The CDS written exam covers English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics (the Maths paper is not required for the OTA/Officers Training Academy entry).
Practise the full syllabus — free CDS mock →| Section | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English (120 Q) | 120 | 120 min |
| General Knowledge (120 Q) | 120 | 120 min |
| Elementary Mathematics (100 Q) | 100 | 120 min |
| Total | 340 | 360 min |
Marking: 1 mark per correct answer, -0.33 per wrong answer (negative marking). Scale: 0–340.
CDS is the gateway to the IMA, INA, AFA and OTA — and the syllabus you need depends on the academy you target (OTA does not require Mathematics). The written exam is followed by the SSB interview, which weighs as much as the written score.
The CDS syllabus covers English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics. The CDS written exam covers English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics (the Maths paper is not required for the OTA/Officers Training Academy entry).
Combined Defence Services Exam (UPSC) has 340 questions across 3 sections in 360 minutes, with negative marking of -0.33 per wrong answer.
CDS is organised into 3 sections: English (120 Q), General Knowledge (120 Q), Elementary Mathematics (100 Q).
Wrexa Edge offers 10 free full-length CDS mock tests that cover the entire syllabus in the real exam interface, with instant scoring and topic-wise analysis.