UPSC CDS exam pattern
UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination · यूपीएससी संयुक्त रक्षा सेवा परीक्षा
UPSC CDS is conducted in 3 stages: Written exam (IMA / INA / AFA), Written exam (OTA), SSB interview. Written exam (IMA / INA / AFA) is a Objective, OMR stage, with negative marking of One-third of the marks of that question.
Written exam (IMA / INA / AFA)
Objective, OMR300 marks360 minNegative: One-third of the marks of that question
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 100 |
Each paper is 2 hours.
Written exam (OTA)
Objective, OMR200 marks240 minNegative: One-third of the marks of that question
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 |
SSB interview
Intelligence and personality test300 marksNo negative marking
300 marks for IMA/INA/AFA; 200 for OTA.
Attempt a full UPSC CDS mock under this pattern
Practice for UPSC CDS
Reading the syllabus is step one. Timed practice under the real UPSC CDS pattern is what moves your score. Our partner platform EduJha offers practice with instant scoring and explanations.