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

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

Table of Contents

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

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.

Contact Us

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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National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026

National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026

National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 Table of Contents Date : April 12, 2026! Hello future officers! Welcome to the official blog of Cadets Defence Academy, the leading best NDA coaching in Dehradun. Today, I am here to share everything you need to know about the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. If you are dreaming of serving in the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force, this guide is your best friend. In this blog, I will provide all the informations you need to clear this eaxam. Here is the most important official data you need to know right away: Particulars Details Date of Notification 10/12/2025 Date of Commencement of Examination 12/04/2026 Duration of Examination One Day Last Date for Receipt of Applications 30/12/2025 – 6:00pm Date of Upload 10/12/2025 Download Notification Notice (2.2 MB) Document Type Document Date of Upload Examination Time Table PDF icon TimeTable NDA-I-26-English-090126.pdf 09/01/2026 Let’s dive deep into the details so you have clear picture of this exam. No fluff, just real information! National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) To start off, let us understand what this exam actually is. The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 is a golden gateway for young, dynamic unmarried male and female candidates to join the defence forces. The NDA full form is National Defence Academy, located in Khadakwasla, Pune. The UPSC NDA NA 2026 exam is strictly conducted by the Union Public Service Commission ([suspicious link removed]). When we talk about the NDA exam 2026, it generally refers to two cycles in a year. Right now, our main focus is on NDA 1 2026. This single exam includes both the National Defence Academy exam 2026 and the Naval Academy exam 2026. These prestigious academies train you physically and mentally for years to become elite officers. To get in, you have to pass a written test and then face the SSB interview. Here is a quick overview: Feature Detail Exam Name National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 Conducting Body UPSC NDA Vacancy 2026 394 (approx.) Level National Selection Process Written Exam + SSB Interview So, if you are looking for the absolute best guidance to clear this stage, remember that Cadets Defence Academy offers excellent training at an affordable price to help you succeed. Notification and Dates Time management is everything for a future officer. You must be very aware of the UPSC NDA calendar 2026 so you don’t miss any deadline. The official NDA 1 2026 notification was officially released by UPSC on December 10, 2025. According to the official schedule, the NDA 1 2026 application form date process started on the same day as the notification. For those wondering about the timeline, the NDA last date to apply 2026 was December 30, 2025, exactly at 6:00 PM. Let me break down the complete NDA 2026 exam schedule for you so you can plan: Notification Release: December 10, 2025 NDA 1 2026 exam date application form Window: Dec 10 to Dec 30, 2025 NDA application last date 2026: December 30, 2025 National defence academy and naval academy examination i 2026 date: April 12, 2026 NDA admit card 2026 date: Last week of March 2026 NDA result date 2026: Expected in May 2026 The UPSC will conduct the exam precisely on April 12, 2026, for 394 vacancies to fill positions in the Army, Navy, and Air Force (157th Course/119th INAC). Mark these NDA exam date 2026 on your calendar! Eligibility and Apply Before you even try to fill the NDA form 2026 apply online, you need to strictly check if you fit the rules. The NDA eligibility criteria 2026 are very tough and non-negotiable. Age Limit and Nationality Both unmarried male and female candidates can apply for this exam. The NDA age limit 2026 requires candidates to be born between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2010. This is the exact NDA eligibility age. If your birthday does not fall in this range, unfortunately, you cannot write the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. Educational Qualification For Army Wing: 12th pass (or appearing) from any recognized state or central board. For Air Force and Naval Wings: 12th pass (or appearing) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are require. Physical and Medical Standards Being physically fit is a must. You must meet the strict NDA medical standards and clear the NDA physical test 2026 during your SSB phase. The exact NDA height weight 2026 charts are given in the official notification PDF. The minimum height is generally 157 cm (with some relaxation for specific hilly regions), but make sure to checking the official PDF for your category. How to Apply Step-by-Step To successfully complete the NDA online application 2026, candidates had to visit the upsconline.nic.in website. Here is how it is done: Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if you haven’t already. Fill out Part 1 (Basic details) and Part 2 (Upload documents, center choice) of the NDA Registration form 2026. Pay the NDA apply online fee, which is ₹100 for General/OBC candidates. Good news is that SC/ST/Females are completely exempted from this fee. Choose your Exam Centres. Remember, centers are allotted on a “first apply, first allot” basis, so always be quick! If you missed the deadline this year, don’t worry. Keep these steps in mind for the NDA 2 cycle! Syllabus and Pattern To beat the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026, you must know your enemy very well—which in this case, is the massive syllabus! The NDA exam pattern 2026 is completely Offline (Pen-Paper mode) using OMR sheets. It consists of two papers, conducted on the exact same day in two shifts. Paper Subject Marks Duration Shift Timing Paper 1 Mathematics 300 2.5 hours Morning Paper 2 General Ability Test (GAT) 600 2.5 hours Afternoon Total   900 5 hours   Mathematics Syllabus The NDA maths syllabus covers deep topics from 11th and 12th standard. You will

No 1 Defence Institute in Dehradun with Highest NDA Selection Rate

No 1 Defence Institute in Dehradun with Highest NDA Selection Rate

No 1 Defence Institute in Dehradun with Highest NDA Selection Rate Table of Contents If you’re searching for the ultimate launchpad for your military career, identifying the No 1 Defence Institute in Dehradun is your first priority. Cadets Defence Academy has earned its reputation as the No 1 Defence Institute in Dehradun by maintaining an 85% selection rate through a unique blend of “Officer Like Qualities” (OLQ) training and academic excellence. Introduction “Last year, 250+ cadets from one Dehradun institute cleared NDA. Others? Just 50.” When you see those stats, you realize that the National Defence Academy isn’t just about studying harder; it’s about studying smarter in the right environment. The NDA exam is a mountain to climb, with a national success rate that can feel discouraging. But at the No 1 Defence Institute in Dehradun, we turn that mountain into a series of achievable steps. I’m here to give you the real, unfiltered truth about why Cadets Defence Academy is the talk of the town. We’re looking at an 85% selection rate compared to the 0.1% national average. If you want to know how we do it, keep reading. Why Dehradun Leads in NDA Coaching Ideal Location for Tough Training Dehradun isn’t just a pretty hill station; it’s a training ground. The clean air keeps your mind sharp, and the terrain is perfect for those grueling morning runs. This is the best defence academy in dehradun territory because the environment itself demands discipline. Pool of Top Talent and Resources With over 20+ academies in the city, the competition is fierce. The No 1 Defence Institute in Dehradun stays on top by offering 500+ seats and employing mentors who are ex-army officers. You’re not just being taught; you’re being groomed by heroes. What Makes This Institute No. 1 Unmatched 85% Selection Rate The numbers speak for themselves. We consistently outperform competitors like Doon Defence Academy (45%) and Cavalier (30%). According to recent UPSC data, our academy has held the top spot for three years running. Elite Faculty and Small Batches We have 50+ instructors, many of whom are NDA toppers. By keeping batches to just 25 students, we ensure you aren’t just a face in the crowd. This personalized NDA preparation No 1 Defence Institute approach is what sets us apart. Modern Facilities That Deliver Our 50-acre campus includes: Full obstacle courses for GTO practice. VR simulators for SSB interview prep No 1 Defence Institute. A 24/7 library for deep NDA classes at No 1 Defence Institute Inside the Winning Training System Step-by-Step NDA Prep Plan Phase 1 (3 Months): Solidifying the basics in Mathematics and GAT. Phase 2 (4 Months): Intensive SSB mock tests No 1 Defence Institute and fitness. SSB and Interview Mastery We don’t just teach for the written exam. Our 10-day camps mimic the real five-day SSB interview. This leads to a 95% SSB success rate, confirming our status as the No 1 Defence Institute SSB coaching. Actionable Tips for Your Prep Rise at 5 AM: Consistency starts with the sun. Track Your Progress: Log every mock test score. 100 Questions Daily: Build your speed for the No 1 Defence Institute entry exams. Join Telegram: Get real-time updates on No 1 Defence Institute NDA results. Nutrition: High-protein diets help you recover after physical drills. About Cadets Defence Academy Cadets Defence Academy is the best nda coaching in dehradun, offering a complete package of education and physical training. We provide specialized No 1 Defence Institute CDS coaching and AFCAT coaching No 1 Defence Institute for older aspirants. Our no 1 defence institute in dehradun fees structure is designed to be affordable for every family. We offer high-quality No 1 Defence Institute for NDA training along with safe, clean residential facilities. You can check our no 1 defence institute in dehradun reviews to see how we’ve helped thousands reach their goals. Conclusion If you want to wear the uniform, you need to train with the best. Cadets Defence Academy isn’t just a school; it’s an officer-producing factory. We are proud to be the No 1 Defence Institute in Dehradun, and we invite you to be our next success story. Enroll now for the July 2026 batch—spots fill fast! Join the 85% who make it. Contact us today via our no 1 defence institute in dehradun contact number for a free trial class. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is the No 1 Defence Institute in Dehradun contact number?  You can reach our admission team for the no 1 defence institute in dehradun contact number at our main campus in Karanpur. Q2: Are the fees high? Not at all. Our no 1 defence institute in dehradun fees are competitive and affordable. We also offer scholarships for meritorious students. Q3: Is there a hostel available? Yes! We have excellent on-campus living. The No 1 Defence Institute hostel fees are kept low to support out-of-station students. Q4: Do you offer CDS and AFCAT coaching? Yes, we are the Best CDS institute No 1 Defence and offer the most updated No 1 Defence Institute AFCAT classes. Q5: What is the success rate for SSB?  We maintain a 95% success rate for our SSB training program No 1 Defence. Q6: Where can I see the latest results? Check our website for the verified No 1 Defence Institute SSB results and No 1 Defence Institute NDA results. Reach Us No 1 Defence Institute in Dehradun with Highest NDA Selection Rate No 1 Defence Institute in Dehradun with Highest NDA Selection Rate Table of Contents If you’re searching for the ultimate launchpad for your military career, identifying the No 1 Defence… Learn more 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,… Learn more NDA Physical Medical Test: Complete Guide (Height, Weight, Eyesight) NDA Physical Medical Test: Complete Guide (Height, Weight, Eyesight)

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

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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