CDS Official Question Paper 2026: Download Subject-wise Previous Year Question Papers PDFs
Combined Defence Services Exam 2025 ( CDS )
Registration - 10 Dec '25 - 30 Dec '25
CDS Question Papers 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the CDS 2026 question papers officially on the website at upsc.gov.in. The CDS 1 exam will be conducted on April 12, 2026. Candidates can also check below CDS English, GK and Maths question papers officially. Solving CDS question papers will help aspirants to know the questions asked in the CDS exam, the level of difficulty, the CDS exam pattern weightage given to the topics, and important segments of the syllabus. The question papers/sample papers are the best resources for preparation. Candidates can download CDS question paper PDF from this page for different sets of test booklets- A, B, C, and D for English, GK, and Maths. Candidates will also be able to refer to the CDS 1& 2 question papers while checking the CDS Answer Key.
Also Read: CDS Preparation Tips
- CDS 1 & 2 2026 English, GK & Maths Question Paper (Official)
- CDS Previous Years Question Papers
- What is CDS Previous Year Paper?
- CDS Previous Year Question Paper
- Importance of UPSC CDS Question Papers
- How to Challenge CDS Question Papers 2026?
- CDS Exam Pattern 2026
- CDS Syllabus 2026
- CDS Sample Paper FAQs 2026
CDS 1 & 2 2026 English, GK & Maths Question Paper (Official)
Candidates will be able to check the UPSC CDS 1 & 2 2026 Question papers below once released officially. Till then candidates can check below the 2025 and 2024 question papers.
CDS 2 2025 English, GK & Maths Official Question Papers
Candidates can check here the CDS 2 2025 English, GK and Maths official question paper pdf.
| Paper | Download PDF |
|---|---|
| CDS 2 English Paper 2025 PDF (Set A) | Download Here |
| CDS 2 GK Paper 2025 PDF (Set A) | Download Here |
| CDS 2 Maths Paper 2025 PDF (Set A) | Download Here |
CDS 1 2025 English, GK & Maths Official Question Papers
Candidates can check here the CDS 1 2025 English, GK and Maths official question paper pdf.
| Paper | Download PDF |
|---|---|
| CDS 1 English Paper 2025 PDF (Set A) | Download Here |
| CDS 1 GK Paper 2025 PDF (Set A) | Download Here |
| CDS 1 Maths Paper 2025 PDF (Set A) | Download Here |
CDS 2 2024 English, GK and Maths question paper
Candidates can check here the CDS 2 2024 English, GK and Maths question paper pdf officially.
| Paper | Download PDF |
|---|---|
| CDS 2 English Paper 2024 PDF (Set A) | Download Here |
| CDS 2 GK Paper 2024 PDF (Set A) | Download Here |
| CDS 2 Maths Paper 2024 PDF (Set A) | Download Here |
Commonly asked questions
Yes, the examination authority will release the CDS Question Papers 2026 officially at upsc.gov.in. The question papers will be released in the form of PDF. Candidates can download the CDS question papers 2026 from this page also for free. The question papers will help candidates to check the difficulty level of the exam, questions asked, pattern changed or not, etc.
Download previous year CDS question papers and sample papers. Use them for practice and improve your speed and accuracy. You can download CDS previous year question papers and the preparation guides for free.
CDS Previous Years Question Papers
CDS 1 2024 Question Papers
CDS 2 2023 Question Papers
CDS 1 2023 Question Papers
CDS 2022 Question Papers
CDS 2021 Question Papers
CDS 2020 Question Papers
CDS 2019 Question Papers
CDS 2017 Question Papers
CDS 2018 Question Papers
CDS 2016 Question Papers
CDS 2015 Question Papers
What is CDS Previous Year Paper?
Do CDS Questions Repeat?
Commonly asked questions
In CDS, written exam comprises three papers namely English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics aiming for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA). There are two papers for candidates aiming for the Officers Training academy (OTA).
For IMA, INA, AFA: English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics
For OTA: English and General Knowledge
CDS Previous Year Question Paper
When beginning with the preparation, it is important to go through CDS previous years' question papers to know the pattern of questions asked in the exam. Solving them help candidates to understand the types of questions, nature and difficulty level asked in the examination.
Related Links: CDS Admit Card
Commonly asked questions
In the last month of preparation for CDS 1 2026, candidates should focus on comprehensive revision of all the key topics, practice mock tests regularly, Work on weak areas, frequent revision, update yourself with current affairs, maintain physical and mental health, focus on areas in which you feel less confident, go through previous year question papers, analyse performance after each mock test, focus on time management, etc.
The duration of each subject paper in the CDS 2026 exam is mentioned below:
1. For Admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy:
English: 2 hours duration
General Knowledge: 2 hours duration
Mathematics: 2 hours duration
2. For Officers' Training Academy (OTA)
English: 2 hours duration
General Knowledge: 2 hours duration
Importance of UPSC CDS Question Papers
Familiarity with CDS Exam Pattern
The best way to crack the exam is to develop an understanding of CDS exam pattern. Referring to previous year question papers helps candidates to do this by providing them with the necessary information about the CDS syllabus and topics asked in the exam. It also helps in determining the weightage of marks allotted to different topics. Accordingly, candidates can draft preparation strategies for the exam.
Understanding of Question Format
CDS question papers offer a detailed understanding of the type, nature, and format of questions asked in the exam. Besides, they also explain to candidates the level of difficulty of questions from a particular section.
Helps in Finding Important Topics
Going through CDS question papers, candidates are able to find out the important topics. There are certain topics that are asked every year in the exam. Candidates can prepare those topics for the exam in priority.
Helps in Practice
We all know Practice Makes Man Perfect. The more candidates solve CDS question papers, the more they will be familiar with the type and nature of questions being asked in the exam. It will help candidates to learn time management during exams. It also improves the speed and accuracy of candidates.
Assesses Performance
CDS question papers help candidates about their preparation and track their progress. It also helps in identifying the weak and strong areas. Accordingly, candidates can beef up their preparation to improve the weak areas.
Commonly asked questions
Yes, the examination authority will release the CDS Question Papers 2026 officially at upsc.gov.in. The question papers will be released in the form of PDF. Candidates can download the CDS question papers 2026 from this page also for free. The question papers will help candidates to check the difficulty level of the exam, questions asked, pattern changed or not, etc.
How to Challenge CDS Question Papers 2026?
Candidates have the facility to challenge CDS question papers released by UPSC. The process is given below:
- Candidates can challenge the question papers through Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep)
- For each exam, the commission has fixed a time frame of seven days
- To raise objections, candidates need to enter details like roll number, date of birth, and random image
- After entering these details, candidates must submit their challenges
Commonly asked questions
In the CDS exam, the General Knowledge section consists of subjects including Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Defence-related knowledge, Sociology, Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), Environment, Sports, Culture, etc. It is advised to the candidates to analyse the CDS exam and solve previous year question papers.
CDS Exam Pattern 2026
CDS 1 exam 2026 will be conducted offline. The exam for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) comprises three sections. The test for these academies carries 300 marks. The exam pattern of the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) has two sections. The total marks for the exam are 200. Candidates qualifying for the written exam are called for SSB Interview.
Commonly asked questions
In CDS, written exam comprises three papers namely English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics aiming for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA). There are two papers for candidates aiming for the Officers Training academy (OTA).
For IMA, INA, AFA: English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics
For OTA: English and General Knowledge
In the CDS exam, the General Knowledge section consists of subjects including Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Defence-related knowledge, Sociology, Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), Environment, Sports, Culture, etc. It is advised to the candidates to analyse the CDS exam and solve previous year question papers.
CDS Syllabus 2026
To solve CDS's previous year's question paper, candidates need to be well aware of the syllabus. We have provided below the syllabus for English, GK and Maths.
| Subjects | Topics |
|---|---|
| English |
Antonyms, Sentence improvement, Comprehension, Synonyms, Spotting Errors, etc. |
| General Knowledge |
Economics, Current Awareness, Defence, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, etc. |
| Elementary Maths |
Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics, etc. |
Read More: CDS Books
Commonly asked questions
General Knowledge section test awareness of current events and general knowledge of the candidates. Important topics include history of India, Geography, Current Affairs, Indian Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Defence news, etc.
The syllabus of Mathematics consists of Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.
CDS Sample Paper FAQs 2026
Commonly asked questions
The CDS exam is conducted in two stages, the written exam and the SSB interview. The CDS exam is an offline exam conducted in pen paper-based format. The CDS marking scheme, negative marking, total marks, exam timing, and the paper pattern for the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA are available on this page for the CDS exam.
CDS Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
Here are the list of some of the books which can help candidates in their preparation.
- High School English Grammar & Composition Edition by Wren and Martin
- Objective General English by SP Bakshi
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- English Grammar & Composition by S.C Gupta
J
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
The authority released a total of 453 vacancies for the CDS 2 exam 2025 for admission to the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy for courses.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
It is recommended to the candidates to reach the CDS exam centre at least one hour prior to the reporting time. The CDS exam centre allotment is done on a first-apply-first-allot basis.
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, the English section of the CDS exam is scorable if it is prepared properly. Usually the difficulty level of the exam is moderate.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates can check the cut off marks for the CDS exam by visiting the official website at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC will release the cutoff according to the academy or course.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The steps to check the CDS cut off marks is provided below:
- Visit at upsc.gov.in
- Click on the :Examination" tab
- Go to the "Cut Off Marks" dropdown menu.
- Click on the download link and save it for future reference
I
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Yes. In the CDS exam there is a negative marking. One-third mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer. No mark will be deducted for unanswered questions.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
The CDS exam is conducted in an offline mode that is in a pen-paper mode. The exam consists of objective type questions and need to mark their answers in an OMR sheet.
J
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, the CDS 2 application last date to apply was extended to June 20 from June 17, 2025. A one-time extension was provided by the commission. The application correction window was opened from July 7 to July 9, 2025.
S
Contributor-Level 6
UGC NET 2025 Dec Application 7 Oct '25 - 7 Nov '25
What are the best books for the English subject for CDS preparation?