Decision-making
• Communication skills

Medical Examination for CDS IMA

Candidates recommended by SSB must undergo a medical examination at military hospitals.

Common reasons for rejection:

• Poor eyesight
• Flat foot
• Overweight
• ENT issues
• Dental problems

Final Merit List for CDS IMA

The final merit list is prepared based on:

• Written Exam Marks (300)
• SSB Interview Marks (300)

Only candidates who clear medical standards and fall within merit as per vacancies are selected.

Training at Indian Military Academy (IMA)

Training Duration

• 18 months of rigorous military training

Training Includes

• Physical conditioning
• Weapons training
• Drill & discipline
• Tactics & field craft
• Leadership development
• Military ethics

Passing Out Parade (POP)

After successful training, cadets participate in the Passing Out Parade, one of the most prestigious military ceremonies in India.

Rank & Salary after CDS IMA

After commissioning from IMA:

Initial Rank

• Lieutenant

Salary Structure (7th Pay Commission)

Additional Allowances

• Military Service Pay (₹15,500)
• HRA or Field Area Allowance
• Transport Allowance
• Uniform Allowance

Career Growth in Indian Army after IMA

An officer commissioned through CDS IMA enjoys excellent career progression.

Promotions:

• Lieutenant
• Captain
• Major
• Lieutenant Colonel
• Colonel
• Brigadier
• Major General and above

Officers also get opportunities for:

• Foreign training
• UN peacekeeping missions
• Higher education
• Command & staff roles

Why Choose UPSC CDS IMA?

Benefits of CDS IMA Entry

• Permanent Commission
• Prestigious career
• Job security
• Leadership role
• Respect in society
• Adventure & honor

Serving in the Indian Army is not just a job, but a way of life.

Preparation Strategy for UPSC CDS IMA

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 IMA exam 2026 along with detailed explanation and solution. The Likh Padh Test App also provide IMA 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 IMA exam 2026.

1. Understand the Syllabus

Cover all topics with focus on fundamentals.

2. Make a Study Plan

• 6–8 months preparation ideal
• Daily revision & practice

3. Practice Previous Year Papers

Helps in understanding exam trend and time management.

4. Focus on SSB from Day One

• Improve communication skills
• Stay physically fit
• Develop leadership traits

Best Books for UPSC CDS IMA Preparation

• English: Objective English by S.P. Bakshi
• GK: Lucent GK, Newspapers
• Maths: Pathfinder CDS
• SSB: Let’s Crack SSB Interview

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can females apply for CDS IMA?

No, CDS IMA is only for male candidates. Females can apply for OTA.

Q2. Is CDS IMA tough?

Yes, competition is high, but with proper strategy it is crackable.

Q3. How many attempts for CDS IMA?

No fixed limit, but age limit applies.

Q4. Is maths compulsory for CDS IMA?

Yes, Elementary Mathematics is compulsory.

Conclusion

The UPSC CDS IMA examination is a golden opportunity for young aspirants who dream of becoming officers in the Indian Army. UPSC CDS Officers Training Academy (OTA) with a well-structured exam process, world-class training at the Indian Military Academy, and a lifetime of honor and service, CDS IMA remains one of the most respected career paths in India.

Likh Padh online mobile app free online test series, PYQ, mock test, previous year question papers to crack UPSC CDS IMA exam 2026. It is designed for IMA 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 IMA UPSC CDS exam.

With dedication, discipline, and the right preparation strategy, cracking UPSC CDS IMA is absolutely achievable.