| Academy | English | General Knowledge | Mathematics |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| INA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AFA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OTA | Yes | Yes | No |
CDS 2026 Question Paper Pattern
IMA, INA and AFA
| Paper | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 6 Hours | 300 |
OTA
| Paper | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 4 Hours | 200 |
The question papers contain objective-type questions. Candidates should check the latest UPSC notification for the applicable marking rules.
CDS 2026 Previous Year Question Papers
UPSC provides CDS question papers through its Previous Year Question Papers section. The official archive currently includes CDS papers from several examination years.
| CDS Exam | Available Papers |
| CDS I 2026 | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
| CDS II 2025 | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
| CDS I 2025 | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
| CDS II 2024 | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
| CDS I 2024 | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
| CDS II 2023 | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
| CDS I 2023 | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
| CDS II 2022 | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
| CDS I 2022 | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
CDS 2026 Question Paper PDF
Candidates can download the official CDS question papers from the UPSC website.
The UPSC question paper page provides separate PDF files for each subject. For example, the CDS I 2026 section includes English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers.
Official source: UPSC Previous Year Question Papers
CDS 2026 English Question Paper
The English paper tests your understanding of the language and your ability to use words and sentences correctly.
| Area | What You May Find |
| Grammar | Sentence-based questions |
| Vocabulary | Word meanings and usage |
| Synonyms | Similar meanings |
| Antonyms | Opposite meanings |
| Comprehension | Passage-based questions |
| Sentence Usage | Correct usage of words |
| Error Detection | Identifying mistakes |
Solving previous English papers can help you improve vocabulary, grammar and question-solving speed.
CDS 2026 General Knowledge Question Paper
The General Knowledge paper covers different areas of general awareness.
| Area | Examples |
| History | Indian history and major events |
| Geography | India and world geography |
| Polity | Constitution and government |
| Economy | Basic economic concepts |
| Science | Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| Current Affairs | Recent national and international events |
| Defence | Defence-related developments |
For this paper, solving previous papers alongside current affairs revision gives you a better idea of the type of questions asked.
CDS 2026 Mathematics Question Paper
The Elementary Mathematics paper applies to candidates appearing for IMA, INA and AFA.
| Topic | Important Areas |
| Arithmetic | Percentage, ratio, average, profit and loss |
| Algebra | Equations, identities and basic algebra |
| Geometry | Lines, angles, triangles and circles |
| Mensuration | Area, surface area and volume |
| Trigonometry | Ratios, identities and applications |
| Statistics | Basic statistical concepts |
How to Use CDS Previous Year Papers
| Step | What to Do |
| 1 | Download an official CDS question paper |
| 2 | Choose one subject |
| 3 | Set the actual exam time |
| 4 | Solve without checking answers |
| 5 | Calculate your score |
| 6 | Review incorrect answers |
| 7 | Identify weak topics |
| 8 | Revise those topics |
| 9 | Attempt another paper |
Benefits of Solving CDS Question Papers
| Benefit | How It Helps |
| Understand Exam Pattern | Shows the actual paper structure |
| Improve Time Management | Helps you practise under a time limit |
| Find Weak Topics | Shows where you make mistakes |
| Improve Accuracy | Reduces repeated errors |
| Build Confidence | Makes the exam format familiar |
| Track Progress | Lets you compare scores over time |
CDS Question Paper and Mock Tests
Previous year papers and mock tests serve different purposes.
| Previous Year Paper | Mock Test |
| Based on an actual UPSC examination | Created as practice |
| Shows real question style | Simulates the exam |
| Useful for understanding trends | Useful for regular practice |
| Helps analyse past questions | Helps improve speed and accuracy |
Use both during preparation rather than depending on only one.