CDS 2026 Sample Paper – English Practice Set (As Per Latest Pattern)

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission is one of the most prestigious defence entrance exams in India. Thousands of aspirants compete every year to join the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy.

The English paper carries 100 marks with a duration of 2 hours. It tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension skills, and usage accuracy. Below is a 600-word sample practice paper designed according to the latest pattern.

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for prestigious defence academies such as the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. The CDS selection process is divided into multiple phases, and each phase plays a crucial role in selecting capable and disciplined officers for the Armed Forces.

Understanding the selection process phase-wise helps candidates prepare in a structured and focused manner.

CDS 2026 Sample Paper – English

Phase 1: Written Examination

The first phase of CDS selection is the written examination conducted by UPSC. The structure of the written exam depends on the academy chosen by the candidate.

For IMA, INA, and AFA, there are three papers:

  • English (100 marks)

  • General Knowledge (100 marks)

  • Mathematics (100 marks)

For OTA, there are two papers:

  • English (100 marks)

  • General Knowledge (100 marks)

Each paper is conducted for two hours. The English paper tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and language skills. General Knowledge includes history, polity, geography, science, and current affairs. Mathematics covers algebra, arithmetic, trigonometry, geometry, and statistics.

Negative marking is applicable, so accuracy is extremely important. Candidates who clear the written cutoff move to the next phase.

CDS 2026 Sample Paper – English

Phase 2: SSB Interview

Candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. This is a five-day personality and intelligence assessment process.

Stage I Screening Test

This includes:

  • Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test

  • Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)

Only candidates who clear Stage I proceed to Stage II.

Stage II Testing

This stage includes:

  • Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT)

  • Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

  • Personal Interview

The SSB assesses Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) such as leadership, communication skills, decision-making ability, confidence, responsibility, and team spirit.

Unlike written exams, SSB focuses on personality rather than academic knowledge. Natural behavior and clarity of thought are key to success in this phase.

CDS 2026 Sample Paper – English

Phase 3: Medical Examination

Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a detailed medical examination. The medical test ensures that the candidate meets the physical and medical standards required for military training.

Tests include:

  • Height and weight measurement

  • Vision standards

  • Hearing ability

  • General physical fitness

Candidates must meet strict medical criteria. Any serious medical issue can lead to disqualification.

CDS 2026 Sample Paper – English

Phase 4: Final Merit List

The final merit list is prepared based on:

  • Marks obtained in the written examination

  • Marks obtained in the SSB interview

Medical qualification is mandatory but does not add marks. Final selection depends on overall merit and availability of vacancies in respective academies.

CDS 2026 Sample Paper – English

CDS 2026 Sample Paper – English

Attempt the CDS 2026 Sample Paper Below

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
ENGLISH
MATHEMATICS

Common Mistakes to Avoid in CDS Examination

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is highly competitive. Even small mistakes can significantly affect your chances of clearing the cutoff. Below are some common errors candidates must avoid:

🔴 1. Ignoring the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Many aspirants begin preparation without thoroughly understanding the syllabus. Knowing the weightage of topics in English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics is essential for smart preparation.

🔴 2. Excessive Guesswork

CDS has negative marking. Random guessing can reduce your overall score. Attempt questions only when you are reasonably confident. Calculated risk is acceptable, blind guessing is not.

🔴 3. Weak Grammar Fundamentals

In the English paper, topics like Subject-Verb Agreement, Tenses, Prepositions, Articles, and Idioms are frequently tested. Weak basics can lead to repeated mistakes.

🔴 4. Poor Time Management

Each paper is of two hours. Without regular timed practice, candidates often fail to complete the paper on time. Mock tests under exam conditions are crucial

CDS 2026 Sample Paper – English

CDS 2026 Sample Paper – English

CDS 2026 Sample Paper – English

CDS 2026 Sample Paper – English

How to Clear the CDS Cutoff

Clearing the CDS cutoff requires a combination of smart strategy, accuracy, and consistency. Here is a structured approach:

✅ 1. Target High Score in English (70+ Marks)

English is generally a scoring paper.

  • Learn 15–20 new vocabulary words daily

  • Practice grammar questions regularly

  • Read editorials to improve comprehension

  • Revise idioms and phrases weekly

Strong performance in English can significantly boost your total score.

✅ 2. Smart Strategy for General Knowledge

GK is vast and cannot be covered randomly.

  • Focus on static GK (History, Polity, Geography, Science)

  • Cover the last 6–8 months of current affairs

  • Revise NCERT basics for conceptual clarity

Consistency matters more than studying everything at once.

✅ 3. Strengthen Mathematics (For IMA, INA & AFA)

Mathematics requires speed and accuracy.

  • Revise formulas daily

  • Focus on Algebra and Arithmetic

  • Practice time-bound problem solving

  • Avoid lengthy calculations unless necessary

Clearing the sectional cutoff in Maths is essential.

✅ 4. Focus on Accuracy Over Attempts

Instead of attempting all questions, aim for 80–85% accuracy. A balanced attempt with high accuracy ensures a safe score.

 

✅ Official UPSC Website

https://www.upsc.gov.in

✅ CDS Official Notification Page

https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations

About the Author

Written by: Defence Exam Editorial Team
Exam Research & Content Review: Senior Academic Panel
Last Updated: 2026

The Defence Exam Editorial Team specializes in creating structured, exam-oriented content for competitive examinations such as CDS, NDA, AFCAT, and other defence recruitment tests. Each article is carefully researched according to the latest syllabus and official notification released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Our team focuses on providing accurate, reliable, and easy-to-understand study materials, including sample papers, mock tests, preparation strategies, and cutoff analysis. All content is reviewed by subject experts to ensure clarity, relevance, and exam-level accuracy.

CDS 2026 Sample Paper – English

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