CDS 2026 Exam Pattern 🚀

So, you’re planning to join the prestigious Indian Armed Forces through the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in 2026? 🎯 Well, buckle up because we’re about to break down the entire CDS 2026 Exam Pattern, giving you the cheat sheet to ace it with ease! Let’s get to it.

Before diving into the exam pattern, it’s important to understand why the CDS exam is such a big deal. It’s the golden ticket for anyone dreaming of serving in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. 💪 Every year, thousands of hopefuls apply, but only a few make it to the prestigious institutions like IMA (Indian Military Academy), OTA (Officers Training Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), and AFA (Air Force Academy).

If you’re thinking about cracking the exam, knowing the right pattern will give you a head start. The CDS 2026 exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to test your knowledge and decision-making abilities. So, let’s jump straight into the details!

CDS 2026 Exam Pattern Overview 📝

The CDS exam pattern for 2026 is divided into three main sections:

• For IMA, INA, and AFA (For Graduate Entry)
• For OTA (For Non-Graduate Entry)

The key difference between these two is the inclusion of an additional paper for the IMA, INA, and AFA exams, which is General Knowledge. Let’s break this down into bite-sized details!

1. Exam Duration & Structure ⏰

The CDS exam is divided into two phases:

• Written Exam: It’s the first hurdle! It consists of three papers (for IMA, INA, and AFA) or two papers (for OTA). Each paper lasts for 2 hours.
• Interview: This is where your communication, personality, and general knowledge are tested. The interview is conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

Here’s the breakdown of the written exam pattern in tabular form:

Note: The General Knowledge paper for IMA/INA/AFA and OTA is common, testing your awareness of current events, general science, history, geography, economics, and more! 🌍

2. Marking Scheme & Negative Marking ⚖️

Now that we know the structure, let’s talk about scoring. Here’s the kicker – there is negative marking! 😱 For every incorrect answer, you lose one-third of the marks allotted to that question. So, don’t go guessing blindly, folks! 😅

Example:

• If a question carries 1 mark and you answer incorrectly, you lose 0.33 marks.
• If a question carries 2 marks, an incorrect answer will cost you 0.67 marks. Ouch!

3. Sections of the CDS Exam (Let’s Get into the Details) 📚

Let’s dive deeper into each section of the exam. Here’s a detailed overview of what to expect from each subject.

English 🗣️

This paper evaluates your English proficiency, testing your vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and comprehension skills. Whether it’s spotting the right synonym, fixing grammatical errors, or understanding an English passage – this paper will test it all!

Topics Covered:

• Comprehension
• Error Spotting
• Synonyms & Antonyms
• Fill in the Blanks
• Sentence Completion

General Knowledge 🌎

The General Knowledge paper is a must for IMA, INA, and AFA aspirants. It covers a wide range of topics from current affairs to history, geography, economics, and general science. The aim? To check your awareness of the world around you. 📈

Topics Covered:

• Current Affairs: National & International
• History: Indian and World History
• Geography: Physical, Economic, and Social Geography
• General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• Economics: Basics of Indian Economy

Elementary Mathematics ✖️➗

The math paper is designed to test your numerical aptitude. From algebra to geometry, be prepared to crunch some numbers! 🧮 Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science (although the numbers might seem like it!).

Topics Covered:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Statistics
• Mensuration

4. Physical & Medical Fitness 💪

While acing the exam is important, physical and medical standards are also part of the process. So, start working on your fitness game if you haven’t already. 🏋️‍♂️ Each academy has its own physical fitness standards, so be prepared for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) as well.

5. SSB Interview Process 🎤

After you clear the written exam, you move on to the SSB Interview. This is a 5-day process where your personality, intelligence, and decision-making skills are thoroughly tested. It includes activities like group discussions, personal interviews, and psychological tests.

The CDS 2026 exam pattern might seem intimidating at first, but with the right preparation, you can conquer it! 💥 Focus on mastering each section – English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. Stay updated on current affairs, and keep practicing mathematics problems.

Most importantly, have fun with the journey! The path to serving in the Indian Armed Forces is a rewarding one, and the CDS exam is your first step. 🏆 So, roll up your sleeves, put in the effort, and get ready to shine!