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UPSC CDS ( I&II ) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
SYLLABUS
ENGLISH
The question paper will be designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
1. Reading Comprehension
2. Cloze Test
3. One Word Substitutions
4. Fill in the blanks
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
General Knowledge includes knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not made a special study of any scientific subject. The paper will also include questions on the History of India and the Geography of nature that candidates should be able to answer without special study.
1. Indian Demography & Politic
2. Geography
3. Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
4. Current Affairs
5. History
ELEMENTRY MATHEMATICS
ARITHMETIC
Number System—Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers. Fundamental operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, Square roots, Decimal fractions. Unitary method, time and distance, time and work, percentages, applications to simple and compound interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, variation.
Elementary Number Theory—Division algorithm. Prime and composite numbers. Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 11. Multiples and factors. Factorization Theorem. H.C.F. and L.C.M. Euclidean algorithm. Logarithms to base 10, laws of logarithms, use of logarithmic tables.
1. Number System
2. Volume 0f Cylinder, Cone, Cube, Sphere
3. Trigonometry
4. Linear & Quadratic Equations
ALGEBRA
Basic Operations, simple factors, Remainder Theorem, H.C.F., L.C.M., Theory of polynomials, solutions of quadratic equations, the relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered). Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutions. Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions. Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable & their solutions. Set language and set notation, Rational expressions, and conditional identities, Laws of indices.
TRIGONOMETRY
Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90° Values of sin ×, cos ×, and tan ×, for × = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°
Simple trigonometric identities.
Use of trigonometric tables.
Simple cases of heights and distances.
GEOMETRY
Lines and angles, Plane and plane figures, Theorems on:
1. Properties of angles at a point,
2. Parallel lines,
3. Sides and angles of a triangle,
4. Congruency of triangles,
5. Similar triangles,
6. Concurrence of medians and altitudes,
7. Properties of angles, sides and diagonals of a parallelogram, rectangle and square,
8. Circles and its properties including tangents and normals,
9. Loci
MENSURATION
Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangles, and circles. Areas of figures can be split up into these figures (Field Book), Surface area and volume of cuboids, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, surface area, and volume of spheres.
STATISTICS
Collection and tabulation of statistical data, Graphical representation frequency polygons, histograms, bar charts, pie charts, etc. Measures of central tendency.
SYLLABUS WITH WEIGHTAGE
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Elementary Mathematics | Number System |
UPSC CDS ( I&II ) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
SYLLABUS
ENGLISH
The question paper will be designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
1. Reading Comprehension
2. Cloze Test
3. One Word Substitutions
4. Fill in the blanks
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
General Knowledge includes knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not made a special study of any scientific subject. The paper will also include questions on the History of India and the Geography of nature that candidates should be able to answer without special study.
1. Indian Demography & Politic
2. Geography
3. Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
4. Current Affairs
5. History
ELEMENTRY MATHEMATICS
ARITHMETIC
Number System—Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers. Fundamental operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, Square roots, Decimal fractions. Unitary method, time and distance, time and work, percentages, applications to simple and compound interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, variation.
Elementary Number Theory—Division algorithm. Prime and composite numbers. Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 11. Multiples and factors. Factorization Theorem. H.C.F. and L.C.M. Euclidean algorithm. Logarithms to base 10, laws of logarithms, use of logarithmic tables.
1. Number System
2. Volume 0f Cylinder, Cone, Cube, Sphere
3. Trigonometry
4. Linear & Quadratic Equations
ALGEBRA
Basic Operations, simple factors, Remainder Theorem, H.C.F., L.C.M., Theory of polynomials, solutions of quadratic equations, the relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered). Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutions. Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions. Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable & their solutions. Set language and set notation, Rational expressions, and conditional identities, Laws of indices.
TRIGONOMETRY
Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90° Values of sin ×, cos ×, and tan ×, for × = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°
Simple trigonometric identities.
Use of trigonometric tables.
Simple cases of heights and distances.
GEOMETRY
Lines and angles, Plane and plane figures, Theorems on:
1. Properties of angles at a point,
2. Parallel lines,
3. Sides and angles of a triangle,
4. Congruency of triangles,
5. Similar triangles,
6. Concurrence of medians and altitudes,
7. Properties of angles, sides and diagonals of a parallelogram, rectangle and square,
8. Circles and its properties including tangents and normals,
9. Loci
MENSURATION
Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangles, and circles. Areas of figures can be split up into these figures (Field Book), Surface area and volume of cuboids, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, surface area, and volume of spheres.
STATISTICS
Collection and tabulation of statistical data, Graphical representation frequency polygons, histograms, bar charts, pie charts, etc. Measures of central tendency.
SYLLABUS WITH WEIGHTAGE
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Elementary Mathematics | Number System | 6 Q |
Circle & Its Properties | 6 Q | |
Volume 0f Cylinder, Cone, Cube, Sphere | 8-10 Q | |
Trigonometry | 8-10 Q | |
Statistics | 5 Q | |
Linear & Quadratic Equations | 12-14 Q | |
Parallelogram, square, and rectangle | 2 Q | |
Area of square/Rectangle/triangle | 2 Q | |
Angle lines and triangles | 8 Q | |
Height and Distances | 2 Q | |
Sets and series | 1-2 Q | |
Logarithm | 2 Q | |
LCM and HCF | 3 Q | |
Percentage and Discount | 5 Q | |
Interest - Simple, Compound | 3-5 Q | |
Average | 2-3 Q | |
Profit & Loss | 2-3 Q | |
Time & Work | 5 Q | |
Time, speed and Distance | 5 Q | |
English | Reading Comprehension | 20-25 Q |
Spotting Errors | 20-25 Q | |
Sentence Improvement | 20-25 Q | |
Ordering of sentences | 20-25 Q | |
Fill in the blanks (cloze comprehension) | 15 Q | |
Synonyms & Antonyms | 12-15 Q | |
One Word Substitutions | 5 Q | |
Direct/Indirect | 5 Q | |
Active & Passive | 5 Q | |
Idioms & Phrases | 5 Q | |
General Knowledge | Indian Demography & Politics | 25 Q |
Geography, History | 30-35 Q | |
Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 30 Q | |
Current Affairs | 15 Q | |
Sports, awards, important days | 2-3 Q | |
Environment | 2-3 Q | |
Defense Services | 2-3 Q |
Pie Chart For CDS - English Syllabus
Pie Chart For CDS - General Knowledge Syllabus
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
For the English Language
1. High School English Grammar & Composition Edition by Wren and Martin
2. Objective General English by SP Bakshi
3. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
For General Knowledge
1. General Awareness by Manohar Panday
3. Pratiyogita Darpan, Competition Success Review (CSR), and Yojana
For Elementary Mathematics
1. Mathematics for CDS by RS Aggarwal
2. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Aggarwal
3. Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant Publications
Admission to Examination Centres
1. Candidates must not forget to take their admit card with ID proof and 2 recent colored photographs.
2. No use of electronic items, books, or watches allowed inside the examination hall.
3. Candidates should reach the examination center 1 hour prior to the commencement of the exam..
5. Candidates cannot leave the examination center without the conclusion of the UPSC CDS exam.
6. Candidates need to follow all the instructions given by the invigilator.
7. Candidates found with debarred items will be disqualified from the exam.
IMPORTANT LINKS
For Official Website- Click here
For Official Notification - Click here
UPSC CDS ( I&II ) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
EXAM PATTERN
The CDS examination comprises:
1. Written examination
2. Interview for intelligence and personality test
For Admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy
Subjects | Duration | Maximum Marks |
English | 120 Minutes | 100 |
General Knowledge | 120 Minutes | 100 |
Elementary Mathematics | 120 Minutes | 100 |
For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy
Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
English | 120 Minutes | 100 |
General Knowledge | 120 Minutes | 100 |
Written Exam
1. There will be 340 questions from 3 sections; English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. For the CDS OTA exam there will be 240 questions from 2 sections; English & General Knowledge.
2. The time duration of the UPSC CDS Exam is 6 hours. For the CDS OTA Exam the time duration is 4 hours.
3. For correct answers, 0.83 marks are given for English and General Knowledge, and 1 mark is given for Maths. For every wrong answer, 0.33 marks will be deducted for all wrong answers.
4. The papers in all the subjects will consist of objective type questions only.
6. The question papers (Test Booklets) of General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set bilingually in Hindi as well as English.
Mode Of Examination
The Examination for Combined Defence Services will be conducted as an Offline Written Test. Questions will be Objective Type in nature.
Medium Of Exmination
The question papers (Test Booklets) of General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set bilingually in Hindi as well as English Language.
Marking Scheme
1. There are four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, One third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
2. If a candidate is given more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the given answers happens to be correct and there will be the same penalty as above for that question.
3. If a question is left blank, no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question.
FAST FACTS
1. Acronym - CDS
2. Conducting Body/ Administrator - Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
3. Exam Purpose - Recruitment of candidates into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Indian Air Force Academy
4. Exam Mode - Written Test & Personal Interview
5. Stages - Stage I & II
6. Offered - Twice in a Year
IMPORTANT LINKS-
...UPSC CDS ( I&II ) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
EXAM PATTERN
The CDS examination comprises:
1. Written examination
2. Interview for intelligence and personality test
For Admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy
Subjects | Duration | Maximum Marks |
English | 120 Minutes | 100 |
General Knowledge | 120 Minutes | 100 |
Elementary Mathematics | 120 Minutes | 100 |
For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy
Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
English | 120 Minutes | 100 |
General Knowledge | 120 Minutes | 100 |
Written Exam
1. There will be 340 questions from 3 sections; English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. For the CDS OTA exam there will be 240 questions from 2 sections; English & General Knowledge.
2. The time duration of the UPSC CDS Exam is 6 hours. For the CDS OTA Exam the time duration is 4 hours.
3. For correct answers, 0.83 marks are given for English and General Knowledge, and 1 mark is given for Maths. For every wrong answer, 0.33 marks will be deducted for all wrong answers.
4. The papers in all the subjects will consist of objective type questions only.
6. The question papers (Test Booklets) of General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set bilingually in Hindi as well as English.
Mode Of Examination
The Examination for Combined Defence Services will be conducted as an Offline Written Test. Questions will be Objective Type in nature.
Medium Of Exmination
The question papers (Test Booklets) of General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set bilingually in Hindi as well as English Language.
Marking Scheme
1. There are four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, One third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
2. If a candidate is given more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the given answers happens to be correct and there will be the same penalty as above for that question.
3. If a question is left blank, no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question.
FAST FACTS
1. Acronym - CDS
2. Conducting Body/ Administrator - Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
3. Exam Purpose - Recruitment of candidates into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Indian Air Force Academy
4. Exam Mode - Written Test & Personal Interview
5. Stages - Stage I & II
6. Offered - Twice in a Year
IMPORTANT LINKS-
For Official Website- Click here
For Official Notification - Click here
UPSC CDS ( I&II ) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Nationality
i. A candidate applying for the UPSC CDS exam must be either –
ii. A Citizen of India or
iii. A subject of Nepal or
iv. A subject of Bhutan or
v. A Tibetan Refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India or
vi. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India, provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv) & (v) above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.
Age Limit
The detailed CDS age limit criteria below for different posts:
Branch | CDS Age Limit |
IMA & INA (Indian Military Academy & Indian Naval Academy) | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2 nd January, 2002 and not later than 1 st January 2007 only are eligible. |
IAFA (Indian Air Force Academy) | 20 to 24 years as on 1 st January 2026 i.e. born not earlier than 2 nd January 2002 and not later than 1 st January 2006 (Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 2 nd January 2000 and not later than 1 st January 2006 only are eligible |
OTA (Officer’s Training Academy) SSC Course for men | (SSC Course for men) unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2 nd January 2001 and not later than 1 st January, 2007 only are eligible.. |
OTA (Officer’s Training Academy) SSC Women Non - Technical Course | (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2 nd January, 2001 and not later than 1 st January, 2007. |
Age Relaxation
Candidates who hold a valid and current commercial pilot license issued by DGCA (India) are entitled to relaxation in the upper age limit up to 26 years.
Educational Qualifications
The following table lists the specific CDS qualification requirements:
Branch | CDS Qualification |
IMA (Indian Military Academy) & OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) | Degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
INA (Indian Naval Academy) | Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institute. |
UPSC CDS ( I&II ) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Nationality
i. A candidate applying for the UPSC CDS exam must be either –
ii. A Citizen of India or
iii. A subject of Nepal or
iv. A subject of Bhutan or
v. A Tibetan Refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India or
vi. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India, provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv) & (v) above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.
Age Limit
The detailed CDS age limit criteria below for different posts:
Branch | CDS Age Limit |
IMA & INA (Indian Military Academy & Indian Naval Academy) | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2 nd January, 2002 and not later than 1 st January 2007 only are eligible. |
IAFA (Indian Air Force Academy) | 20 to 24 years as on 1 st January 2026 i.e. born not earlier than 2 nd January 2002 and not later than 1 st January 2006 (Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 2 nd January 2000 and not later than 1 st January 2006 only are eligible |
OTA (Officer’s Training Academy) SSC Course for men | (SSC Course for men) unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2 nd January 2001 and not later than 1 st January, 2007 only are eligible.. |
OTA (Officer’s Training Academy) SSC Women Non - Technical Course | (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2 nd January, 2001 and not later than 1 st January, 2007. |
Age Relaxation
Candidates who hold a valid and current commercial pilot license issued by DGCA (India) are entitled to relaxation in the upper age limit up to 26 years.
Educational Qualifications
The following table lists the specific CDS qualification requirements:
Branch | CDS Qualification |
IMA (Indian Military Academy) & OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) | Degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
INA (Indian Naval Academy) | Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institute. |
IAFA (Indian Air Force Academy) | Bachelor of Engineering or Degree from a recognized university (with Maths & Physics at 10+2). |
Note: Graduates with first choice as Army/Navy/Air Force are to submit proof of Graduation/provisional certificates on the date of commencement of the SSB Interview at the SSB.
Marital Status (Male)
To check the CDS marital criteria of male candidates, refer to the table provided below:
Branch | Marital Status |
IMA & INA | Unmarried |
| Candidates who are below the age limit of 25 years must be unmarried. Candidates won’t be allowed to get married during the training period. As the IAFA provides age relaxation for certain candidates, Candidates who are above the age of 25 years and are married can apply but during training, no accommodation for a spouse would be provided nor will the candidates be allowed to live with family outside the premises. |
OTA | Unmarried |
Marital Status (Female)
The CDS eligibility for female candidates is also specified. To get the details about the same, check out the given table:
Branch | Marital Status |
OTA | Unmarried females, Widows who have not remarried, and Divorcees who have not remarried and possess divorce documents are eligible |
Medical Eligibility
As per the CDS Eligibility, candidates who are interested in the exam should be medically fit to be considered eligible for the job. To fulfil the CDS Eligibility Criteria, every candidate should know about the medical conditions that can hinder their journey. Given below are the specifics of the medical conditions that would not allow you to apply for the exam:
1. Condition of Overweight/Underweight
2. Under Sized Chest
3. Piles
4. Wax (Ears)
5. Deviated Nasal Septum
6. Tonsillitis
7. Gynaecomastia
8. Varicocele
9. Hydrocele / Phimosis
Physical Eligibility
1. According to the CDS Eligibility, candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards for fitness.
2. They must be in good physical and mental health and free from any disease/disability which can interfere with the performance of duties.
3. There should be no evidence of weak constitution, bodily defects, or underweight. The candidate should not be overweight or obese.
4. Candidates should have no past history of mental breakdown or fits.
5. The minimum CDS height required for male candidates is 157.5 cms (157 cms for the Navy and 162.5 cms for Air Force). For women candidates, the minimum CDS height required is 152 cm. However, the minimum height for all entries is 148 cm after all types of waivers/dispensations.
6. For Male Candidates, the chest should be well developed.
7. The Body Mass Index of the candidates should be below 25.
IMPORTANT LINKS
For Official Website- Click here
For Official Notification - Click here
UPSC CDS ( I&II ) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
IMPORTANT DATES
Events | NDA- I Dates | NDA- II Dates |
CDS Notification Release Date | 11/12/2024 | 28/05/2025 |
CDS Online Registration Start Date | 11/12/2024 | 28/05/2025 |
CDS Apply Online Last Date | 31/12/2024 | 17/06/2025 |
Fee Pay Last Date | 31/12/2024 | - |
CDS Application Form Correction Window dates | 01/01/2025 to 07/01/2025 | - |
CDS Exam Date | 13/04/2025 | 14/09/2025 |
CDS Result | To Be Updated Soon | To Be Updated Soon |
IMPORTANT LINKS
For Official Website- Click here
For Official Notification - Click here
UPSC CDS ( I&II ) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
IMPORTANT DATES
Events | NDA- I Dates | NDA- II Dates |
CDS Notification Release Date | 11/12/2024 | 28/05/2025 |
CDS Online Registration Start Date | 11/12/2024 | 28/05/2025 |
CDS Apply Online Last Date | 31/12/2024 | 17/06/2025 |
Fee Pay Last Date | 31/12/2024 | - |
CDS Application Form Correction Window dates | 01/01/2025 to 07/01/2025 | - |
CDS Exam Date | 13/04/2025 | 14/09/2025 |
CDS Result | To Be Updated Soon | To Be Updated Soon |
IMPORTANT LINKS
For Official Website- Click here
For Official Notification - Click here
UPSC CDS ( I&II) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS (I & II) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
CDS- I Exam Analysis 2024 (21th April 2024)
Difficulty level (Overall)
Paper | Difficulty Level |
English | Easy to Moderate |
General Knowledge | Moderate to Difficult |
Mathematics | Moderate |
Good Attempts
Subjects | Good Attempts Range |
English Language | 80-90 |
General Knowledge | 70-80 |
Mathematics | 65-75 |
Section Wise Analysis
English Section
Topic | No. of Questions |
Word classes | 10 |
UPSC CDS ( I&II) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS (I & II) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
CDS- I Exam Analysis 2024 (21th April 2024)
Difficulty level (Overall)
Paper | Difficulty Level |
English | Easy to Moderate |
General Knowledge | Moderate to Difficult |
Mathematics | Moderate |
Good Attempts
Subjects | Good Attempts Range |
English Language | 80-90 |
General Knowledge | 70-80 |
Mathematics | 65-75 |
Section Wise Analysis
English Section
Topic | No. of Questions |
Word classes | 10 |
Passages | 10 |
Synonyms | 5 |
Correlating sentences | 5 |
Usage of paired words | 10 |
Preposition & determiner fillers | 10 |
Spotting errors | 10 |
Matching lists | 5 |
Adaptation of borrowed words | 5 |
Use of phrasal verbs | 5 |
Commonly used words | 5 |
Ordering of words | 10 |
Ordering of sentence | 10 |
Antonyms | 5 |
Fill in the blanks | 10 |
Idioms & phrases | 5 |
General Knowledge
Subject | No. of Questions |
Current Affairs | 18 |
Ancient History | 4 |
Medieval History | 11 |
Modern History | 5 |
Geography | 20 |
Polity | 14 |
Economics | 15 |
Static GK | 5 |
Physics | 7 |
Chemistry | 10 |
Biology | 10 |
Mathematics
Topics | Number of Questions |
Geometry | 18 |
Number System | 13 |
Mensuration 2D | 22 |
Mensuration 3D | 3 |
Algebra | 11 |
Profit and Loss | 2 |
Percentage | 1 |
HCF & LCM | 3 |
Mixture & Allegation | 1 |
Ratio and Proportion | 3 |
Time and Work | 4 |
Height and Distance | 1 |
Trigonometry | 6 |
Simple Interest | 1 |
Compound Interest | 2 |
Speed and Distance | 5 |
Statistics | 4 |
CDS- I Exam Analysis 2023 (16th April 2023)
CDS- I 2023 Exam Analysis - Difficulty level (Overall)
Sections | Number of Questions | Level |
English | 120 | Moderate |
General Knowledge | 120 | Moderate |
Elementary Mathematics | 100 | Difficult |
Overall | 300 | Moderate to Difficult |
UPSC CDS- I Exam Analysis 2023 (English)
Important Topics & Good attempts
Topic | Number of Questions |
Reading Comprehension | 10 |
Synonyms | 10 |
Sentence Completion | 10 |
Ordering of Words | 10 |
Cloze Composition | 10 |
Preposition and Determiners | 10 |
Ordering of Sentences | 10 |
Word Meaning | 10 |
Fill in the Blanks | 10 |
Usage of Paired Words | 10 |
Spotting Errors | 10 |
Parts of Speech | 10 |
English
Subject | Good Attempts | Difficulty Level |
English | 67-72 | Moderate |
CDS- I Exam Analysis 2023 (General Knowledge)
Important Topics & Good attempts
Topics | No. of Questions |
History | 22 |
Polity | 11 |
Geography | 20 |
Physics | 10 |
Chemistry | 11 |
Biology | 10 |
Economics | 9 |
Current Affairs | 27 |
General Knowledge
Subject | Good Attempts | Difficulty Level |
General knowledge | 60-71 | Moderate |
CDS- I Exam Analysis 2023 (Mathematics)
Important Topics & Good attempts
Topics | No. of Questions |
Geometry | 11 |
Algebra | 1 |
Profit Loss | 1 |
Simple & Compound Interest | 2 |
Time, Speed & Distance | 1 |
Time & Work | 4 |
Trigonometry | 9 |
Area and Perimeter | 6 |
Circle | 5 |
Average | 1 |
Set Theory | 2 |
HCF and LCM | 3 |
Height & Distance | 2 |
Logarithm and Exponential | 1 |
Polynomials and inequations | 3 |
Decimal | 2 |
Percentage | 1 |
Properties of Number System | 8 |
Quadratic | 7 |
Quadrilaterals and Polygon | 1 |
Ratio and Proportion | 1 |
Problems of Age | 1 |
Statistics | 4 |
Triangles | 5 |
Volume and Surface Area | 6 |
Mathematics
Subject | Good Attempts | Difficulty Level |
Mathematics | 52-58 | Difficult |
CDS- II Exam Analysis 2023 (3rd September 2023)
CDS- II 2023 Exam Analysis - Difficulty Level (Overall)
Sections | Number of Questions | Level |
English | 120 | Moderate |
General Knowledge | 120 | Moderate |
Elementary Mathematics | 100 | Moderate to Difficult |
Overall | 300 | Moderate to Difficult |
UPSC CDS- II Exam Analysis 2023 (English)
Important Topics & Good attempts
Topic | Details |
Spotting Error | 10 |
Idioms & Phrases | 10 |
Reading Comprehension | 10 |
Ordering of words in a sentence | 10 |
Ordering of Sentences | 10 |
Fill in the Blanks | 10 |
Antonyms | 10 |
Cloze Composition | 10 |
Synonyms | 10 |
Parts of Speech | 10 |
Completion of Sentence | 10 |
Preposition & Determiners | 10 |
English
Subject | Good Attempts | Difficulty Level |
English | 68-74 | Moderate |
CDS- II Exam Analysis 2023 (General Knowledge)
Important Topics & Good attempts
Subject | No. of Questions |
History | 22 |
Polity | 6 |
Geography | 18 |
Physics | 10 |
Chemistry | 10 |
Biology | 10 |
Economics | 10 |
CA/Env | 34 |
General Knowledge
Subject | Good Attempts | Difficulty Level |
General knowledge | 65-72 | Moderate |
CDS- II Exam Analysis 2023 (Mathematics)
Important Topics & Good attempts
Topics | Number of Questions Asked |
Algebraic Identities | 14 |
Area and Perimeter(2D) | 1 |
Average | 3 |
Basic Operation and Factorisation | 2 |
Circle | 6 |
Data Interpretation | 2 |
Divisibility | 1 |
Geometry | 4 |
HCF and LCM | 4 |
Height & Distance | 7 |
Linear Equations | 1 |
Lines and Angles | 2 |
Polynomials and Inequations | 1 |
Powers and Roots | 3 |
Problem on Age | 3 |
Profit and Loss | 1 |
Properties of Number System | 6 |
Quadratic | 6 |
Ratio and Proportion | 4 |
SI and CI | 2 |
Statistics | 3 |
Time and Distance | 2 |
Triangles | 6 |
Trigonometry | 11 |
Volume and Surface Area(3D) | 3 |
Work and Time | 2 |
Mathematics
Subject | Good Attempts | Difficulty Level |
Mathematics | 55-60 | Moderate to Difficult |
IMPORTANT LINKS
For Official Website- Click here
For Official Notification - Click here
UPSC CDS ( I&II ) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
STUDY PLAN
The only deciding factor for the selection or rejection of a candidate is the Strategy & Planning which is used by them for their preparation for the CDS Examination. A good and result-oriented Strategy & Planning for the examination will definitely allow the candidates to make their way through CDS Examination.
The foremost step in planning involves preparing a study plan based on the Syllabus.
3-Month Study Plan
Week | Mathematics | General Knowledge | English |
Week 1 | Number System, Circle & Its Properties | Indian Demography & Politics, Current Affairs | Reading Comprehension |
Week 2 | Volume 0f Cylinder, Cone, Cube, Sphere | Economy, Current Affairs | Spotting Errors |
Week 3 | Statistics, Linear & Quadratic Equations | History, Current Affairs | Sentence Improvement |
Week 4 | Trigonometry | Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Current Affairs | Ordering of sentences |
Week 5 | Area of square/Rectangle/triangle, Parallelogram, square, and rectangle | Current Affairs | Fill in the blanks (cloze comprehension) |
Week 6 | Revision, Mock Test, Doubt Clearing Session | Revision, Mock Test, Current Affairs | Synonyms & Antonyms |
Week 7 | Angle lines and triangles, Height and Distances | Sports, award, important days, Current Affairs | One Word Substitutions |
Week 8 | Sets and series, Sets and series, Time & Work | Environment, Current Affairs | Direct/Indirect |
Week 9 | Trigonometry, LCM, and HCF | Defense Services, Current Affairs | Active & Passive |
Week 10 | Percentage and Discount, Interest - Simple, Compound | History, GeographyCurrent Affairs | Id |
UPSC CDS ( I&II ) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
STUDY PLAN
The only deciding factor for the selection or rejection of a candidate is the Strategy & Planning which is used by them for their preparation for the CDS Examination. A good and result-oriented Strategy & Planning for the examination will definitely allow the candidates to make their way through CDS Examination.
The foremost step in planning involves preparing a study plan based on the Syllabus.
3-Month Study Plan
Week | Mathematics | General Knowledge | English |
Week 1 | Number System, Circle & Its Properties | Indian Demography & Politics, Current Affairs | Reading Comprehension |
Week 2 | Volume 0f Cylinder, Cone, Cube, Sphere | Economy, Current Affairs | Spotting Errors |
Week 3 | Statistics, Linear & Quadratic Equations | History, Current Affairs | Sentence Improvement |
Week 4 | Trigonometry | Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Current Affairs | Ordering of sentences |
Week 5 | Area of square/Rectangle/triangle, Parallelogram, square, and rectangle | Current Affairs | Fill in the blanks (cloze comprehension) |
Week 6 | Revision, Mock Test, Doubt Clearing Session | Revision, Mock Test, Current Affairs | Synonyms & Antonyms |
Week 7 | Angle lines and triangles, Height and Distances | Sports, award, important days, Current Affairs | One Word Substitutions |
Week 8 | Sets and series, Sets and series, Time & Work | Environment, Current Affairs | Direct/Indirect |
Week 9 | Trigonometry, LCM, and HCF | Defense Services, Current Affairs | Active & Passive |
Week 10 | Percentage and Discount, Interest - Simple, Compound | History, GeographyCurrent Affairs | Idioms & Phrases |
Week 11 | Average, Profit & Loss, Time, Speed, and Distance | Revision, Mock Test, Current Affairs | Revision, Mock Test, Doubt Clearing Session |
Week 12 | Revision, Mock Test, Doubt Clearing Session | Revision, Mock Test, Current Affairs | Revision, Mock Test, Doubt Clearing Session |
TIPS & TRICKS
English
1. Improve your Vocabulary by online Thesaurus.
2. Improve your Grammar Skills by being perfect with the basics of English Grammar.
3. Read newspapers and magazines to improve your reading habits. Learn at least 10 new English words and meanings daily.
4. Students are required to avoid the mistake of reading incomplete questions and arriving at an incorrect answer eventually. Read the questions carefully and check what is being asked.
5. Practice Antonym & Synonym daily.
6. First try to understand the Theme of the passage before jumping to the questions.
7. While answering the direct questions based on vocabulary, where you are confused about the right answer, you can opt for the elimination method.
8. Previous Year's paper is a great source of practice.
Elementary Mathematics
1. Candidates should clear their basic concepts by following the NCERT Books and then start off with brushing up on the theories of concepts that they have already covered. Then for the topics which are untouched, start with clearing the basic understanding.
2. Candidates must obtain the speed of making calculations, as they can’t afford to waste time in calculations while solving the mathematics section.
3. Start preparing the important topics first, at the same time, delegate time for the difficult topics.
4. Memorize simple calculations such as squares and cubes and learn tips, tricks, and shortcuts for efficient time management.
5. As there is negative marking in the exam, they should mark the answer only if they are sure about it. Do not guess the answers during the exam.
6. If you are really serious about passing the written exam and scoring well in it, consider solving as many question papers that you can lay your hands upon. The trend so far has been that the blueprint of the written examination has not changed significantly over all these years.
General Knowledge
1. First go through great lengths with the NCERT books for the preparation of the GK Paper.
2. Make a routine to revise all the static GK like Geography, Economy, History, Current Affairs, General Science, etc
3. Make a habit of reading Newspapers, Journals, Magazines, etc. on a daily basis.
4. Be aware of what is happening in the world.
5. Make a note every time you hear something very important.
6. Appear in the online GK test as well as in the CDS mock test to get a hold and to brush and challenge your knowledge span as well.
7. Don’t attempt questions in which you have no idea about what is being asked.
Recommended Books
English | General Knowledge | Elementary Mathematics |
Pathfinder CDS Combined Defence Services Entrance Examination | ||
Rapid Quantitative Aptitude with Shortcuts & Tricks by Disha Publication |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
FAQ RELATED TO BACKGROUND
QUERY | RESPONSE |
What is CDS Exam? | Combined Defence Services Examination, commonly known as CDS, is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment of Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. |
How many attempts are permitted in the CDS exam? | There is no limit to the number of attempts in the CDS exam. Candidates can apply for the exam if they satisfy the prescribed age limit. |
Can girls apply for the CDS exam? | Yes, girls can apply for the CDS exam. They are considered for OTA and are allotted to SSC (Short Service Commission) in the non-technical cadre. |
FAQ RELATED TO EXAM DURATION AND PATTERN
QUERY | RESPONSE |
In which mode CDS exam is conducted? | CDS exam is conducted offline by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). |
What are the negative marks for wrong answers? | For the wrong answers, 1/3 marks are deducted. For the correct answers, candidates score one mark. |
How many questions are asked in the English section of the CDS exam? | The total number of questions asked in the English Language of CDS exam is 120. |
How many questions are asked in the Maths section of the CDS exam? | The CDS question paper for Mathematics carries a total of 100 questions. |
What will be the language of the CDS question paper? | Questions in CDS are available in both English and Hindi languages. Candidates can write the answers in their preferred language. |
In how many stages CDS SSB Interview is conducted? | The SSB Interview of CDS is conducted in two stages. Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT). Stage II comprises interviews, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and conferences. |
FAQ RELATED TO APPLICATION FORM
QUERY | RESPONSE |
Can I edit details in the CDS application form after the final submission? | Changes in the CDS application form are not allowed after it is submitted. If candidates wish to make any changes must submit a fresh application. The registration ID for the latest application is considered. |
In how many languages CDS application form is made available? | The CDS application form is made available in English and Hindi languages. But, it should be filled in the English language only. |
How to get the refund of the CDS application fee if I have made the payment more | UPSC has no provision to refund the application fees paid by candidates. They need to contact the concerned banks or claim any extra/ unsuccessful payments made. |
FAQ RELATED TO RESULT
QUERY | RESPONSE |
Do I need to secure minimum qualifying marks in each subject of the CDS written exam? | Yes, you need to secure the minimum qualifying marks in each subject of the CDS written exam. |
What is the time difference between the CDS result and SSB Interview? | SSB Interview of CDS exam is conducted within a gap of one or two months from the declaration of result. |
How should one prepare for SSB Interview after the declaration of the CDS result? | Candidates should develop their general awareness, communication skills, confidence, etc. for the SSB Interview of CDS |
Will I receive the hard copy of my CDS scorecard? | No, the hard copy of the CDS scorecard is not sent to candidates by post. Candidates need to download it online only. |
If I have registered late after the CDS result, will I get a call for SSB Interview? | You will get a call for SSB Interview if you have qualified for the written exam of CDS. The intimation is sent through the mail. |
IMPORTANT LINKS-
For Official Website- Click here
For Official Notification - Click here
UPSC CDS ( I&II ) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
IMPORTANT DATES
Events | NDA- I Dates | NDA- II Dates |
CDS Notification Release Date | 11/12/2024 | 28/05/2025 |
CDS Online Registration Start Date | 11/12/2024 | 28/05/2025 |
CDS Apply Online Last Date | 31/12/2024 | 17/06/2025 |
Fee Pay Last Date | 31/12/2024 | - |
CDS Application Form Correction Window dates | 01/01/2025 to 07/01/2025 | - |
CDS Exam Date | 13/04/2025 | 14/09/2025 |
CDS Result | To Be Updated Soon | To Be Updated Soon |
JOB PROFILE
UPSC offers a great job profile in Defence services. Below is the table showing the growth of the Officer.
Post | Promotion Criteria |
Lieutenant | On completion of Training |
Captain | 2 years of commissioned service |
Major |
UPSC CDS ( I&II ) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
IMPORTANT DATES
Events | NDA- I Dates | NDA- II Dates |
CDS Notification Release Date | 11/12/2024 | 28/05/2025 |
CDS Online Registration Start Date | 11/12/2024 | 28/05/2025 |
CDS Apply Online Last Date | 31/12/2024 | 17/06/2025 |
Fee Pay Last Date | 31/12/2024 | - |
CDS Application Form Correction Window dates | 01/01/2025 to 07/01/2025 | - |
CDS Exam Date | 13/04/2025 | 14/09/2025 |
CDS Result | To Be Updated Soon | To Be Updated Soon |
JOB PROFILE
UPSC offers a great job profile in Defence services. Below is the table showing the growth of the Officer.
Post | Promotion Criteria |
Lieutenant | On completion of Training |
Captain | 2 years of commissioned service |
Major | 6 years of Commissioned Service |
Lieutenant Colonel | 13 years of Commissioned Service |
Colonel | 15 years of Commissioned Service |
Colonel (TS) | 16 years of Commissioned Service |
Brigadier | 23 years of Commissioned Service |
Major General | 25years of Commissioned Service |
Lieutenant General | 28 years of Commissioned Service |
General | No restrictions |
EXAM PATTERN
The CDS examination comprises:
1. Written examination
2. Interview for intelligence and personality test
For Admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy:
Subjects | Duration | Maximum Marks |
English | 120 Minutes | 100 |
General Knowledge | 120 Minutes | 100 |
Elementary Mathematics | 120 Minutes | 100 |
For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy
Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
English | 120 Minutes | 100 |
General Knowledge | 120 Minutes | 100 |
Written Exam
1. There will be 340 questions from 3 sections; English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. For the CDS OTA exam there will be 240 questions from 2 sections, English & General Knowledge.
2. The time duration of the UPSC CDS Exam is 6 hours. For the CDS OTA exam the time duration is 4 hours.
3. For correct answers, 0.83 marks are given for English and General Knowledge, and 1 mark is given for Maths. For every wrong answer, 0.33 marks will be deducted for all wrong answers.
4. The papers in all the subjects will consist of objective type questions only.
6. The question papers (Test Booklets) of General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set bilingually in Hindi as well as English.
Mode Of Examination
The Examination for Combined Defence Services will be conducted as an Offline Written Test. Questions will be Objective Type in nature.
Medium Of Examination
The question papers (Test Booklets) of General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set bilingually in Hindi as well as English.
Marking Scheme
1. There are four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, One third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
2. If a candidate is given more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the given answers happens to be correct and there will be the same penalty as above for that question.
3. If a question is left blank, i.e. no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question.
FAST FACTS
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1. Acronym - CDS
2. Conducting Body/ Administrator - Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
3. Exam Purpose - Recruitment of candidates into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Indian Air Force Academy
4. Exam Mode - Written Test & Personal Interview
5. Stages - Stage I & II
6. Offered - Twice in a Year
MOD OF SELECTION
The CDS Selection Process includes a written examination, SSB Interview, Medical Examination, and final merit list conducted by the UPSC. The final selection will be based on the performance in these stages. The CDS follows a three-stage recruitment process, which comprises:
1. Written Test
2. SSB Interview
3. Medical Examination
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Nationality
i. A candidate applying for the UPSC CDS exam must be either –
ii. A Citizen of India or
iii. A subject of Nepal or
iv. A subject of Bhutan or
v. A Tibetan Refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India or
vi. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India, provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv) & (v) above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.
Age Limit
The detailed CDS age limit criteria below for different posts:
Branch | CDS Age Limit |
IMA & INA (Indian Military Academy & Indian Naval Academy) | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2 nd January, 2002 and not later than 1 st January 2007 only are eligible. |
IAFA (Indian Air Force Academy) | 20 to 24 years as on 1 st January 2026 i.e. born not earlier than 2 nd January 2002 and not later than 1 st January 2006 (Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 2 nd January 2000 and not later than 1 st January 2006 only are eligible |
OTA (Officer’s Training Academy) SSC Course for men | (SSC Course for men) unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2 nd January 2001 and not later than 1 st January, 2007 only are eligible.. |
OTA (Officer’s Training Academy) SSC Women Non - Technical Course | (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2 nd January, 2001 and not later than 1 st January, 2007. |
Age Relaxation
Candidates who hold a valid and current commercial pilot license issued by DGCA (India) are entitled to relaxation in the upper age limit up to 26 years.
Educational Qualifications
The following table lists the specific CDS qualification requirements:
Branch | CDS Qualification |
IMA (Indian Military Academy) & OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) | Degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
INA (Indian Naval Academy) | Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institute. |
IAFA (Indian Air Force Academy) | Bachelor of Engineering or Degree from a recognized university (with Maths & Physics at 10+2). |
Note: Graduates with first choice as Army/Navy/Air Force are to submit proof of Graduation/provisional certificates on the date of commencement of the SSB Interview at the SSB.
Marital Status (Male)
To check the CDS marital criteria of male candidates, refer to the table provided below:
Branch | Marital Status |
IMA & INA | Unmarried |
| Candidates who are below the age limit of 25 years must be unmarried. Candidates won’t be allowed to get married during the training period. As the IAFA provides age relaxation for certain candidates, Candidates who are above the age of 25 years and are married can apply but during training, no accommodation for a spouse would be provided nor will the candidates be allowed to live with family outside the premises. |
OTA | Unmarried |
Marital Status (Female)
The CDS eligibility for female candidates is also specified. To get the details about the same, check out the given table:
Branch | Marital Status |
OTA | Unmarried females, Widows who have not remarried, and Divorcees who have not remarried and possess divorce documents are eligible |
Medical Eligibility
As per the CDS Eligibility, candidates who are interested in the exam should be medically fit to be considered eligible for the job. To fulfil the CDS Eligibility Criteria, every candidate should know about the medical conditions that can hinder their journey. Given below are the specifics of the medical conditions that would not allow you to apply for the exam:
1. Condition of Overweight/Underweight
2. Under Sized Chest
3. Piles
4. Wax (Ears)
5. Deviated Nasal Septum
6. Tonsillitis
7. Gynaecomastia
8. Varicocele
9. Hydrocele / Phimosis
Physical Eligibility
1. According to the CDS Eligibility, candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards for fitness.
2. They must be in good physical and mental health and free from any disease/disability which can interfere with the performance of duties.
3. There should be no evidence of weak constitution, bodily defects, or underweight. The candidate should not be overweight or obese.
4. Candidates should have no past history of mental breakdown or fits.
5. The minimum CDS height required for male candidates is 157.5 cms (157 cms for the Navy and 162.5 cms for Air Force). For women candidates, the minimum CDS height required is 152 cm. However, the minimum height for all entries is 148 cm after all types of waivers/dispensations.
6. For Male Candidates, the chest should be well developed.
7. The Body Mass Index of the candidates should be below 25.
SYLLABUS
English
The question paper will be designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
General Knowledge
General Knowledge including knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not made a special study of any scientific subject. The paper will also include questions on History of India and Geography of a nature which candidate should be able to answer without special study.
Elementary Mathematics
Arithmetic
Number System—Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers. Fundamental operations, addition, substraction, multiplication, division, Square roots, Decimal fractions. Unitary method, time and distance, time and work, percentages, applications to simple and compound interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, variation.
Elementary Number Theory—Division algorithm. Prime and composite numbers. Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11. Multiples and factors. Factorisation Theorem. H.C.F. and L.C.M. Euclidean algorithm. Logarithms to base 10, laws of logarithms, use of logarithmic tables.
Algebra
Basic Operations, simple factors, Remainder Theorem, H.C.F., L.C.M., Theory of polynomials, solutions of quadratic equations, relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered). Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutions. Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions. Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable & their solutions. Set language and set notation, Rational expressions and conditional identities, Laws of indices.
Trigonometry
Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90° Values of sin ×, cos × and tan ×, for × = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° Simple trigonometric identities. Use of trigonometric tables. Simple cases of heights and distances.
Geometry
Lines and angles, Plane and plane figures, Theorems on (i) Properties of angles at a point, (ii) Parallel lines, (iii) Sides and angles of a triangle, (iv) Congruency of triangles, (v) Similar triangles, (vi) Concurrence of medians and altitudes, (vii) Properties of angles, sides and diagonals of a parallelogram, rectangle and square, (viii) Circles and its properties including tangents and normals, (ix) Loci.
Mensuration
Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangle and circle. Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book), Surface area and volume of cuboids, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, surface area and volume of spheres.
Statistics
Collection and tabulation of statistical data, Graphical representation frequency polygons, histograms, bar charts, pie charts etc. Measures of central tendency
HOW CAN APPLY
Step 1 - Visit the official website.
Step 2 - On the Page click on the link that reads "Combined Defence Services Examination".
Step 3 - Under the section of PART I read the instruction carefully and at the Bottom click on Yes.
Step 4 - Now the application form for CDS will appear in which you need to fill in your personal and contact details.
Step 5 - Select the preference for the academies as per age & qualification.
Step 6 - Now continue to the next step. The registration ID would be generated.
Step 7 - The candidates should then head to "Part II" of the application form.
Step 8 - The next step is to deposit the fee.
Step 9 - Once the fee payment is done, select the desired examination centre.
Step 10 - Upload a scanned copy of the photograph and signature.
Step 11 - Click "Submit" and then print/download the application form for the CDS exam for future use.
Documents | Size | Pixels | Bit | Format |
Photograph | 20 – 300 Kbs | 350x350 – 1000x1000 | 24 | jpg |
Signature | 20 – 300 Kbs | 350x350 – 1000x1000 | 24 | jpg |
Photo Identity Card | 20 – 300 Kbs | NA | NA |
Application Fee
The application form will not be submitted without the application fee.
1. The application fee for the CDS exam is Rs 200/-.
2. SC/ST/Females are exempted from fee payment.
3. The payment submission is available in both offline and online modes.
4. The payment can be done via Net Banking, Mastercard/Debit Card or cash deposit in any branch of SBI Bank.
ADMIT CARD
Candidates can follow the below-mentioned steps to download admit card for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam:
Step 1- Visit the official website.
Step 2- Click the admit card link on the home page of UPSC
Step 3- Download it either by registration number or roll number
Step 4- CDS admit card appears on the screen
Step 5- Take a printout of the admit card and preserve it for future reference
RESULT
Candidates can follow the below steps to check the CDS exam result:
Step 1- Visit the official website.
Step 2- Under the important notification, find the CDS Exam Result Link and click on it.
Step 3- Enter your roll number and date of birth or registration number and click on the login.
Step 4- Aspirants who secured more than the minimum marks will be considered qualified.
Step 5- Aspirants should download the CDS Result for future reference.
IMPORTANT LINKS
For Official Website- Click here
For Official Notification - Click here
UPSC CDS (I&II) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/24 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
SALIENT FEATURE
Particulars | Details |
Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Post Name | Lieutenant, Captain & Various Other Posts |
Vacancies | 457 |
Application Mode | Online |
Selection Process | Written, Medical, Interview |
Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in/ |
VACANCY DETAILS
The Union Public Service Commission has published the CDS I vacancy details through the official notification.
Name of the Academy | Number of Vacancies |
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | 100 |
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | 32 |
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 |
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) SSC Men | 275 |
Officers Training Academy, Chennai SSC Women | 18 |
Total Vacancies | 457 |
SALARY STRUCTURE
The stipend given during the training in the respective academies is Rs 56,100 per month. The training period is not treated as the commissioned service. Once the candidates are commissioned successfully, the CDS salary of officers will be in the pay matrix of level 10 and will be liable to get all the arrears remaining on the basis of their pay matrix with effect from their training period.
The table below highlights the CDS Salary based on different Ranks:
CDS Salary & Pay Scale | ||
UPSC CDS (I&II) EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE
Official UPSC Notification for CDS ( I & II ) Examination 2025 Released on 11-12-2024, with the Aim of Filling 457 Vacancies. Interested Candidates can apply online application from 11/12/24 to 31/12/2024 and CDS I Exam 2025 will be held on 13/04/2025. As per the exam calander CDS- II 2025 Notification Released on 28-05-2025 and CDS II Exam 2025 will be held on 14/09/2025.
OVERVIEW
UPSC CDS is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates who wish to begin their career in the defence forces like Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, the CDS exam is conducted in two phases CDS - I & CDS - II. This is a remarkable opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the country by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
SALIENT FEATURE
Particulars | Details |
Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Post Name | Lieutenant, Captain & Various Other Posts |
Vacancies | 457 |
Application Mode | Online |
Selection Process | Written, Medical, Interview |
Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in/ |
VACANCY DETAILS
The Union Public Service Commission has published the CDS I vacancy details through the official notification.
Name of the Academy | Number of Vacancies |
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | 100 |
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | 32 |
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 |
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) SSC Men | 275 |
Officers Training Academy, Chennai SSC Women | 18 |
Total Vacancies | 457 |
SALARY STRUCTURE
The stipend given during the training in the respective academies is Rs 56,100 per month. The training period is not treated as the commissioned service. Once the candidates are commissioned successfully, the CDS salary of officers will be in the pay matrix of level 10 and will be liable to get all the arrears remaining on the basis of their pay matrix with effect from their training period.
The table below highlights the CDS Salary based on different Ranks:
CDS Salary & Pay Scale | ||
CDS Ranks | CDS Pay Scale | Pay Level |
Lieutenant | Rs 56,100/ to 1,77,500/ Per month | Level 10 |
Captain | Rs 61,300/ to 1,93,900/ Per month | Level 10B |
Major | Rs 69,400/ to 2,07,200/ Per month | Level 11 |
Lt Colonel | Rs 1,21,200/ to 2,12,400/ Per month | Level 12A |
Colonel | Rs 1,30,600/ to 2,15,900/ Per month | Level 13 |
Brigadier | Rs 1,39,600/ to 2,17,600/ Per month | Level 13A |
Major General | Rs 1,44,200/ to 2,18,200/ Per month | Level 14 |
Lieutenant General HAG Scale | Rs 1,82,200/ to 2,24,100/ Per month | Level 15 |
HAG+Scale | Rs 2,05,400/ to 2,24,400/ Per month | Level 16 |
VCOAS/Army CDR/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Rs 2,25,000/ (fixed) Per month | Level 17 |
COAS | Rs 2,50,000/ (fixed) Per month | Level 18 |
IMPORTANT DATES
Events | NDA- I Dates | NDA- II Dates |
CDS Notification Release Date | 11/12/2024 | 28/05/2025 |
CDS Online Registration Start Date | 11/12/2024 | 28/05/2025 |
CDS Apply Online Last Date | 01/01/2025 | 17/06/2025 |
Fee Pay Last Date | 31/12/2024 | - |
CDS Application Form Correction Window dates | 01/01/2025 to 07/01/2025 | - |
CDS Exam Date | 13/04/2025 | 14/09/2025 |
CDS Result | To Be Updated Soon | To Be Updated Soon |
EXAM PATTERN
The CDS examination comprises:
1. Written examination
2. Interview for intelligence and personality test
For Admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy
Subjects | Duration | Maximum Marks |
English | 120 Minutes | 100 |
General Knowledge | 120 Minutes | 100 |
Elementary Mathematics | 120 Minutes | 100 |
For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy
Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
English | 120 Minutes | 100 |
General Knowledge | 120 Minutes | 100 |
Written Exam
1. There will be 340 questions from 3 sections; English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. For the CDS OTA exam there will be 240 questions from 2 sections; English & General Knowledge.
2. The time duration of the UPSC CDS Exam is 6 hours. For the CDS OTA Exam the time duration is 4 hours.
3. For correct answers, 0.83 marks are given for English and General Knowledge, and 1 mark is given for Maths. For every wrong answer, 0.33 marks will be deducted for all wrong answers.
4. The papers in all the subjects will consist of objective type questions only.
6. The question papers (Test Booklets) of General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set bilingually in Hindi as well as English.
Mode Of Examination
The Examination for Combined Defence Services will be conducted as an Offline Written Test. Questions will be Objective Type in nature.
Medium Of Exmination
The question papers (Test Booklets) of General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set bilingually in Hindi as well as English Language.
Marking Scheme
1. There are four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, One third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
2. If a candidate is given more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the given answers happens to be correct and there will be the same penalty as above for that question.
3. If a question is left blank, no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question.
FAST FACTS
1. Acronym - CDS
2. Conducting Body/ Administrator - Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
3. Exam Purpose - Recruitment of candidates into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Indian Air Force Academy
4. Exam Mode - Written Test & Personal Interview
5. Stages - Stage I & II
6. Offered - Twice in a Year
MOD OF SELECTION
The CDS Selection Process includes a written examination, SSB Interview, Medical Examination, and final merit list conducted by the UPSC. The final selection will be based on the performance in these stages. The CDS follows a three-stage recruitment process, which comprises:
1. Written Test
2. SSB Interview
3. Medical Examination
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Nationality
i. A candidate applying for the UPSC CDS exam must be either –
ii. A Citizen of India or
iii. A subject of Nepal or
iv. A subject of Bhutan or
v. A Tibetan Refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India or
vi. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India, provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv) & (v) above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.
Age Limit
The detailed CDS age limit criteria below for different posts:
Branch | CDS Age Limit |
IMA & INA (Indian Military Academy & Indian Naval Academy) | Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2 nd January, 2002 and not later than 1 st January 2007 only are eligible. |
IAFA (Indian Air Force Academy) | 20 to 24 years as on 1 st January 2026 i.e. born not earlier than 2 nd January 2002 and not later than 1 st January 2006 (Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 2 nd January 2000 and not later than 1 st January 2006 only are eligible |
OTA (Officer’s Training Academy) SSC Course for men | (SSC Course for men) unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2 nd January 2001 and not later than 1 st January, 2007 only are eligible.. |
OTA (Officer’s Training Academy) SSC Women Non - Technical Course | (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2 nd January, 2001 and not later than 1 st January, 2007. |
Age Relaxation
Candidates who hold a valid and current commercial pilot license issued by DGCA (India) are entitled to relaxation in the upper age limit up to 26 years.
Educational Qualifications
The following table lists the specific CDS qualification requirements:
Branch | CDS Qualification |
IMA (Indian Military Academy) & OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) | Degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
INA (Indian Naval Academy) | Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institute. |
IAFA (Indian Air Force Academy) | Bachelor of Engineering or Degree from a recognized university (with Maths & Physics at 10+2). |
Note: Graduates with first choice as Army/Navy/Air Force are to submit proof of Graduation/provisional certificates on the date of commencement of the SSB Interview at the SSB.
Marital Status (Male)
To check the CDS marital criteria of male candidates, refer to the table provided below:
Branch | Marital Status |
IMA & INA | Unmarried |
| Candidates who are below the age limit of 25 years must be unmarried. Candidates won’t be allowed to get married during the training period. As the IAFA provides age relaxation for certain candidates, Candidates who are above the age of 25 years and are married can apply but during training, no accommodation for a spouse would be provided nor will the candidates be allowed to live with family outside the premises. |
OTA | Unmarried |
Marital Status (Female)
The CDS eligibility for female candidates is also specified. To get the details about the same, check out the given table:
Branch | Marital Status |
OTA | Unmarried females, Widows who have not remarried, and Divorcees who have not remarried and possess divorce documents are eligible |
Medical Eligibility
As per the CDS Eligibility, candidates who are interested in the exam should be medically fit to be considered eligible for the job. To fulfil the CDS Eligibility Criteria, every candidate should know about the medical conditions that can hinder their journey. Given below are the specifics of the medical conditions that would not allow you to apply for the exam:
1. Condition of Overweight/Underweight
2. Under Sized Chest
3. Piles
4. Wax (Ears)
5. Deviated Nasal Septum
6. Tonsillitis
7. Gynaecomastia
8. Varicocele
9. Hydrocele / Phimosis
Physical Eligibility
1. According to the CDS Eligibility, candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards for fitness.
2. They must be in good physical and mental health and free from any disease/disability which can interfere with the performance of duties.
3. There should be no evidence of weak constitution, bodily defects, or underweight. The candidate should not be overweight or obese.
4. Candidates should have no past history of mental breakdown or fits.
5. The minimum CDS height required for male candidates is 157.5 cms (157 cms for the Navy and 162.5 cms for Air Force). For women candidates, the minimum CDS height required is 152 cm. However, the minimum height for all entries is 148 cm after all types of waivers/dispensations.
6. For Male Candidates, the chest should be well developed.
7. The Body Mass Index of the candidates should be below 25.
SYLLABUS
English
The question paper will be designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
General Knowledge
General Knowledge including knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not made a special study of any scientific subject. The paper will also include questions on History of India and Geography of a nature which candidate should be able to answer without special study.
Elementary Mathematics
Arithmetic
Number System—Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers. Fundamental operations, addition, substraction, multiplication, division, Square roots, Decimal fractions. Unitary method, time and distance, time and work, percentages, applications to simple and compound interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, variation.
Elementary Number Theory—Division algorithm. Prime and composite numbers. Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11. Multiples and factors. Factorisation Theorem. H.C.F. and L.C.M. Euclidean algorithm. Logarithms to base 10, laws of logarithms, use of logarithmic tables.
Algebra
Basic Operations, simple factors, Remainder Theorem, H.C.F., L.C.M., Theory of polynomials, solutions of quadratic equations, relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered). Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutions. Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions. Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable & their solutions. Set language and set notation, Rational expressions and conditional identities, Laws of indices.
Trigonometry
Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90° Values of sin ×, cos × and tan ×, for × = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° Simple trigonometric identities. Use of trigonometric tables. Simple cases of heights and distances.
Geometry
Lines and angles, Plane and plane figures, Theorems on (i) Properties of angles at a point, (ii) Parallel lines, (iii) Sides and angles of a triangle, (iv) Congruency of triangles, (v) Similar triangles, (vi) Concurrence of medians and altitudes, (vii) Properties of angles, sides and diagonals of a parallelogram, rectangle and square, (viii) Circles and its properties including tangents and normals, (ix) Loci.
Mensuration
Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangle and circle. Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book), Surface area and volume of cuboids, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, surface area and volume of spheres.
Statistics
Collection and tabulation of statistical data, Graphical representation frequency polygons, histograms, bar charts, pie charts etc. Measures of central tendency
HOW CAN APPLY
Step 1 - Visit the official website.
Step 2 - On the Page click on the link that reads "Combined Defence Services Examination".
Step 3 - Under the section of PART I read the instruction carefully and at the Bottom click on Yes.
Step 4 - Now the application form for CDS will appear in which you need to fill in your personal and contact details.
Step 5 - Select the preference for the academies as per age & qualification.
Step 6 - Now continue to the next step. The registration ID would be generated.
Step 7 - The candidates should then head to "Part II" of the application form.
Step 8 - The next step is to deposit the fee.
Step 9 - Once the fee payment is done, select the desired examination centre.
Step 10 - Upload a scanned copy of the photograph and signature.
Step 11 - Click "Submit" and then print/download the application form for the CDS exam for future use.
Application Fee
The application form will not be submitted without the application fee.
The application fee for the CDS exam is Rs 200/-.
SC/ST/Females are exempted from fee payment.
The payment submission is available in both offline and online modes.
The payment can be done via Net Banking, Mastercard/Debit Card or cash deposit in any branch of SBI Bank.
EXAM CENTERS
CDS Exam Center | ||
AGARTALA | GHAZIABAD | PANAJI (GOA) |
AGRA | GORAKHPUR | PATNA |
AJMER | GURGAON | PORT BLAIR |
AHMEDABAD | GWALIOR | PRAYAGRAJ (ALLAHABAD) |
AIZAWL | HYDERABAD | PUDUCHERRY |
ALIGARH | IMPHAL | PUNE |
ALMORA (UTTARAKHAND) | INDORE | RAIPUR |
ANANTPUR (ANDHRA PRADESH) | ITANAGAR | RAJKOT |
AURANGABAD (MAHARASHTRA) | JABALPUR | RANCHI |
BENGALURU | JAIPUR | SAMBALPUR |
BAREILLY | JAMMU | SHILLONG |
BHOPAL | JODHPUR | SHIMLA |
BILASPUR (CHHATISGARH) | JORHAT | SILIGUDI |
CHANDIGARH | KOCHI | SRINAGAR |
CHENNAI | KOHIMA | SRINAGAR (UTTARAKHAND) |
COIMBATORE | KOLKATA | THANE |
CUTTACK | KOZHIKODE (CALICUT) | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM |
DEHRADUN | LEH | TIRUCHIRAPALLI |
DELHI | LUCKNOW | TIRUPATI |
DHARAMSHALA | LUDHIANA | UDAIPUR |
DHARWAD | MADURAI | VARANASI |
DISPUR | MANDI | VELLORE |
FARIDABAD | MUMBAI | VIJAYAVADA |
GANGTOK | MYSORE | VISHAKHAPATNAM |
GAYA | NAGPUR | (HANUMAKONDA) WARANGAL |
GAUTAM BUDDH NAGAR | NAVI MUMBAI |
ADMIT CARD
Candidates can follow the below-mentioned steps to download admit card for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam:
Step 1- Visit the official website.
Step 2- Click the admit card link on the home page of UPSC
Step 3- Download it either by registration number or roll number
Step 4- CDS admit card appears on the screen
Step 5- Take a printout of the admit card and preserve it for future reference
RESULT
Candidates can follow the below steps to check the CDS exam result:
Step 1- Visit the official website.
Step 2- Under the important notification, find the CDS Exam Result Link and click on it.
Step 3- Enter your roll number and date of birth or registration number and click on the login.
Step 4- Aspirants who secured more than the minimum marks will be considered qualified.
Step 5- Aspirants should download the CDS Result for future reference.
IMPORTANT LINKS
For Official Website- Click here
For Official Notification - Click here
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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the marks for Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Exam 2023. Click on the link provided below to view the marks...
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Combined Defence Services Examination, commonly known as UPSC CDS, is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment of Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. For access full information of UPSC CDS exam click on General information button above.
There is no limit to the number of attempts in the UPSC CDS exam. Candidates can apply for the exam if they satisfy the prescribed age limit. For detailed information of UPSC CDS exam age limit please click on above Eligibility button.
Yes, girls can apply for the UPSC CDS exam. They are considered for OTA and are allotted to SSC (Short Service Commission) in the non-technical cadre. For detailed information of UPSC CDS exam eligibility please click on above Eligibility button.
UPSC CDS exam is conducted offline by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). To know full detail about UPSC CDS Exam Mode, Language, Pattern etc. Go through the format button given above.
For the wrong answers, 1/3 marks are deducted in UPSC CDS exam. For the correct answers, candidates score one mark. By clicking on the format button above, you can see the marking scheme of UPSC CDS exam, which shows how many marks are assigned to each question and how many marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
The total number of questions asked in the English Language of UPSC CDS exam is 120. To know more about English Syllabus and Recommended Books go to syllabus section which is given above.
Changes in the UPSC CDS application form are not allowed after it is submitted. If candidates wish to make any changes must submit a fresh application. By clicking on the general information button above, you can see the complete information about UPSC CDS form correction.
The UPSC CDS application form is made available in English and Hindi languages. But, it should be filled in the English language only. The step by step procedure to fill the online application form of UPSC CDS exam is available in the general information button above.
UPSC CDS has no provision to refund the application fees paid by candidates. They need to contact the concerned banks. For any information related to the refund process of UPSC CDS exam fee, go through the general information section above.
SSB Interview of UPSC CDS exam is conducted within a gap of one or two months from the declaration of result. or full schedule of UPSC CDS exam result click on schedule tab above.
Candidates should develop their general awareness, communication skills, confidence, etc. for the SSB Interview of UPSC CDS. To view accurate study plan click on above Study Tips button. This study plan will help you for the preparation of UPSC CDS exam.
No, the hard copy of the UPSC CDS scorecard is not sent to candidates by post. Candidates need to download it online only. Click on general information tab above for step by step process to check UPSC CDS Exam Result.
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