What is the duration of each subject paper in CDS 2026 exam?

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, General Knowledge and Mathematics all have two hours duration. 2. For Officers' Training Academy (OTA)-English and GK for both separately 2 hours duration

How many papers are there in the CDS 2026 exam?

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

How many papers are there in the CDS 2026 exam?

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

What is the duration of each subject paper in CDS 2026 exam?

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, General Knowledge and Mathematics all have two hours duration. 2. For Officers' Training Academy (OTA)-English and GK for both separately 2 hours duration

Which book is best for Maths CDS preparation 2026?

It is important for a candidate to clear basics and concepts. Questions asked in this section are of Class 10 standard. Candidates can check below CDS Maths books that will help in the preparation: Mathematics for CDS by RS Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Aggarwal Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant Publications

What is the syllabus of CDS Math 2026?

The syllabus of Mathematics consists of Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.

What is the syllabus of CDS General knowledge?

The General Knowledge syllabus of CDS exam consists of History, Polity, Economics, Geography, Science, etc. The subject requires the knowledge of current events whether national or international. The CDS 1 2026 notification will be released on December 10.

What are the last month tips to prepare for CDS 1 2026 exam?

The CDS 2026 exam dates were released by the authority. In the last month of the preparation, candidates should focus more on revision of all the important topics. Give test regulary. Revise and update yourself with current affairs. Maintain physical and mental health. Take proper sleep. Revise and practice previous year question papers. Also, focus on time management, etc.

In which mode the CDS exam is conducted?

The CDS exam is conducted offline or pen and paper mode. Objective questions will be asked in the examination. Candidates need to mark their choices of answers in the sheet that was provided during the exam. CDS 1 2026 notification released on December 10.

Is there a negative marking in the CDS exam?

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.

How many vacancies are announced in CDS 2026?

The Union Public Service Commission released the CDS 1 examination 2026 vacancies on the official website. A total of 451 vacancies has been announced. The CDS 1 notification released on December 10.

What subjects are included in the General Knowledge section of the CDS exam?

In the CDS exam, the GK subject consists of Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Sociology, Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), Environment, Sports etc. It is advised to the candidates to know about the exam and solve previous year question papers.

What type of questions are asked in the CDS exam (INA, AFA, and IMA)?

In the CDS exam (INA, AFA, and IMA), multiple-choice questions are asked in all the papers. The General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers will be available in both languages, Hindi and English.

Is CDS Question Paper 2026 released officially?

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 do I download CDS Question papers 2026?

Candidates can check below the methods to download the CDS question papers for free. Visit our website; Shiksha.com. Create your profile by mentioning certain details. Once a profile is generated, you will be able to download the question papers for free. Download and save it.

What are the best books for the English subject for CDS preparation?

Some of the books, help candidates in their CDS preparation are given below: 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

Why is it important to give CDS mock tests?

The CDS exam is conducted twice a year for admission to IMA, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. Basically, it works as a tool for students to prepare for an upcoming exam. Candidate will get an idea of the actual examination. Mock tests make candidates realise their mistakes that must be taken care of before going to the exam.

Is the CDS exam online or offline?

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.

What are the CDS 2026 exam dates?

The Commission released the CDS 1 notification at upsconline.nic.in. It was released on December 10, 2025. The CDS 1 2026 application dates are December 12 to December 30, 2025. The UPSC CDS 1 exam will be held on April 12, 2026. On the other hand, CDS 2 notification will be announced on May 20, 2026 and the last date to apply will be June 9. The CDS 2 2026 exam will be conducted on September 13, 2026.

Is CDS Question Paper 2026 released officially?

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.

Is there a negative marking in the CDS exam?

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.

What is the syllabus of CDS General knowledge?

The General Knowledge syllabus of CDS exam consists of History, Polity, Economics, Geography, Science, etc. The subject requires the knowledge of current events whether national or international. The CDS 1 2026 notification will be released on December 10.

What are the last month tips to prepare for CDS 1 2026 exam?

The CDS 2026 exam dates were released by the authority. In the last month of the preparation, candidates should focus more on revision of all the important topics. Give test regulary. Revise and update yourself with current affairs. Maintain physical and mental health. Take proper sleep. Revise and practice previous year question papers. Also, focus on time management, etc.

What is the syllabus of CDS Math 2026?

The syllabus of Mathematics consists of Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.

Which book is best for Maths CDS preparation 2026?

It is important for a candidate to clear basics and concepts. Questions asked in this section are of Class 10 standard. Candidates can check below CDS Maths books that will help in the preparation: Mathematics for CDS by RS Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Aggarwal Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant Publications

What is the Full Form of CDS?

CDS full form is the Combined Defence Services Examination. While some people also refer CDS full form as Chief of Defence Staff, this rank is given to the head of the Indian Armed Forces. It is a national-level exam which is conducted twice a year in April and September.

Is CDS 2 2025 exam dates released?

Yes, the authority released the CDS 2 exam dates, notification at upsc.gov.in. The CDS 2 exam was conducted on September 14, 2025. Also, the CDS 2 notification was released on May 28. The last date to apply was June 17.

CDS Exam Pattern 2026: Check CDS 1 & 2 Paper Pattern

550 Students Q&A

Exam On - 12 Apr '26

Updated on Jan 9, 2026 16:51 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

CDS Exam Pattern 2026: The Commission releases the exam pattern for the UPSC CDS exam in the notification. The CDS 1 exam will be conducted on April 12, 2026. It is important for a candidate to have a clear understanding about the exam pattern. As, it will help in the preparation. The exam pattern is divided into written exam and SSB interview. For INA, AFA and IMA the pattern of an exam is same but for OTA it is slightly different.

The CDS exam will be held in an offline mode that is pen-paper based. The paper pattern highlights details including the marking scheme, total marks, exam duration, shift timings, etc. The written test carries 300 marks and for OTA it is 200 marks. SSB Interview for IMA, INA, and AFA is for 300 marks each while for OTA, it is 200. Scroll down to know in detail about the CDS exam pattern 2026.

Also Read:

CDS OTA Syllabus

CDS English Syllabus

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