• Updated on 10 Sept, 2026 by Arshi Ansari
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The CDS Exam Pattern 2026 has been defined in the official notification released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The CDS Selection Process is divided into two stages, consisting of a written examination and an SSB Interview. Candidates are assessed through the written examination and the subsequent intelligence and personality assessment conducted at the Services Selection Centres.
The CDS Written Exam Pattern consists of objective-type papers covering English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. Candidates appearing for IMA, INA and AFA take all three papers, while OTA candidates take only English and General Knowledge. The CDS 2 Written Exam 2026 is scheduled for September 13, 2026. UPSC has scheduled the English paper from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, General Knowledge from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and Elementary Mathematics from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
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CDS Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights
The CDS Paper Pattern 2026 consists of an objective-type written examination followed by the SSB Interview. The examination is conducted in offline mode. The written examination pattern differs for OTA because OTA candidates do not have an Elementary Mathematics paper, whereas IMA, INA and AFA candidates appear for three papers.
CDS Selection Process 2026
The CDS Selection Process 2026 comprises a written examination followed by an interview for intelligence and personality assessment. Candidates who qualify the written examination as per the prescribed standards are called for the SSB stage. The maximum marks allotted to the written examination and interview are equal for each academy.
Note: The CDS selection process therefore evaluates candidates through both the written examination and the SSB assessment.
Check: CDS Syllabus 2026
CDS Written Exam Pattern 2026
The CDS Written Exam Pattern differs for OTA compared with IMA, INA and AFA. Candidates applying for IMA, INA and AFA must attempt three papers, while OTA candidates appear for two papers. Each paper is of two hours long.
CDS IMA/INA/AFA Exam Pattern 2026
The CDS IMA INA AFA exam pattern includes English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. Each paper carries 100 marks, making the written examination worth 300 marks in total.
The CDS exam pattern for IMA, INA and AFA therefore includes three separate papers conducted for two hours each.
CDS OTA Exam Pattern 2026
The CDS OTA exam pattern consists of English and General Knowledge. Each paper carries 100 marks, making the total written examination worth 200 marks. OTA candidates do not have an Elementary Mathematics paper.
CDS SSB Interview 2026
The CDS SSB Interview 2026 is conducted for candidates who qualify the written examination. The SSB stage involves an intelligence and personality assessment at the Services Selection Centres. Candidates are assessed through the prescribed SSB process before final selection. UPSC states that candidates who qualify the written examination are detailed for the intelligence and personality test at the Services Selection Board.
Note: The CDS SSB Interview carries marks equal to those allotted to the written examination for the respective academy.
CDS Marking Scheme 2026
The CDS Marking Scheme includes negative marking for incorrect answers. UPSC prescribes a deduction of one-third of the marks assigned to the question for an incorrect answer. There is no penalty for questions that are left unanswered.
Note: Candidates should therefore avoid making random guesses because incorrect responses result in negative marking.
CDS Preparation Tips 2026
The CDS Preparation Tips 2026 should be aligned with the CDS exam pattern and syllabus. Candidates can improve their performance by understanding the paper structure, practising previous-year questions and regularly taking mock tests.
- Focus on grammar, comprehension and vocabulary for the English section.
- Revise static GK along with important current affairs.
- Practise CDS previous year questions to understand the difficulty level and improve speed.
- Solve mathematics questions regularly if appearing for IMA, INA or AFA.
- Take CDS mock tests to improve time management and accuracy.
- Revise important concepts regularly instead of relying only on last-minute preparation.
- Prepare for the SSB stage by working on communication, reasoning, decision-making and other officer-like qualities.
Check: CDS Admit Card 2026
CDS Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
What is the exam date for CDS 1 2026?
The CDS 1 2026 examination was conducted on April 12, 2026.
What is the exam date for CDS 2 2026?
The CDS 2 2026 written examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026.
How many papers are there in the CDS written exam pattern for IMA, INA, and AFA?
IMA, INA and AFA candidates appear for three papers: English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.
Is Mathematics compulsory for OTA candidates in CDS 2026?
No. Mathematics is not included in the OTA written examination. OTA candidates appear for English and General Knowledge.
What is the CDS exam duration for each paper?
Each CDS written paper has a duration of two hours.
Is there negative marking in the CDS 2026 exam?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for an incorrect answer. There is no penalty for an unanswered question.
What is the total marks distribution for the CDS 2026 examination?
The written examination carries 300 marks for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 marks for OTA. The SSB Interview also carries 300 marks for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 marks for OTA.
In which languages are the CDS 2026 question papers set?
The General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics question papers are set in both Hindi and English. The English paper is in English.
What is the selection process of CDS 2026?
The CDS selection process consists of the written examination followed by the SSB Interview for candidates who qualify the written stage.
Are calculators allowed in the CDS 2026 examination?
No. Candidates are not permitted to use calculators for the objective-type written papers.
What type of questions are asked in the CDS 2026 exam?
The CDS written examination consists of objective-type questions. IMA, INA and AFA candidates answer questions from English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, while OTA candidates answer English and General Knowledge papers.
Who decides the qualifying marks in the CDS exam?
The UPSC has the discretion to fix qualifying marks in any or all subjects of the examination.
What is the CDS paper pattern for OTA?
The OTA written examination consists of two papers, English and General Knowledge, with 100 marks for each paper. The total is 200 marks.
What is the CDS paper pattern for IMA, INA and AFA?
The IMA, INA and AFA written examination consists of English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, with each paper carrying 100 marks. The total is 300 marks.
Is the CDS exam conducted online or offline?
The CDS written examination is conducted in offline, pen-and-paper mode.
What is the CDS exam pattern and marking scheme?
The CDS written examination consists of objective-type papers. Each paper is of two hours, and incorrect answers attract a deduction of one-third of the marks assigned to that question.