CDS 1 2027 Exam Date: 11 April 2027 – Eligibility, Seats and How to Prepare
UPSC has fixed CDS 1 2027 for 11 April 2027, with the notification on 2 December 2026. Official dates, seats, expected age limits, exam pattern and a 22-week plan.
Ready to begin your journey towards a fulfilling career in the Indian Armed Forces? Cadets Defence Academy proudly celebrates the remarkable success stories of our candidates who cleared the final selection in the NDA 2 2023 SSB (Services Selection Board) exam. We take great pride in guiding and nurturing aspiring cadets, helping them achieve their dream of serving the nation.
The success of our candidates is a testament to the effectiveness of our training programs. We are thrilled to share the inspiring journeys of seven cadets who cleared the NDA 2 2023 SSB exam and secured their places in the armed forces.







Preparation for NDA exam: Preparation for NDA exam is a rigorous process that demands dedication, perseverance, and strategic planning. At Cadets Defence Academy, we understand the importance of providing comprehensive training that equips candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the exam. Our expert faculty members employ a structured approach to cover all aspects of the NDA syllabus, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for every challenge they may encounter.
Getting ready for the NDA exam requires dedication, perseverance, and smart planning. At Cadets Defence Academy, we know how crucial it is to offer thorough training that gives candidates the know-how and skills to ace the test. Our experienced faculty takes a systematic approach to cover all parts of the NDA syllabus, making sure candidates are fully prepared for whatever comes their way.
Written Exam: The written exam is the initial hurdle, comprising two papers General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics. Mathematics paper evaluates candidates’ mathematical knowledge and problem-solving abilities, while GAT encompasses English language, physics, chemistry, biology, history, geography, and current affairs.
SSB Training and Mock Interviews: Another crucial aspect of the NDA selection process is SSB interview, during which candidates undergo various tests to evaluate their suitability for a career in the armed forces. To adequately prepare our candidates for this stage, Cadets Defence Academy provides specialized SSB training sessions and conducts mock interviews. These simulations offer candidates invaluable insights into the interview process, help them refine their communication skills, and teach them how to present their best selves to the selection board.
Physical Fitness and Personality Development: Apart from academic prowess, the armed forces prioritize physical fitness and personality attributes like leadership, teamwork, and decision-making. Understanding this, Cadets Defence Academy integrates physical training sessions and personality development workshops into its curriculum. These activities aim to improve candidates’ physical endurance and nurture the qualities essential for success in the armed forces.
Structured Curriculum: Our academy offers a meticulously designed curriculum that covers every aspect of the NDA exam syllabus. From mathematics and general ability to current affairs and English language, we leave no stone unturned in preparing you for the challenges ahead.
Expert Faculty: Our team of experienced faculty members comprises seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. With their guidance, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of key concepts and develop the skills necessary to excel in the exam.
Personalized Coaching: We understand that each aspirant has unique strengths and weaknesses. That’s why we offer personalized coaching tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require extra help in mathematics or English, our mentors are here to provide individualized support every step of the way.
With our unwavering support and guidance, you can be confident in your ability to crack the NDA exam and realize your dream of serving the nation. Join us at Cadets Defence Academy as we are the best nda coaching in dehradun and let’s embark on this journey towards success together
Dehradun, the cradle of numerous esteemed defence academies, is your stepping stone to a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces. We take immense pride in being a leading provider of NDA coaching programs in the city. We offer two distinct programs designed to cater to students at different stages of their academic journey:
Targeted Preparation for the Written Exam:
Our result-oriented program meticulously covers all subjects of the NDA written exam – Mathematics, English, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.
Experienced faculty provide in-depth subject knowledge and exam-focused strategies.
Comprehensive study materials, including topic-wise practice questions and mock tests, ensure thorough preparation.
SSB Interview Guidance:
We understand that the SSB interview is a crucial stage in NDA selection. We equip you with the necessary skills to excel in all aspects – Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests, Picture Perception Description Test (PPDT), group discussions, leadership tasks, and the interview.
Ex-defense officers and SSB assessors provide invaluable insights and conduct mock interviews to hone your communication, problem-solving, and leadership qualities.
Rigorous physical training prepares you for the strenuous activities during the SSB.
This unique program offers a comprehensive learning experience, combining quality school education with dedicated NDA coaching. Here’s what sets it apart:
Strong Academic Foundation: We are affiliated with a reputed school board, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education alongside NDA preparation.
Early Exposure to NDA Preparation: Our experienced faculty introduce NDA concepts from an early stage, nurturing a focused mindset and a strong foundation.
Integrated Coaching: Regular NDA coaching sessions alongside academic studies ensure a holistic approach, maximizing learning efficiency.
Holistic Development: We go beyond academics, fostering leadership qualities, teamwork, and physical fitness through various co-curricular activities and sports.
While NDA coaching is our forte, we recognize the diverse aspirations of students seeking careers in the Indian Armed Forces. We offer a comprehensive suite of programs designed to equip you for success in various defense entrance exams:
Our program caters specifically to the requirements of the Air Force X Group (Technical) and Y Group (Non-Technical) exams.
We cover subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, and Reasoning, aligned with the latest exam pattern.
Focused Approach: Our Navy coaching program prepares you for both the Navy AA (Assistant Artificer) and SSR (Sailor) entrance exams.
We cover subjects like Mathematics, Science, English, and Reasoning, with a specific focus on areas relevant to the Navy.
Comprehensive Preparation: Our CDS coaching program equips you for the Combined Defence Services Examination, a gateway to careers in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Indian Air Force Academy (AFA).
We cover all subjects tested in the CDS exam, including English, Mathematics, General Knowledge, and Current Affairs.
Strategic Guidance: Experienced faculty provide insights and strategies to excel in each section of the CDS exam.
Specialized Focus: Our AFCAT coaching program prepares you for the Air Force Common Admission Test, the entry route for Officer positions in the Indian Air Force.
We cover subjects like English, Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test (RMAT), Mathematics & Physics (for specific branches).
Regular mock tests and practice sessions replicate the AFCAT exam format, helping you refine your time management and test-taking abilities.
At Cadets Defence Academy, our mission is to empower aspiring cadets to realize their dreams of serving the nation. Through our comprehensive training programs, expert faculty, and personalized guidance, we ensure that every candidate is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in the NDA exam and beyond. Join us on this transformative journey and take the first step towards a successful career in the Indian Armed Forces.
For any inquiries or assistance regarding NDA coaching in Dehradun, feel free to reach out to us. Here’s how you can get in touch:
Address: Sahastradhara Rd, near kriti appartment, opp. shani dev mandir, B Block, Aman Vihar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
Visit us at our campus located in Dehradun.
Phone Numbers:
You can contact us directly via phone for immediate assistance. Our phone numbers are +91- 099970 34744and + 91-7599367318.
Email: cadetsdefenceacademy@gmail.com
Do you have a question or require additional details? Send us an email at cadetsdefenceacademy@gmail.com Our team will get back to you promptly with the answers you need.
Website & Social Media Links:
Explore our website, www.cadetsdefenceacademy.com, for comprehensive details about our NDA coaching programs and facilities. Stay updated with the latest news and announcements by following us on social media. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Feel free to reach out to us through any of the channels mentioned above. We’re here to assist you on your journey towards achieving your NDA coaching goals in Dehradun.
UPSC has fixed CDS 1 2027 for 11 April 2027, with the notification on 2 December 2026. Official dates, seats, expected age limits, exam pattern and a 22-week plan.
UPSC has fixed the NDA 1 2027 exam for 11 April 2027, with the notification on 2 December 2026. Official dates, expected eligibility, exam pattern and a 22-week plan.
How to Pass the OIR Test (Officer Intelligence Rating) with High Grades Table of Contents What Is the OIR Test in SSB? The OIR test is a reasoning test conducted on Day 1 of SSB screening to assess your logical thinking, speed, and problem-solving skills. OIR stands for Officer Intelligence Rating. The test includes basic school-level questions on verbal and non-verbal reasoning, such as number series, analogies, coding-decoding, and patterns. To score high grades, practise regularly, improve accuracy, and manage time effectively. Aim to solve each question within 25–30 seconds to perform well in the test. The test usually has two booklets: Part Questions (approx.) Time (approx.) What it tests Verbal reasoning 40–50 17–30 minutes Words, numbers, logic Non-verbal reasoning 40–50 17–30 minutes Shapes, figures, patterns The exact count and time change from batch to batch, so always follow the testing officer’s instructions. The OIR is part of the SSB stage that follows the written exams such as NDA, CDS and AFCAT, so it matters for every defence aspirant. OIR Rating Scale: What Each Grade Means A higher OIR grade means a higher chance of staying in the SSB after Day 1 screening, and OIR-1 is the best rating. The board looks at your rating together with your PPDT performance, mostly when your result is borderline. The score bands below are commonly shared by SSB mentors. Treat them as a rough guide, because the official cut-offs are not published. Rating Level Approx. score Effect on screening OIR-1 Outstanding 90% and above Strong support if PPDT is average OIR-2 Excellent 80–89% Safe zone OIR-3 Good 70–79% PPDT must be strong OIR-4 Average 60–69% Higher risk of screen-out OIR-5 Low Below 60% Very difficult to continue So, aim for OIR-1 or OIR-2. A strong rating also supports your Officer Like Qualities (OLQ) profile during the rest of the SSB. OIR Test Syllabus: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning The OIR syllabus has two parts: verbal reasoning (words, numbers, logic) and non-verbal reasoning (pictures and shapes). Both parts come from Class 10 level reasoning, so regular practice is enough to master them. Verbal Reasoning Topics Verbal reasoning questions test your ability to read short statements and reach the right answer fast. Practise these topics: Number and alphabet series: find the missing term in a pattern. Learn squares up to 20 and cubes up to 10. Coding-decoding: if a word is coded by shifting letters, decode a new word. Write A–Z with numbers on your rough sheet first. Blood relations: draw a small family tree instead of solving in your head. Direction sense: sketch the path with arrows and find the final direction or distance. Dictionary order and ranking: arrange words or people in order and pick the correct position. Analogies and odd one out: spot the link between words quickly. Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics Non-verbal reasoning questions test how well you can see patterns and spatial changes in figures. Focus on these: Figure series: track rotation, shading and movement of shapes. Dice and cubes: use the common-face rule to find the opposite face. Mirror and water images: check which side the mirror is placed on. Embedded figures: find a small shape hidden in a bigger drawing. Paper folding and cutting: unfold the paper step by step in your mind. Do not skip non-verbal practice. Many candidates are weaker here, so a little extra time can lift your overall rating. Time Management: The 3-Sweep Method 30-Day OIR Practice Plan A 30-day plan of daily timed practice is enough to improve speed and accuracy for most aspirants. Follow this simple schedule: Days 1–10 (Learn): revise formulas, tricks and shortcuts for each topic. Solve 20 questions daily without a timer. Days 11–20 (Speed): solve 40 mixed questions in 20 minutes. Note your mistakes in a small diary. Days 21–30 (Test): attempt one full verbal and one full non-verbal mock daily under exam rules. Review wrong answers the same day. Use a standard reasoning book and previous SSB-style practice sets. Practise on paper, not on a phone, because the real test uses a printed booklet and an OMR sheet. Also read the official updates on Join Indian Army so you know the selection process well. Common Mistakes to Avoid The most common OIR mistakes are spending too long on one question, leaving bubbles blank and ignoring non-verbal practice. Avoid these errors: Getting stuck on a favourite topic and wasting minutes. Marking answers in the wrong OMR row. Practising without a timer. Learning tricks but never taking full mock tests. Reaching the centre tired because of late-night study. Sleep well before Day 1. A calm mind solves reasoning questions faster. How Cadets Defence Academy Can Help Cadets Defence Academy in Dehradun helps aspirants prepare for the OIR test through regular practice, mock tests and guidance from experienced mentors. Our students get Day 1 training along with the full SSB process, including PPDT, psychology tests and GTO tasks. Explore our SSB coaching in Dehradun to practise under real board conditions. If you are preparing for the written exam first, see our NDA coaching, NDA Foundation course or CDS coaching. You can also pick up our defence exam books, and register online for the upcoming batch. Final Words Scoring a high OIR rating becomes easier with smart practice. Learn the verbal and non-verbal topics, use the 3-sweep method, attempt every question, and take timed mocks daily. A strong OIR rating gives you a safer start on Day 1 of the SSB. Start early, stay consistent, and take expert guidance from Cadets Defence Academy, Dehradun, to move closer to your officer dream. Frequently Asked Questions What is a good score in the OIR test? A score of about 80% or more, which usually gives OIR-1 or OIR-2, is considered good. Official cut-offs are not published, so aim as high as you can. Is there negative marking in the OIR test? No, the OIR test has no negative marking. Attempt every question, and guess the remaining ones in the last minute. How many