CDS Written Exam Pattern & Preparation Strategy (2026)
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination by UPSC is the primary graduate entry to IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. Written exam difficulty is moderate for graduates but GK depth is higher than NDA. Clearing written opens your SSB slot — the real selection bottleneck.
Paper pattern
Pick papers based on academy choice in application form.
- English: 100 marks — comprehension, grammar, vocabulary.
- General Knowledge: 100 marks — broad static GK + defence awareness.
- Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks — Class 10 level; **not required for OTA**.
- Each paper 2 hours; negative marking applies.
GK focus areas
- Indian Polity & Constitution, History, Geography, Economy headlines.
- Defence: ranks, commands, recent exercises, Chief of staff names (verify current).
- Science basics — NCERT Class 8–10 sufficient for Elementary Maths adjacent topics.
Link to SSB
- CDS SSB is identical to NDA SSB — 5 days, same psychology tests.
- Graduate entries: IO probes college life, job experience deeper than NDA.
- Start WAT/SRT simulators early — graduates often under-practice psychology.
Frequently asked questions
Is CDS Maths really elementary?
Class 10 level — but time pressure makes it tricky. OTA candidates skip this paper entirely.