Free CDS & NDA Mock Test 2026 — Defense Practice Papers
Browse 6 Defense exam mock tests with official-pattern papers, AI performance analytics, and detailed solutions.
Important Dates
Combined Defence Services (CDS)
Recruitment for Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
National Defence Academy (NDA)
Entrance exam for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course.
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Top 5 CDS & NDA Exams
About CDS & NDA Exams
Defense exams in India include CDS (Combined Defence Services), NDA (National Defence Academy), AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test), and TA (Territorial Army). These exams are conducted by UPSC (CDS, NDA) and respective service boards to recruit officers into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Exam Pattern
CDS has three papers: English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks), and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks), each 2 hours. NDA has Mathematics (300 marks, 2.5 hrs) and General Ability Test (600 marks, 2.5 hrs). Qualified candidates proceed to SSB (Services Selection Board) interviews.
Preparation Tips
- Build a strong foundation in Mathematics — NDA Paper I is entirely Maths, and CDS also includes Elementary Maths.
- Practise English comprehension and grammar intensively — errors here are costly in CDS.
- For SSB preparation, work on your communication, leadership instincts, and situational judgement alongside written preparation.
- Physical fitness is a separate but critical component — start a structured fitness routine months before the SSB.
Frequently Asked Questions — CDS & NDA
What is the difference between CDS and NDA?
NDA is for Class 12 pass (or appearing) unmarried male/female candidates to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers after 3-year training. CDS is for graduates to join as officers directly into the armed forces through the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, or OTA.
How many times is CDS conducted in a year?
UPSC conducts CDS twice a year — CDS I (notification in October, exam in February) and CDS II (notification in May, exam in September).
Is there negative marking in CDS and NDA?
Yes. In CDS, 1/3 of the marks are deducted for each wrong answer. In NDA, 1/3 marks are deducted for wrong answers in the GAT, and 1/4 marks for Mathematics.
What is the SSB interview process?
The SSB (Services Selection Board) is a 5-day assessment covering Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR), Picture Perception, Group Testing, Psychology Tests, and a Personal Interview. It evaluates 15 Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
Can women apply for CDS?
Yes. Women can apply for CDS to join the Officers Training Academy (OTA) and are eligible for Short Service Commission. Women can also apply for NDA since 2022 following the Supreme Court ruling.