About the CDS exam
Combined Defence Services Examination is one of the better-known exams in India. It is administered by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and attracts a large number of candidates each cycle. The exam is held twice a year.
Format of the real exam: Offline written examination followed by the SSB interview. Practising in the same style is the quickest way to remove surprises on exam day, which is exactly why CDS mock tests matter.
CDS eligibility
A bachelor's degree (engineering degree for some academies) within the age limits set for each academy.
Eligibility rules, age limits and relaxations can change between cycles, so always confirm the details in the latest official notification from Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) before you apply.
CDS exam pattern and marking scheme
English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, each of 100 marks and 2 hours, for IMA, INA and AFA. The OTA paper covers English and General Knowledge only. One-third negative marking applies.
- Subjects and sections: English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.
- Mode of the real exam: Offline written examination followed by the SSB interview.
- Frequency: Twice a year.
CDS syllabus: what to study
The CDS syllabus is organised around 3 main areas. Plan your preparation so that every area gets a revision cycle before your first full-length mock test.
- English: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- General Knowledge: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Elementary Mathematics: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
How to prepare for CDS
A good CDS plan combines concept study, topic-wise practice and regular full-length mock tests. Use the checklist below as a starting point.
- Treat English as a scoring subject and solve a set of error-spotting and comprehension questions daily.
- Revise basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry formulas until they are automatic.
- Follow defence and international news for the General Knowledge paper.
- Analyse every mock test: separate errors into concept gaps, calculation slips and time pressure, and fix one group at a time.
- Keep a short error notebook and revise it weekly, since repeated mistakes cost more marks than new ones.
Why practise CDS mock tests online
Reading and notes build knowledge, but only timed practice builds exam performance. A CDS mock test trains time management, question selection and stress control. Mock Archive gives you instant scoring, subject-wise accuracy, time spent per question and a full answer review the moment you submit.
- Real CBT interface: question palette, section timers and review marking.
- Instant result with accuracy, attempts and a question-by-question review.
- Works on mobile, tablet and desktop, and can be installed like an app.
- Free forever: no login, no signup and no payment.