UPSC publishes every Combined Defence Services question paper on its own website, in the Previous Question Papers archive. Papers from CDS (II) 2026 back to CDS (II) 2016 are listed there, with one PDF for each subject. The table below links each file directly. We do not host or copy the papers, and we add no solutions of our own to the files, so what you open is the original.
Checked against UPSC’s website on 12 October 2026. Each link below returned a PDF on that date.
CDS question papers by session, 2026 to 2016
The newest session is at the top. IMA, INA and AFA candidates take all three papers. OTA candidates take English and General Knowledge only, so the Elementary Mathematics column does not apply to them.
UPSC puts the papers up the day after the examination: the CDS (II) 2026 papers were uploaded on 14 September 2026, a day after the examination on 13 September. The files are scans of the printed booklets and several are large, so allow time on a slow connection.
The CDS paper pattern
The figures below come from UPSC’s CDS (II) 2026 notice and the cover pages of the 2026 (II) booklets.
| Paper | Who takes it | Items in the 2026 (II) booklet | Maximum marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | IMA, INA, AFA and OTA | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | IMA, INA, AFA and OTA | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | IMA, INA and AFA only | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
- Objective only, with four options for every item, and all items in a paper carry equal marks.
- Negative marking. One-third (0.33) of the marks for an item is deducted for each wrong answer. Marking more than one answer counts as wrong, and a blank answer costs nothing.
- Standard. The notice says Elementary Mathematics is of Matriculation level and the other papers are of roughly graduate level.
- Language. The General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics booklets are set in Hindi and English.
- SSB marks. The written marks and the interview marks are equal for each academy: 300 each for IMA, INA and AFA, and 200 each for OTA.
- Series A to D. Each candidate gets one booklet series and encodes it on the OMR sheet. The 2026 (II) files UPSC has posted are series A booklets.
The notice’s syllabus gives a ready frame for analysing the papers yourself. Elementary Mathematics has six headings: Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration and Statistics. General Knowledge covers current events, everyday science, the history of India and geography. English tests understanding of the language and workmanlike use of words.
CDS answer keys from UPSC
UPSC has put official answer keys on its public Answer Keys archive for one CDS session. Those for CDS (II) 2025 were uploaded on 13 August 2026:
- CDS (II) 2025 answer key: English
- CDS (II) 2025 answer key: General Knowledge
- CDS (II) 2025 answer key: Elementary Mathematics
For other sessions we found no official key on that page. The notice also offers appeared candidates a five-day window, from the third day after the examination until 6 p.m. on the seventh day, to send representations on the questions and the provisional keys through UPSC’s online portal. Keys on coaching sites are not UPSC’s.
How to get more from these papers
- Start with the newest paper, untimed. Read how items are framed, especially in English, before you try a full paper under pressure.
- Tally by syllabus heading. For each paper write down how many items came from each heading. Your own tally shows where the marks are more reliably than any ready-made table.
- Go timed. Attempt each paper in two hours with the one-third penalty applied when you mark yourself. The result shows how well you handle doubtful items.
- Keep an error log for wrong and skipped items: concept gap, careless slip or time. Look for repeats.
- Prepare for the SSB alongside. The written marks are only half of the 600 for IMA, INA and AFA. Plan SSB practice in parallel, not after the result.
Free counselling is available by phone or WhatsApp on +91 70170 31757 if you would like help fitting this routine around college.
For the pass marks these papers lead to, see our CDS cut-off guide, built only from UPSC’s own files. Our CDS preparation guide adds a month-by-month plan and a book list. For dates, see CDS notification and exam dates and the exam calendar. The next session in UPSC’s calendar is CDS (I) 2027 on 11 April 2027.
FAQs
Questions parents ask us.
Can't find yours? Ask on WhatsApp; a counsellor usually replies within working hours.
Ask on WhatsAppWhere can I download CDS previous year papers officially?
From UPSC's Previous Question Papers archive on upsc.gov.in. The table on this page links the English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics files for each session directly.
How many papers are there in CDS?
Three for IMA, INA and AFA (English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics) and two for OTA (English and General Knowledge). Each is 100 marks and two hours.
Does CDS have negative marking?
Yes. One-third of the marks for an item is deducted for each wrong answer. Blank answers carry no penalty.
Are there official CDS answer keys?
UPSC's Answer Keys archive lists keys for CDS (II) 2025, uploaded on 13 August 2026. We found no official key for other sessions on that page.
How many questions did the CDS (II) 2026 papers have?
The booklet covers show 120 items in English, 120 in General Knowledge and 100 in Elementary Mathematics, each paper for 100 marks.
Which CDS papers should I solve first?
Start with the most recent sessions to learn the current style, then work back. Use older papers for drills on a single weak heading.
Sources
- UPSC: Previous Question Papers (current examinations)
- UPSC: Previous Question Papers archive, Combined Defence Services
- UPSC: Answer Keys archive
- UPSC: CDS (II) 2026 notice (scheme, standard, syllabus, negative marking)
- UPSC: CDS (II) 2026 English booklet (cover: 120 items, 2 hours, 100 marks)
- UPSC: CDS (II) 2026 Elementary Mathematics booklet (cover: 100 items)
- UPSC: Programme of examinations 2027
Preparing for the CDS and the SSB together? GS India Defence Academy runs classroom CDS coaching in Dehradun, with SSB-focused preparation and separate hostels and a mess for boys and girls. Current options are on the fee structure page.
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