CDS Exam Pattern 2024, Marking Scheme IMA, INA, AFA and OTA

Introduction

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts Combined Defence Services exam or the CDS Exam twice a year. This exam acts as an entrance test for admission into the various military academies. These academies are Indian Military Academy(IMA), Indian Naval Academy(INA), Air Force Academy(AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy(OTA).

To create a preparation strategy, all the candidates at first must be aware of the CDS Exam Pattern and the syllabus. This article will cover all the details about the CDS Exam Pattern 2024.

This blog will help candidates to understand other details like marking scheme for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA (negative marks for every incorrect answer), duration of each exam and much more.

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern Overview 2024
Exam Mode	Offline
Sections	Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA)- Three Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)- Two
Language of exam	Hindi and English
Exam Duration	Two hours for each section of the test
Total Marks	IMA, INA and AFA- 300 OTA- 200(It consists of 2 exam)
Exam Type	MCQ (Multiple Choice question)

CDS Exam Pattern 2024 - Written Test

CDS Exam Pattern 2024 is not same for all military academics. The exam conducted for the Officers’ Training Academy(OTA) is slightly different in terms of total number of sections. However, the questions in both papers will be objective type only. The exam will be in both English and Hindi language. Details of the exam are as follows:

CDS Exam Pattern For Indian Naval Academy (INA), Indian Military Academy(IMA), and Air Force Academy(AFA)

There will be three sections in the exam English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Each section will carry 100 marks and the duration will be 2 hours and for every incorrect answer one third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. Maths and GK question paper will be in both English and Hindi language.

Subjects	Exam Duration	Total Questions	Marks
English	2 hours	120	100
General Knowledge	2 hours	120	100
Elementary Mathematics	2 hours	100	100

CDS Exam Pattern for Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)

Elementary Mathematics section is not included in this exam. All other aspects like duration, exam language and total marks, negative marking scheme are same for this exam.

Subject	Exam Duration	Total Questions	Marks
English	2 hours	120	100
General Knowledge	2 hours	120	100

Marking Scheme For CDS Exam 2024

CDS written exam is in MCQ format and there will be four options for each question and for every wrong answer, every incorrect answer one third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted

If for a single question two or more choices have been marked as answers, it will be considered as wrong answer and as of penalty one third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted same as mentioned above.

There will be no penalty for unattempted questions

CDS Exam Details	Mathematics	English Exam	General Knowledge
Total marks	100	100	100
Marks for Negative marking	-0.33 marks for each wrong answer	-0.33 marks for each wrong answer	-0.33 marks for each wrong answer

CDS Syllabus 2024

Now you are aware of the exam pattern and marking scheme, have a look at the basic overview of the CDS exam Syllabus.

English

This section will evaluates candidates’ understanding of English. The level of English will be such as may be expected of a graduate of an Indian University.

Reading Comprehension.
Spotting the Error
Synonyms & Antonyms.
Idioms and Phrases.
Sentence Arrangement or Jumbled.
Ordering of words in Sentence.
Sentence Improvement or Sentence Correction

General Knowledge

Current affairs
Indian History
Political Science
Economics
Geography
Environment

Elementary Mathematics

Arithmetic
Geometry
Algebra
Trigonometry
Mensuration
Statistics

CDS exam Syllabus for OTA

Topics covered in CDS OTA examination are GK and English and the syllabus is same as for INA, IMA, and AFA. The only difference is that OTA exam doesn’t include mathematics.

FAQ

Yes, for every wrong answer one third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.

No, the exam pattern for OTA is slightly different from IMA, INA, and AFA because these 3 have three sections in exam (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics), while OTA has only two (English and General Knowledge) but the syllabus is same for all.

General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics exam is in both Hindi and English language.

No, Maths is not included in OTA exam.

Bachelor's degree is necessary from a UGC(University Grants Commission) recognized university.

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It is important to understand the CDS Exam Pattern 2024 for all the candidates who are aiming to join Indian armed force, this will help them to prepare for the exam. For IMA, INA, and AFA, there will be three exams: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, 100 marks each and. Syllabus for OTA candidates is same, the only difference is that they don’t have to give Maths exam. So, create your study schedule based on the exam syllabus, and prepare for your CDS Exam 2024.

If you need help for the CDS exam, Cadets Defence Academy, Best CDS Coaching in Dehradun will help you do so. With our experts guidance and comprehensive study materials, you will have all the skills and knowledge required to prepare for CDS exam.

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AFCAT 1 2026 – Admit card (Out), Exam Dates, Result, Cutoff

AFCAT 1 2026 – Admit card (Out), Exam Dates, Result, Cutoff Table of Contents The AFCAT 1 2026 – Admit card (Out) now, with exam dates set for January 31, 2026, results expected in March 2026, and a predicted cutoff of 160-170+ marks. it’s midnight on January 22, and nearly 2.5 lakh candidates are frantically logging in to the portal just to grab their hall tickets. Did you beat the rush, or were you stuck watching the loading circle of doom? Well, the wait is finally over because the AFCAT 1 2026 – Admit card (Out), Exam Dates, Result, Cutoff details are all here to get you through the finish line. Cadets Defence Academy, the leading best NDA coaching in Dehradun, I’ve seen thousands of students walk through our doors with the same dream: touching the sky with glory. AFCAT 1 2026 exam date and beyond. This guide will save your time, cut down that pre-exam stress, and hopefully, boost your final scores. AFCAT 1 2026 Admit Card Details The Indian Air Force (IAF) didn’t keep us waiting too long. They officially released the afcat 1 2026 admit card on January 22, 2026. If you haven’t checked yet, stop what you’re doing and head over to the official portal. This afcat 1 2026 e admit card is your golden ticket into the exam hall for the 01/2026 batch. How to Download Your Admit Card Step-by-Step Don’t worry, the afcat 1 2026 admit card download process is pretty straightforward, but I’ve seen people mess it up because of nerves. Follow these steps: Visit the official website: Go to afcat.cdac.in. Navigate to Login: Click on the “Candidate Login” section specifically for the 01/2026 cycle. Enter Credentials: Use your registered email ID and password. If you forgot your password, don’t panic—there’s a “Forgot Password” link that works via SMS. Download and Print: Once the afcat admit card link 2026 opens your file, download it. Pro Tip: Print at least two copies. We always recommend color prints because they make your photo and signature much clearer for the invigilator to verify. Key Info Printed on the Admit Card When you get your afcat 1 2026 hall ticket, don’t just look at your photo and close it. Check the exam center address and your specific afcat 1 2026 shift timing. You need to report at least 2 hours early. Last year, we had a 98% download success rate, but the 2% who failed usually had issues with their afcat 1 2026 registration details not matching their ID. Photo ID Rules: You MUST carry an original Aadhaar card or PAN card. No photocopies allowed! Verification: Ensure your name matches exactly with your afcat 1 2026 last date application submission. Fixes for Common Download Issues Is the site slow? That’s normal when the afcat admit card 2026 out announcement hits the news. Clear Cache: Chrome usually works best for the afcat 1 hall ticket download 2026. Helpline: If you’re still stuck, call the Cadets Defence Academy helpline at +919997034744, +91 7599367318. Trust me, they actually pick up if you call during office hours. Exam Dates and Full Schedule Let’s talk about the timeline. Knowing when is afcat 1 2026 exam is half the battle won because it dictates your revision intensity. Official Timeline for AFCAT 1 2026 Event Date afcat 1 2026 notification November 2025 Apply for afcat 1 2026 Nov 17 – Dec 19, 2025 Application Correction December 23-24, 2025 afcat 1 2026 admit card release date January 22, 2026 AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Date January 31, 2026 Answer Key Early February 2026 afcat 1 2026 result Expected March 2026 Course Commencement January 2027 The afcat 1 2026 exam schedule is tight. With the afcat 1 2026 exam date being January 31, you have zero time to waste. Remember, about 1.8 lakh candidates appeared in 2025, and the competition for the afcat 1 2026 vacancy of 284 posts is fierce. Exam Day Rules and Prep Checklist Listen closely, because this is where many fail before the paper even starts. Carry: Your afcat 1 2026 admit card, original ID, and a blue/black ballpoint pen for rough work. No Electronics: No smartwatches, no calculators. Real Story: Last year, a student named Ravi missed his entry because he brought a digital copy of his ID instead of the original. Don’t be Ravi. Shifts and Centers Across India The exam happens in over 17 cities and 50+ centers. You’ll find your specific afcat 1 2026 exam city on your hall ticket. Morning Shift: Reporting at 7:30 AM, Exam at 9:30 AM. Afternoon Shift: Reporting at 12:30 PM, Exam at 2:30 PM. Our mentors at Cadets Defence Academy always say, “Arrive by 7 AM to avoid the last-minute gate-closing anxiety.” It really helps keep your heart rate down before you face the afcat exam pattern 2026 Expected Cutoff Scores and Trends Everyone wants to know the expected afcat 1 2026 cutoff. While the IAF doesn’t release it beforehand, we can look at the trends. Last 3 Years’ Cutoffs at a Glance Year Flying Branch Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech) 2025 155 148 2024 152 145 2023 150 142 The afcat 1 2026 cutoff marks are likely to rise. Why? Because the afcat 1 2026 syllabus hasn’t changed much, but the number of students using high-quality resources (like our coaching) has increased. For a “safe” zone, you should aim for 170-190+ marks. Factors That Shape This Year’s Cutoff Difficulty Level: If the afcat 1 2026 exam time reveals a tougher Math section, the afcat cutoff 2026 might dip slightly. Applicant Pool: Over 2.5 lakh registrations were recorded this time. Vacancies: With only 284 seats, the afcat 1 2026 merit list will be very competitive. Expert Tips to Beat the Cutoff To clear the afcat 1 2026 cutoff, don’t just study—strategize. Focus on Strengths: If you are good at Reasoning and Military Aptitude, maximize your score there to cover for General Awareness. Case Study (Sort of): One of our students, Priya, focused heavily on the

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NDA Physical Medical Test: Complete Guide (Height, Weight, Eyesight)

NDA Physical Medical Test: Complete Guide (Height, Weight, Eyesight) Table of Contents NDA Physical Medical Test is the stage where most aspirants lose their dream, even after clearing the written exam.Every year, over 4 lakh candidates apply for NDA, but barely 1% finally qualify, and the biggest reason is failure in the NDA Physical Medical Test. 👉 If you don’t understand height, weight, eyesight, and medical standards properly, all your hard work can go waste. This blog is a complete, real, no-myth guide on NDA Physical Medical Test: Complete Guide (Height, Weight, Eyesight), written in simple language, like one aspirant explaining to another. The NDA Physical Medical Test checks a candidate’s height, weight, BMI, eyesight, dental health, hearing, and overall fitness to ensure suitability for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Introduction The NDA selection process has three major stages: Written Examination (UPSC) SSB Interview NDA Physical Medical Test Many candidates think clearing written + SSB is enough. It’s not true. Around 60% candidates are rejected in medical round due to avoidable mistakes like eyesight issues, wrong BMI, flat feet, or overweight problems. The NDA Physical Medical Test focuses mainly on: Height & Weight Eyesight & Vision Overall medical fitness This guide covers: NDA Medical Test height and weight Eyesight & Height Requirements for NDA Exam NDA height, weight and chest for boy NDA height, weight and chest for girl NDA Medical test details for girl Physical Standards for Boys And Girls – NDA Coaching NDA Physical Standards Overview Why Physical Fitness Matters in NDA The Armed Forces need officers who are: Physically strong Medically fit Mentally tough SSB medical boards reject nearly 60% candidates mainly due to: Poor eyesight Height mismatch Overweight or underweight BMI Flat feet or knock knees The NDA physical test is not just a formality. It checks if your body can handle: Long marches Extreme weather High-stress combat situations Eligibility Basics for NDA Medical Test NDA Physical Eligibility & Medical Eligibility Age Limit: As per UPSC NDA notification Gender: Male & Female (both eligible) Medical Board: Conducted after SSB recommendation The NDA medical test happens in two stages: Initial Medical Examination Detailed Medical Examination Failing in either stage leads to rejection or temporary unfitness. Common Reasons for NDA Medical Rejection Some very common reasons from the NDA medical rejection list are: Reason Approx. Rejection % NDA eyesight rejection 35% Height below standard 20% NDA overweight rejection 15% Flat foot 10% Dental issues 8% Other medical issues 12% 👉 Action Tip: Always go for a pre-medical checkup before SSB. NDA Physical Fitness Test (PFT) – Real Standards The NDA fitness test includes physical drills that check stamina and strength. Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Standards Running Test:2.4 km in 15 minutes (NDA running test standards) Push-ups:Minimum 20 (NDA push up standards) Sit-ups:Minimum 20 (NDA sit up test) Chin-ups (Pull-ups):Minimum 8 (NDA chin up test) Rope Climbing:3.4 meters using hands & feet These are not optional. If you fail here, you won’t even reach detailed medicals. NDA Medical Examination – Two Stages Explained Stage 1: Initial Medical Screening This includes: Height & Weight measurement BMI calculation General physical examination NDA blood test Urine test Candidates failing basic criteria are declared unfit immediately. Stage 2: Detailed Medical Examination If you clear Stage 1, you go through detailed checks: Vision Test (NDA eye test standards) NDA hearing test NDA dental check NDA X-ray test Ultrasound, ECG ENT, Orthopedic & Surgical checks Height Requirements for NDA Minimum Height by Category Wing Male Female Army 157 cm 152 cm Navy 162.5 cm 152 cm Air Force 162.5 cm 152 cm 👉 Regional Relaxation:Candidates from NE states get up to 5 cm relaxation. This applies to: NDA height for army navy air force NDA height, weight and chest for boy NDA height, weight and chest for girl How Height is Measured Barefoot Heels together Straight posture Head in Frankfurt plane Many candidates lose height due to bad posture, so practice standing straight daily. Weight and BMI Standards for NDA NDA Medical Test Height and WeightWeight must be proportional to height and age. Height (cm) Weight Range (kg) 157 48–58 162 50–62 167 52–65 👉 BMI should be below 25.Around 25% candidates fail only due to weight issues. Weight Measurement Rules Weigh-in may be without heavy clothing Hydration level affects result Sudden weight loss is discouraged Eyesight & Vision Tests in NDA Vision Requirements Better Eye: 6/6 Worse Eye: 6/9 Without correction Color blindness is not allowed (especially for Air Force) Spectacles Limit Myopia: up to -0.5 Hypermetropia: up to +1.5 Complete Eye Examination Includes Refraction test Field of vision test Night vision Color vision (Ishihara) Around 40% Air Force aspirants fail due to eyesight issues. 🔴 Why Every Aspirant Worries About “Knock Knees” & “Spectacles” (Important Reality Check) This is one of the most searched and misunderstood topics in the NDA Physical Medical Test. Knock Knees in NDA Medical Test Knock knees are a valid reason for NDA medical rejection Even mild knock knees detected during standing posture test can lead to unfitness Doctors check: Knee gap alignment Leg symmetry Load-bearing posture 👉 Important Truth:Exercises cannot “cure” true knock knees. Training helps posture, but structural knock knees are disqualifying. Action Tip:Get an orthopedic assessment before SSB to know your real status. Spectacles & Eyesight Confusion in NDA Wearing spectacles does NOT automatically mean rejection The real issue is power limit Many candidates fail because: They hide their eye power history They attempt laser surgery without knowing NDA rules Their vision worsens due to screen overuse 👉 Reality:Low-power eyesight is acceptable in Army & Navy, but Air Force standards are very strict. Action Tip:Do a complete eye check 6–12 months before SSB, not at the last moment. Dental, Hearing & Internal Tests NDA Dental Check Minimum 14 dental points Healthy gums No severe cavities NDA Hearing Test Forced whisper test at 610 cm No ear deformity Internal Medical Tests Chest X-ray Ultrasound abdomen ECG Blood & urine tests for diseases Other Key

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How to Clear CDS 1 2026 Exam – Complete Preparation Strategy | By Cadets Defence Academy

How to Clear CDS 1 2026 Exam – Complete Preparation Strategy | By Cadets Defence Academy Table of Contents Clearing CDS is not about being extraordinary in studies. Honestly, it never was. What separates selected candidates from the rest is clarity, discipline, and a mindset that thinks like an officer much before wearing the uniform. If you’re searching for how to clear CDS 1 2026 exam, chances are you already know the syllabus, the pattern, and the pressure. What you probably need now is a real preparation strategy, not generic advice repeated everywhere. That’s exactly what this guide is meant for. Let’s break CDS preparation in a way that actually makes sense. Why CDS 1 2026 Needs Smart Preparation (Not Hard Preparation) Competition for CDS has increased quietly over the years. More graduates. More repeaters. More serious aspirants. And still, many fail not because they didn’t study, but because they studied without direction. One thing needs to be clear from day one:CDS is not a school exam. It’s an officer selection process, starting with a written test. You don’t need to know everything. You need to know what to attempt, what to leave, and how to stay calm under pressure. Understand the CDS 1 2026 Exam Before You Start Preparing Before jumping into books, pause for a moment. CDS has: A written exam (English, GK, Mathematics depending on entry) A 5-day SSB interview Medical examination Final merit list Many aspirants prepare only for written and suddenly panic after clearing it. That’s a mistake. Written exam is just a filter, SSB decides your fate. So while planning your CDS written exam preparation, your personality and communication should already be improving side by side. How Much Time Is Enough to Prepare for CDS 1 2026? This is asked a lot, and the answer depends on where you stand today. 6 months – Ideal if you’re starting fresh 3–4 months – Possible if basics are clear Less than 3 months – Risky, but not impossible with discipline What matters more than duration is consistency. Studying 3 focused hours daily beats 10 random hours on weekends. If CDS 1 2026 is your serious attempt, start now. Delay never helps. Subject-Wise Strategy to Clear CDS 1 2026 Exam English: Scoring But Ignored Funny thing is, English is the most scoring paper yet taken lightly. Instead of memorizing fancy words, focus on: Understanding sentence structure Practicing comprehension daily Revising basic grammar rules (yes, basics still work) Read editorials, but don’t overdo it. One article a day is enough. Make small notes, revise weekly. Target score: 65–75+ General Knowledge: The Make-or-Break Section GK scares most aspirants, and honestly, for no reason. Split your preparation into: Static GK (History, Polity, Geography, Science) Current Affairs (last 6–8 months) Defence-related news, exercises, ranks, appointments – these matter more than random facts. One side note here:Don’t run after multiple current affairs sources. Stick to one and revise it properly. This part of CDS 1 2026 preparation tips is all about smart selection, not information overload. Mathematics: Fear Ends With Practice Math is only for IMA, INA, and AFA candidates. OTA aspirants, you can skip this part (lucky you). Focus first on: Arithmetic Algebra Trigonometry Don’t chase tough questions. CDS maths is about speed + accuracy, not showing brilliance. Practice daily, even if just 20 questions. Slowly, fear fades. A Practical CDS 1 2026 Study Plan (That Actually Works) No fancy timetables here. Keep it realistic. Daily 1 subject revision 1 subject practice 30 minutes current affairs Weekly Revise what you studied Attempt sectional tests Monthly Full-length mock tests Analyze mistakes honestly Some days you’ll feel lazy. It’s okay. Just don’t quit. A good CDS 1 2026 study plan adapts with you, not against you. Mock Tests: Where Selection Begins Mock tests are not for checking marks. They are for: Learning time management Understanding question patterns Improving decision-making Start mocks early, even if scores are low.Low scores now are better than shock on exam day. After every mock, ask: Why did I get this wrong? Was it lack of knowledge or silly mistake? That analysis is where growth happens. Preparing for SSB Along With Written Exam This part is often ignored, then regretted. SSB is not about tricks. It’s about who you are. Start with: Speaking confidently in small groups Reading and forming opinions Improving body language Personality development happens slowly and naturally. Simple habits like group discussions with friends, reading editorials and expressing your views, or participating in sports and team activities help more than people usually expect. Physical fitness also plays a quiet but crucial role. Regular running, basic strength exercises, and stamina-building routines not only help during medical tests but also boost confidence during outdoor SSB tasks. A small insight many recommended candidates share is that early guidance reduces confusion. Mentors who understand the SSB system can point out mistakes that aspirants often repeat unknowingly. A structured setup with practice tasks and honest feedback saves time and builds clarity. This is why many serious aspirants choose to start SSB-focused grooming alongside their written preparation at places like Cadets Defence Academy, where the emphasis remains on personality development rather than shortcuts. Physical and Mental Fitness for CDS 1 2026 Run. Even slow running is fine. Do basic exercises: Push-ups Sit-ups Stretching Mentally, learn to stay calm. Meditation helps, sports help, even long walks help. An officer stays composed under stress. Start practicing that now. Common Mistakes Aspirants Make (Please Avoid These) Studying everything, revising nothing Ignoring English thinking it’s easy Avoiding mocks due to fear Preparing SSB after written exam Comparing journey with others Everyone’s path is different. Focus on yours. Last 60-Day Strategy Before CDS 1 2026 Exam Final two months are not for new books. Do this instead: Revise notes multiple times Attempt mocks regularly Focus on accuracy Sleep well before exam This phase decides whether your preparation converts into selection. Can You Clear CDS 1 2026 in First Attempt? Yes, it is absolutely possible. Many candidates

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CDS Exam Pattern 2024, Marking Scheme IMA, INA, AFA and OTA

Table of Contents

Introduction

CDS Exam Pattern 2024 - Written Test

CDS Exam Pattern For Indian Naval Academy (INA), Indian Military Academy(IMA), and Air Force Academy(AFA)

CDS Exam Pattern for Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)

Marking Scheme For CDS Exam 2024

CDS Syllabus 2024

English

General Knowledge

Elementary Mathematics

CDS exam Syllabus for OTA

FAQ

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AFCAT 1 2026 – Admit card (Out), Exam Dates, Result, Cutoff

NDA Physical Medical Test: Complete Guide (Height, Weight, Eyesight)

How to Clear CDS 1 2026 Exam – Complete Preparation Strategy | By Cadets Defence Academy

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