CDS Exam Pattern 2026
Section-wise marks · Negative marking · Time limit · Selection process
Tier 1 — Preliminary
340Q · 120 min340
Total Questions
300
Total Marks
120 min
Duration
+1.0
Correct Answer
−0.33
Wrong Answer
Tier 1 — Preliminary
240Q · 120 min240
Total Questions
200
Total Marks
120 min
Duration
+1.0
Correct Answer
−0.33
Wrong Answer
Selection Process
1
Tier 1 — Preliminary
340 Questions · 300 Marks · 120 min
2
Tier 1 — Preliminary
240 Questions · 200 Marks · 120 min
✓
Final Selection
Merit list based on combined performance
Pattern Insights — What Toppers Know
Attempt Strategy
With 120 minutes for 340 questions, you have ~21 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.