How many questions are there in CDS?

Written (IMA/INA/AFA): 340 questions, 300 marks, 2 h each. SSB Interview: descriptive questions, 300 marks, 5 days.

Is there negative marking in CDS?

Written (IMA/INA/AFA): 1/3 of marks per wrong. SSB Interview: —.

Graduate, age 20–24 (IMA) / 20–25 (OTA). Held twice a year by UPSC.

UPSC · Graduate · Twice a year · Age 20–24 (IMA) / 20–25 (OTA) · checked 2026-10-19

OMR · 2 h each · Negative marking: 1/3 of marks per wrong · 340 questions · 300 marks

OTA candidates write only English and GK.

Section	Questions	Marks	Weightage
English	120	100	33.3%
General Knowledge	120	100	33.3%
Elementary Mathematics	100	100	33.3%

Interview · 5 days · Negative marking: — · 300 marks

Section	Questions	Marks	Weightage
SSB	—	300	100%

How many questions are there in CDS?: Written (IMA/INA/AFA): 340 questions, 300 marks, 2 h each. SSB Interview: descriptive questions, 300 marks, 5 days.
Is there negative marking in CDS?: Written (IMA/INA/AFA): 1/3 of marks per wrong. SSB Interview: —.
Who can apply for CDS?: Graduate, age 20–24 (IMA) / 20–25 (OTA). Held twice a year by UPSC.