UPSC CDS Exam Pattern (2026)
Everything you need to know about the exam pattern for the Combined Defence Services Examination organized by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Tackle the high competition (~0.2% (Approx. 7,000-8,000 clear written out of 3-4 Lakhs; ~400-500 final selection) success rate) and hard difficulty with these detailed insights.
Stages & Pattern
Written Examination
Paper 1: English (objective)
Duration: 2 hours mins | Marks: 100 | Negative Marking: 1/3 of allotted marks deducted for each wrong answer
Paper 2: General Knowledge (objective)
Duration: 2 hours mins | Marks: 100 | Negative Marking: 1/3 of allotted marks deducted for each wrong answer
Paper 3: Elementary Mathematics (Not for OTA) (objective)
Duration: 2 hours mins | Marks: 100 | Negative Marking: 1/3 of allotted marks deducted for each wrong answer
Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
Stage I: Screening Test (objective/descriptive)
Duration: 1 Day mins | Marks: Qualifying | Negative Marking: No
Stage II: Main Assessment (descriptive/practical)
Duration: 4 Days mins | Marks: 300 (IMA/INA/AFA) / 200 (OTA) | Negative Marking: No