ZestExam
ZestExam/CDS/Exam Pattern

CDS Exam Pattern 2026

Section-wise marks · Negative marking · Time limit · Selection process

Tier 1 — Preliminary

300Q · 120 min
300
Total Questions
300
Total Marks
120 min
Duration
+1.0
Correct Answer
−0.33
Wrong Answer

Tier 1 — Preliminary

200Q · 120 min
200
Total Questions
200
Total Marks
120 min
Duration
+1.0
Correct Answer
−0.33
Wrong Answer

Selection Process

1
Tier 1 — Preliminary
300 Questions · 300 Marks · 120 min
2
Tier 1 — Preliminary
200 Questions · 200 Marks · 120 min
✓
Final Selection
Merit list based on combined performance

Pattern Insights — What Toppers Know

Attempt Strategy
With 120 minutes for 300 questions, you have ~24 seconds per question. Skip and return.
Negative Marking
+1/-0.33. Do not guess randomly — attempt only when you can eliminate 2+ options.
Section Focus
Practise all subjects equally. One weak section can cost you the cutoff.

Practice as per the Exam Pattern

Full-length free mock tests that exactly mirror the CDS 2026 pattern.

Take Free Mock TestView Full Syllabus

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are in CDS 2026?+
CDS Stage 1 has 300 questions for 300 marks in 120 minutes.
Is there negative marking in CDS?+
Yes. The marking scheme is +1/-0.33. Attempt a question only when reasonably confident.
How many stages are in CDS selection process?+
CDS has 2 stages in the selection process. You must clear each stage to proceed to the next.