Question 1

Is the UPSC CDS mock test on TestCrux really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every UPSC CDS mock test on TestCrux is 100% free — no paywall, no trial expiry, and no credit-card required. Sign up with your phone number or email to save attempts, view topic-wise analytics, and track your percentile across cycles.

Question 2

What is the UPSC CDS exam pattern for 2026?

Accepted Answer

UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) 2026 is a offline omr (ima/ina/afa: 3 papers; ota: 2 papers) + ssb interview test with 340 questions for a total of 300 marks, conducted over 6 hours. The paper is divided into 3 sections — English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics (IMA/INA/AFA only). Marking scheme: +1 per correct, -1/3 for wrong.

Question 3

Is there negative marking in UPSC CDS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, UPSC CDS has negative marking. Exact scheme: +1 per correct, -1/3 for wrong. Our mock tests apply the same penalty so your score and percentile reflect the real exam.

Question 4

Can I take the UPSC CDS mock test in Hindi?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TestCrux offers UPSC CDS mock tests in English and Hindi. You can toggle the question language mid-test without losing any of your answers — exactly like the real CBT interface used by NTA, SSC and IBPS.

Question 5

What is the age limit for UPSC CDS?

Accepted Answer

Candidates must be between 19 and 25 years of age as of the notification's cut-off date. Age relaxation applies per the official notification for SC/ST, OBC, PwBD and other reserved categories.

Question 6

What is the educational qualification required for UPSC CDS?

Accepted Answer

To appear for UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services), a candidate typically needs: IMA / OTA: Bachelor's degree in any discipline; INA: B.E. / B.Tech in engineering; AFA: Bachelor's with Physics & Math at 10+2, OR B.E./B.Tech. Final-year students are usually allowed to appear provisionally — refer to the official Union Public Service Commission for the exact cut-off.

Question 7

When will UPSC CDS 2026 be conducted?

Accepted Answer

The next UPSC CDS exam is scheduled for 12 Apr 2026. Union Public Service Commission publishes the detailed date sheet in the official notification. TestCrux updates this page as soon as the schedule is revised — bookmark it to stay current.

Question 8

What is the UPSC CDS application fee?

Accepted Answer

The UPSC CDS application fee for the general category is ₹200. Free for SC/ST/Women

Question 9

How should I prepare for UPSC CDS with TestCrux?

Accepted Answer

Start with one full-length UPSC CDS mock test on TestCrux to get a baseline score and percentile. Review the topic-wise heatmap to find your weakest chapters, then take 10-15 sectional tests focused on those topics. Finish with 3-4 more full-length mocks in the two weeks before the exam to build stamina. Every attempt gives you time-per-question analytics so you can fix pacing issues before the real exam.

Question 10

Who conducts UPSC CDS?

Accepted Answer

UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) is conducted by Union Public Service Commission. The official notification, answer keys and result are published on https://upsc.gov.in. TestCrux builds its mock tests against the latest official pattern from Union Public Service Commission so your practice always matches what you'll see on exam day.

Section	Qs	Marks	Time
English	120	100	120 min
General Knowledge	120	100	120 min
Elementary Mathematics (IMA/INA/AFA only)	100	100	120 min

UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services)

About UPSC CDS

Eligibility

Exam Pattern

Syllabus Outline

English

General Knowledge

Elementary Mathematics (Class 10 level)

Important Dates

Application Fee

Selection Process

Two-stage selection

Official Resources

Practice for UPSC CDS

Take a free UPSC CDS mock test

UPSC CDS — Frequently Asked Questions

UPSC Prelims

UPSC NDA

UPSC CAPF

UPSC Mains