Does every CDS candidate write Elementary Mathematics?
No. The paper combination depends on the academy route; check the current notification before selecting or practising papers.
UPSC · Combined Defence Services
UPSC Combined Defence Services examination.
Academy choices determine qualification, age and whether Elementary Mathematics applies. The current notification and service medical standards remain controlling.
Exam overview
What this examination path includes.
CDS is a UPSC examination for notified courses at the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy.
Eligibility and written-paper combinations differ by academy, so candidates should not apply one route’s requirements to another.
Eligibility
Check the exact post, year, and notification.
A recognised degree is required, with additional academy-specific educational, age, marital-status, physical and medical conditions in the current notice.
Important: This page is an orientation for students. The recruiting authority’s current notice, corrigenda, and official portal determine eligibility.
Selection process and subjects
Compare the main examination routes.
| Examination or post | Usual minimum qualification | Selection process | Main subjects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA / INA / Air Force Academy | Degree plus the academy-specific conditions in the current notification. | English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics written papers, followed by SSB and medical stages. | English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. |
| Officers Training Academy | Degree plus the OTA-specific conditions in the current notification. | English and General Knowledge written papers, followed by SSB and medical stages. | English and General Knowledge; Elementary Mathematics is not an OTA written paper. |
Previous-year papers
Practise with the relevant published paper subset.
Only reviewed records already published in the KSLC paper library appear below. A paper may include a question PDF, a memory-based question set, an answer key or reviewed solutions. Unavailable items are clearly marked as not published yet.
Source note: KSLC indexes previous-year papers for practice and revision. Copyright and official exam ownership remain with the respective examination authorities. When a record uses an official public source, use that authority's notice as final.
3 published paper records listed.
| Exam | Exam Date / Period | Subject | Question Paper | Answers/Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 - Elementary Mathematics | 04-2026 | Elementary Mathematics | 🔓 Open Paper | Solutions |
| UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 - English | 04-2026 | English | 🔓 Open Paper | Solutions |
| UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 - General Knowledge | 04-2026 | General Knowledge | 🔓 Open Paper | Solutions |
Foundation preparation at KSLC
Build the common Class B, C, and D written-exam foundation.
KSLC’s general foundation route supports the recurring core used across many recruitment examinations: quantitative aptitude and arithmetic, reasoning, English, general awareness, current affairs, timed practice, revision planning, and performance review.
Exam-specific technical subjects, local language, typing, stenography, physical fitness, medical standards, interviews, and professional papers require separate preparation where the official notice includes them.
Authoritative references
Official sources used for this guide.
- Union Public Service Commission Official notifications, examination pages, previous papers, answer keys and results.
- UPSC examinations Current and forthcoming examination notices and timetables.
- UPSC previous question papers Official historical question-paper catalogue.
Last content review: . Re-check the current notice before applying.
Questions
Common questions about this examination path.
Where is KSLC located?
KSLC is in Mawnianglah, near 7th Mile Taxi Stand, Upper Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya 793009, and supports learners from nearby communities in North East India.
How can a student apply for a batch?
Students can use the Apply page to submit a self-enrolment application. The center reviews applications, payment details when applicable, and batch suitability before activating access.
What support does KSLC provide after enrolment?
Enrolled students can receive classroom guidance, study planning, course updates, online lessons, reading material, discussion support, and progress follow-up through the KSLC website.