CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam

About CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year—CDS I (February) and CDS II (September). This exam is a gateway for young graduates to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as commissioned officers. Selected candidates undergo training at the respective academies:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (For both men and women)

Mode of Examination (CDS)

The CDS exam is conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper-based) and consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions.

For IMA, INA, and AFA:
📌 Mathematics – 100 Marks
📌 English – 100 Marks
📌 General Knowledge (GK) – 100 Marks

For OTA (Officers’ Training Academy):
📌 English – 100 Marks
📌 General Knowledge (GK) – 100 Marks

Duration of the CDS Exam

🕒 Each paper is 2 hours long.
The total marks for the written examination:

• 300 Marks (For IMA, INA, AFA)
• 200 Marks (For OTA)

Candidates who clear the written exam proceed to the SSB Interview, which is 300 Marks for IMA, INA, AFA and 200 Marks for OTA, making the total selection process 600 Marks (IMA, INA, AFA) and 400 Marks (OTA).

Documents Required for CDS Registration

✅ Recent Passport-Sized Photograph (20–300 KB, JPG format)
✅ Signature (20–300 KB, JPG format)
✅ Educational Qualification Certificates (Graduation degree or final year appearing proof)
✅ Valid ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport)
✅ Caste Certificate (if applicable)

Eligibility Criteria for the CDS Exam

🔹 Age Limit & Marital Status:

🔹 Educational Qualification:

• For IMA & OTA: Graduate degree in any discipline.
• For INA: Engineering degree from a recognized university.
• For AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a B.E./B.Tech degree.

🔹 Nationality:

• Must be an Indian citizen, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962.

How to Apply for CDS Exam

1️⃣ Visit the UPSC Website: upsc.gov.in
2️⃣ Fill out the Online Application: Provide personal, educational, and contact details.
3️⃣ Upload Required Documents: Scanned copies of the photograph, signature, and ID proof.
4️⃣ Pay the Application Fee:
✅ General/OBC Candidates: ₹200
✅ SC/ST/Female Candidates: Exempted from fee
5️⃣ Submit & Download Confirmation: Print the confirmation page for reference.

Exam Pattern for CDS

📌 Marking Scheme:
✔ +1 mark for every correct answer
❌ -0.33 marks for every wrong answer

📌 SSB Interview:

• IMA, INA, AFA: 300 Marks
• OTA: 200 Marks

Syllabus for the CDS Exam

📖 English:

• Grammar & Vocabulary
• Sentence Structure
• Comprehension & Synonyms/Antonyms
• Error Detection

📖 General Knowledge (GK):

• Current Affairs (National & International)
• History (Indian & World History)
• Geography (Indian & World Geography)
• Science & Technology
• Indian Polity & Constitution
• Defense-related topics

📖 Mathematics (For IMA, INA, AFA):

• Algebra & Arithmetic
• Geometry & Trigonometry
• Statistics & Probability

Selection Process After CDS Exam

The selection process consists of:

✔ Written Exam (CDS I or II)
✔ SSB Interview (5-day selection process)
✔ Medical Examination
✔ Final Merit List

📌 After Selection:

• IMA, INA, AFA Cadets undergo training for 1.5 to 3 years.
• OTA Cadets undergo training for 49 weeks.

How Mock Tests Help in CDS Preparation

✔ Improve Time Management – Helps solve questions quickly.
✔ Better Accuracy – Reduces negative marking.
✔ Boosts Confidence – Simulates real exam conditions.

Important Links for CDS Aspirants:

📌 Syllabus & Exam Pattern: UPSC CDS Syllabus
📌 Apply Online: CDS Application Form
📌 Official Notification: CDS Notification