CDS
Conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
About this exam
The CDS (Combined Defence Services) Examination is a national-level entrance test conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to recruit graduates as officers into the Indian Military Academy, the Indian Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Officers Training Academy. It has two tracks. Candidates for the IMA, INA and AFA take three papers (English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics), each of 100 marks in two hours, for a total of 300 marks. Candidates for the OTA take only two papers (English and General Knowledge), for a total of 200 marks, with no Mathematics paper. Every question is multiple choice with four options; the papers carry one-third negative marking. The English paper is at graduate level, the General Knowledge paper covers history, geography, polity, economics, general science, current affairs and defence, and the Elementary Mathematics paper is at the matriculation (class 10) level, which makes it easier than the NDA Mathematics paper. The papers are set in English and Hindi except the English paper. Candidates who clear the written examination are called for a separate five-day SSB Interview of 300 marks, and the final merit is based on the written plus interview total.
Eligibility
Candidates must be Indian citizens (or per UPSC norms) aged about 19 to 25 years, with the exact window varying by academy. For the IMA and OTA: a graduate degree in any discipline. For the AFA: a graduate degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2, or a degree in engineering. For the INA: a degree in engineering, or in science with Physics and Mathematics. The OTA admits both men and women (Short Service Commission); the IMA, INA and AFA have their own eligibility per the UPSC notification. Confirm the exact age, marital status and educational conditions against the live CDS notification.
Important Dates
Conducted by UPSC twice a year: CDS I (notification ~December, exam ~April) and CDS II (notification ~May, exam ~September or November). CDS I 2026 was held on 12 April 2026. Treat CDS II 2026 and later dates as tentative until the official UPSC notification is published.
Exam Pattern
| Section | Qs | Marks | Negative | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 99.6 | 0.28 | 360 min |
| General Science | 30 | 24.9 | 0.28 | 360 min |
| Social Science | 55 | 45.65 | 0.28 | 360 min |
| General Awareness | 35 | 29.05 | 0.28 | 360 min |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 0.33 | 360 min |
| Total | 340 | 299.2 | 360 min |
One timer for the whole paper.
| Section | Qs | Marks | Negative | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 99.6 | 0.28 | 240 min |
| General Science | 30 | 24.9 | 0.28 | 240 min |
| Social Science | 55 | 45.65 | 0.28 | 240 min |
| General Awareness | 35 | 29.05 | 0.28 | 240 min |
| Total | 240 | 199.2 | 240 min |
One timer for the whole paper.
Pattern as configured for our mock tests. Always confirm against the official notification.
Exam Tiers
Available Test Series
Frequently asked questions
No. Quiz4Exam is an independent practice platform. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any exam-conducting body. We use the CDS name only to identify the exam you are practicing for.
Yes. There is a free starter series for CDS with full mocks and sectional samples. Premium series, exam packages, and subscriptions unlock the full set.
Yes. Every test mirrors the real CDS pattern, timing, and marking scheme, including sectional time limits and negative marking where applicable.
CDS practice is available in English and Hindi. You can switch language any time during a test.
Yes. Scoring is instant, with section-wise analysis, an indicative All India Rank, and percentile.