UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026 explains how the Combined Defence Services examination is designed for candidates joining the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The structure includes the number of papers, marks, subjects, and duration of each test. Understanding the cds exam pattern 2026 helps candidates prepare with clarity and focus. The written exam is conducted offline with objective-type questions in both Hindi and English. Knowing the marking system and negative marking rules is important for scoring well.

What is UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026?

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026 outlines the structure for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination. This pattern guides candidates preparing for entry into various military academies. Understanding the cds exam pattern 2026 is essential for strategic preparation. It includes details about subjects, marks distribution, and exam duration for each section. The UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026 varies for different military academies. The written test involves objective-type questions and is bilingual. The Combined Defence Services examination follows a structured format.

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Written Exam Structure

The written exam structure differs slightly based on the academy chosen. This defines how many papers in cds exam 2026 are present.

For IMA, INA, and AFA

Candidates for these academies face three subjects. Each subject carries 100 marks. The total marks of cds exam for these academies is 300.

For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)

OTA candidates do not take the Elementary Mathematics section. The total marks of cds exam for OTA are 200.

CDS Exam Marking Scheme 2026

The CDS exam marking scheme includes negative marking for incorrect answers.

• Each wrong answer leads to a 1/3rd mark deduction (0.33 times the mark assigned).
• Choosing two or more options for a single question also results in a 1/3rd mark deduction.
• There is no negative marking in cds exam for unattempted questions.

SSB Interview Pattern

The Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview carries 300 marks for IMA, INA, and AFA. For OTA, it is 200 marks. Performance is judged holistically by Interviewing Officer (IO), Psychologist, and Group Testing Officer (GTO).

• Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test, Picture Perception Description Test (PP & DT).
• Stage 2: Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, Conference.
  • Psychological Tests: Situation Reaction Test, Self Description Test, Word Association Test, Thematic Apperception Test.
  • Group Activities: Group Discussion, Group Obstacle Race, Lecturette, Group Planning Exercise, Individual Obstacles, Command Task, Final Group Task, Progressive Group Task, Half Group Task.

Answer Sheet Instructions

Candidates must follow instructions for filling the OMR sheet. Use a black ball pen only. Encode the Exam Booklet Series (A, B, C, or D), subject code, and roll number correctly. Incorrect filling can lead to score reduction.

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CDS Marks Distribution Subject

Exam analysis helps candidates understand the general trend of questions. This data on how many questions are asked in cds assists in preparation.

Elementary Mathematics

The cds marks distribution subject wise for Elementary Mathematics.

General Knowledge

The difficulty level of General Knowledge topics.

English

The topic-wise difficulty level and weightage for English.

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Key Rules of UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026

The UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026 includes specific rules for the written test and marking. Adherence to these rules is crucial for all candidates.

General Rules

The written exam for CDS has clear operational guidelines.

• All questions are objective type.
• Papers are available in both Hindi and English.
• Each section has a fixed duration of two hours.

Marking Rules

The marking system includes penalties for incorrect responses.

• One-third of the marks for a question are deducted for every wrong answer.
• If a candidate marks more than one answer for a question, one-third of the marks are deducted.
• No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.

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