Crack CDS with practice built by an officer commissioned through this exact exam.
Subject-wise English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics practice for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA, previous year papers, and three-level expert-authored explanations — built by Col Vishal Sharma (Retd.), commissioned via IMA Dehradun.
Written exam, then an SSB interview.
UPSC conducts CDS twice a year (CDS I and CDS II), for entry into IMA, the Naval Academy (INA), the Air Force Academy (AFA) and the Officers Training Academy (OTA). The written pattern differs by academy.
| Stage | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written — IMA / INA / AFA | English | 2 hours | 100 |
| Written — IMA / INA / AFA | General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
| Written — IMA / INA / AFA | Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 |
| Written — OTA | English & General Knowledge | 2 hours each | 200 |
| SSB Interview | Officer-like qualities, group tasks, personal interview | 4–5 days | 300 (IMA/INA/AFA) · 200 (OTA) |
| Total merit — IMA / INA / AFA | 600 | ||
| Total merit — OTA | 400 | ||
1/3rd mark is deducted for each wrong answer across all written papers. OTA candidates do not take the Elementary Mathematics paper.
Next CDS exam dates Official — UPSC Calendar 2027
- CDS Examination (I), 2027: Notification 2 Dec 2026 · Apply by 22 Dec 2026 · Exam on 11 Apr 2027 (Sunday)
- CDS Examination (II), 2027: Notification 12 May 2027 · Apply by 1 Jun 2027 · Exam on 19 Sep 2027 (Sunday)
As published in UPSC's official Examination Calendar 2027. UPSC may revise these dates — always confirm on upsc.gov.in before applying.
Every subject, chapter by chapter.
Practice organised the way the exam actually tests you — not a random question dump.
English
Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and error-spotting — drilled the way the CDS paper actually asks it.
General Knowledge
Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Affairs — kept current for both CDS I and CDS II.
Elementary Mathematics
Class 10-level arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration and statistics — for IMA, INA and AFA aspirants.
Who can apply.
- Age (as on 1 January of the exam year): IMA 19–24, Naval Academy 19–22, Air Force Academy 19–23, OTA 19–25.
- IMA and OTA: graduate in any discipline. Naval Academy: engineering degree. Air Force Academy: graduation with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
- OTA (Non-Technical) entry is open to both men and women; other academies follow their notified entry streams.
- UPSC conducts CDS twice a year — CDS I and CDS II.
- Exact eligibility conditions are set by the official UPSC notification for each cycle — always confirm against the current notification before applying.
Try it free for 15 days — 30 scored questions.
No card required. See the question quality, the explanations, and how daily rank tracking works before you decide.
CDS questions, answered.
What is the CDS exam pattern?
For IMA, INA and AFA, three written papers — English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, 100 marks each — for 300 marks total, with 1/3rd negative marking per wrong answer. OTA candidates take only English and General Knowledge, 200 marks total. An SSB interview follows for those who clear the written stage: 300 marks (IMA/INA/AFA) or 200 marks (OTA). Final merit combines written and SSB.
Who is eligible for CDS?
Age limits vary by academy: IMA 19–24, Naval Academy 19–22, Air Force Academy 19–23, OTA 19–25, all as on 1 January of the exam year. Educational requirements also differ by academy — see the eligibility section above. UPSC conducts CDS twice a year.
How many questions does Shrey Aadi's CDS bank cover?
English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, with previous year papers, each carrying a three-level expert-authored explanation, plus topic-wise practice and timed mock tests.
Is there a free trial?
Yes — 15 days, 30 scored questions, no card required. Paid plans unlock full subject-wise practice, mock tests, and daily rank tracking. See pricing for details.
Ready to start your CDS preparation?
Built by an IMA alumnus. 15-day free trial, no card required.