UPSC CDS Mock Test 2026 – Free Online Test Series & Practice Sets

UPSC CDS Exam Overview 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination twice a year to recruit candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). It is one of the most prestigious Defence Exam Mock Tests for graduates who wish to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. A well-structured UPSC CDS Mock Test strategy is essential to clear this highly competitive exam.

Important Dates for CDS 2026

Candidates must strictly adhere to the timeline to ensure a smooth application process.

CDS Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfill the following eligibility conditions to apply for the CDS exam:

1. Educational Qualification

• IMA & OTA: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
• INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
• AFA: Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

2. Age Limit & Marital Status

For IMA, INA, and AFA, unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2001 and not later than 1st January 2006 are eligible. For OTA, unmarried male and unmarried female candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2000 and not later than 1st January 2006 are eligible.

CDS Application Fee

CDS Pay Scale & Salary Structure

Cadets undergo rigorous training at their respective academies. Upon successful commissioning as an Officer, they are placed in Pay Level 10.

In addition to the basic pay and MSP, officers receive Dearness Allowance (DA), High Altitude Allowance, Uniform Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other facilities like free rations and medical facilities.

CDS Exam Pattern 2026

The CDS written examination consists of objective-type questions. The exam pattern differs slightly for IMA/INA/AFA and OTA. Practicing with a CDS Online Mock Test based on this exact pattern is crucial for success.

For IMA, INA, and AFA

For Officers' Training Academy (OTA)

Note: There is a negative marking of 0.33 marks (1/3rd) for each incorrect answer. The question papers are set bilingually in Hindi and English.

Detailed CDS Syllabus 2026

1. CDS English Mock Test

The CDS English Questions are designed to test the candidate's understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.

• Reading Comprehension
• Grammar and usage
• CDS Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution)
• Sentence improvement, Error spotting
• Cohesion in extended text

2. CDS General Knowledge Mock Test

CDS GK Questions cover current affairs and static GK.

• CDS Current Affairs (National & International, Defence Current Affairs)
• CDS History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Freedom Struggle)
• CDS Geography (Indian & World Geography)
• CDS Polity (Indian Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary)
• CDS Economy (Indian Economy, Budget)
• CDS Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environment)

3. CDS Elementary Mathematics Mock Test

CDS Mathematics Questions are of matriculation level.

• Arithmetic: Number System, HCF/LCM, Time and Work, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple/Compound Interest.
• Algebra: Set Language, Polynomials, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations.
• Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, Identities, Heights and Distances.
• Geometry: Lines and Angles, Triangles, Circles, Constructions.
• Mensuration: Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, circles; Surface area and volume of solids.
• Statistics: Collection and tabulation of data, Mean, Median, Mode.

CDS Selection Process

The selection of candidates is done through a multi-stage process:

1. Stage 1: Written Examination - Objective type MCQs. Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks to be shortlisted for the next stage.
2. Stage 2: SSB Interview (900 Marks) - Conducted over 5 days. It includes the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test, Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT), Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO), Psychology Tests, and a Personal Interview.
3. Stage 3: Medical Examination - Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they meet the required physical and medical standards.

The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks of the Written Exam and the SSB Interview.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the UPSC CDS Mock Test?

The UPSC CDS Mock Test is a free online test series designed to help aspirants prepare for the Combined Defence Services Examination. It includes full-length practice sets for English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics based on the latest UPSC exam pattern.

How to prepare for CDS 2026?

To prepare for CDS, clear your basic concepts from NCERT books, read newspapers daily for Current Affairs, and attempt regular CDS Mock Tests. Practice CDS Previous Year Questions to understand the exam pattern and improve your time management skills.

Is the CDS Mock Test free?

Yes, MockSeries provides completely free access to CDS Online Mock Tests, practice questions, and previous year papers. You can attempt the CDS Mock Test with instant results without any hidden charges.

How many questions are included in the CDS Mock Test?

For IMA, INA, and AFA, the CDS Mock Test typically contains 340 questions (120 English + 120 GK + 100 Maths). For OTA, it contains 240 questions (120 English + 120 GK).

Does this CDS Test Series include Previous Year Questions (PYQs)?

Yes, our CDS Test Series includes CDS Previous Year Questions (PYQs) to help you understand the exact difficulty level, important topics, and the trend of the UPSC CDS Examination.

Is there negative marking in CDS?

Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark (0.33 marks) for each incorrect answer in the CDS written examination. If a candidate gives more than one answer, it is treated as wrong.

What is the age limit for CDS 2026?

For IMA and INA, unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2001 and not later than 1st January 2006 are eligible. For AFA, the age limit is 20 to 24 years. For OTA, unmarried male and female candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2000 and not later than 1st January 2006 are eligible.

What is the qualification for CDS?

Candidates must have a Graduation degree from a recognized University. For Air Force Academy (AFA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA), Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a Bachelor's degree in Engineering is mandatory.

What is the salary of a CDS Officer?

CDS cadets receive a stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month during training. Upon commissioning, the starting basic pay is Rs. 56,100/- plus allowances like DA, HRA, and Military Service Pay (MSP), bringing the gross in-hand salary to around Rs. 80,000 - Rs. 90,000 per month.

Where can I attempt the Best UPSC CDS Mock Test?

You can attempt the best and free UPSC CDS Mock Tests directly on this page at MockSeries.in. Our tests are designed based on the latest UPSC pattern, covering CDS English, CDS Mathematics, and CDS General Knowledge Mock Tests.