CDS Exam Pattern 2026, Check Written Exam & SSB Marking Scheme

CDS Exam Pattern 2026 is prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the written exam stage of the Combined Defence Services selection process. For IMA, INA, and AFA, the exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, each carrying 100 marks, with objective questions and 1/3rd negative marking for incorrect answers. For OTA, the written test consists of English and General Knowledge only, 100 marks each, without Mathematics. In CDS exam 2026, candidates must qualify written exam to proceed to the SSB interview.

CDS Exam Pattern 2026 for IMA, INA, AFA

There are three stages in CDS exam 2026 for those candidates who apply for the posts of IMA, INA, and AFA.

CDS Exam Pattern 2026 for OTA

CDS Marking Scheme 2026

• +1 Mark for each correct answer
• ⅓ of the marks will be deducted for each wrong answer
• No Negative marking for unattempted questions

CDS Marking Scheme 2026 for IMA, INA, AFA

CDS Marking Scheme 2026 for OTA

The following table shows the Marking scheme for the Officer Training Academy (OTA):

CDS SSB Interview 2026

CDS SSB Interview 2026 is the second stage of CDS selection process 2026 conducted by the Services Selection Board. It is a five-day assessment designed to evaluate a candidate’s personality, intelligence, leadership skills, and officer-like qualities. The process includes screening tests, psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview. Candidates are assessed on communication skills, decision-making ability, and teamwork. Those who qualify the SSB stage proceed to the medical exam round for final selection.

In CDS 2026, the SSB Interview marks depend on the academy:

• IMA, INA & AFA: SSB Interview carries 300 marks.
• OTA (Men & Women): SSB Interview carries 200 marks.

The final merit list is prepared by combining written exam marks + SSB interview marks.

CDS Selection Process 2026

CDS 2026 Selection Process is conducted to recruit eligible candidates into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The process is organised by UPSC along with SSB. Candidates must qualify for each stage, designed to assess academic knowledge, personality, and physical fitness.

1. Written Exam: The written exam is the first stage conducted by UPSC to shortlist candidates for further assessment. It includes objective-type papers based on English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.

2. SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the SSB Interview, which evaluates intelligence, personality, leadership qualities, and communication skills through psychological tests and group tasks.

3. Medical Exam: After clearing the SSB interview, candidates undergo a detailed medical test to ensure they meet the physical and medical standards required for defence services.

4. Final Merit List: The final selection is based on combined performance in the written examination and SSB interview. Candidates who meet all criteria and rank within the merit list receive joining instructions for their respective academies.

CDS 2026 Instructions to Fill OMR Sheet

Candidates are advised to follow the instructions to fill the OMR sheet very carefully as the answer sheets are to be evaluated on the machine and any violation of these instructions may result in the reduction of scores. Before marking responses on the Answer Sheet, aspirants have to fill in various particulars in it.

After receiving CDS Answer Sheet, candidates have to check that it is numbered at the bottom. If it is un-numbered, it has to be replaced by a numbered one. The top of the answer sheet will have the particulars shown in the figure below.

The following points should be kept in mind while filling CDS answer sheet:

• Write with a black ball pen only.
• The test Booklet Series will be indicated by Alphabets A, B, C, or D at the top right-hand corner of the Booklet.
• Find out the appropriate subject code from the test booklet. Thereafter, encode the test booklet series, subject code, and roll number by using a black pen.
• Write and encode the test booklet series after receiving the Test Booklet. For example, for the English paper of ‘A’ Test Booklet Series you have to encode the subject code, which is 01 as shown below:

• In the next step, you have to encode the Roll No. An example to encode the Roll Number is shown below.

• Candidates have to make sure that they have carefully encoded their subject Test Booklet series and Roll Number.

CDS Exam Pattern 2026 gives candidates a clear understanding of the written exam structure conducted by UPSC for defence academy admissions. It outlines subjects, marking schemes, and paper differences for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Knowing the exam pattern helps candidates plan preparation strategies and manage time effectively during the test. The inclusion of negative marking makes accuracy equally important as speed.