CDS Official Question Paper 2026: Download Subject-wise Previous Year Question Papers PDFs

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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

Candidates can download the UPSC CDS 2026 recommended marks by the following manner:

• Visit at upsc.gov.in.
• Click on the CDS 2026 recommended marks link.
• Click on the PDF link.
• The marks PDF will appear on the screen. 
• Download and save it for later use.

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

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