CDS
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About CDS
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India, held twice a year to recruit officers into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
CDS Selection process
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19–24 years. Air Force Academy (AFA):20–24 years .Naval Academy (NA): 19–24 years.
Officers Training Academy (OTP):19-25 years.
Educational Qualification
I.M.A. and officers Training (IMA&OTA): Bachelor’s Degree. Naval Academy (NA): Bachelor’s in Engineering. Air Force Academy (AFA): Bachelor’s Degree (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor’s in Engineering .
Exam Pattern for CDS Exam
The CDS exam consists of a written test and an SSB Interview.
Written Examination
The written exam pattern differs for OTA and the other academies (IMA, INA, and AFA).
For IMA, INA, and AFA:
- English: 100 marks, 2 hours
- General Knowledge: 100 marks, 2 hours
- Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks, 2 hours
- Total: 300 marks
For OTA (Men & Women):
- English: 100 marks, 2 hours
- General Knowledge: 100 marks, 2 hours
- Total: 200 marks
SSB Interview
- For IMA, INA, and AFA: Total of 300 marks.
- For OTA: Total of 200 marks.
Exam Mode and Marking Scheme
- Mode: Pen and paper (offline).
- Negative marking: 1/3rd of the marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
Syllabus for CDS Exam
English
- Grammar and Usage
- Vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms
- Comprehension and sentence formation
- Spotting errors, sentence rearrangement, ordering of words in a sentence
General Knowledge
- Current Affairs (National and International)
- History and Geography
- Indian Constitution and Political System
- Sports, Science, and Technology
- Economic and social development
Elementary Mathematics
- Arithmetic: Number system, averages, ratios, percentages, profit/loss.
- Algebra: Basic operations, simple factors, HCF, LCM.
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, applications, heights, and distances.
- Geometry: Properties of angles, lines, circles, and triangles.
- Mensuration: Area and volume of different shapes.
- Statistics: Data interpretation, mean, median, mode.
Physical and Medical Standards
Candidates must meet specific physical and medical standards to qualify. Requirements vary by academy but generally include:
- Height and weight criteria based on age.
- Vision standards: Generally, 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the other.
- No chronic illnesses or physical deformities.
Application Process
Application Fee: INR 200 for general/OBC male candidates. Female/SC/ST candidates are exempted.
Admit Card: Admit cards are available for download 2-3 weeks before the exam.
Selection Process
The CDS selection process involves:
- Written Exam: Qualify with the minimum required marks.
- SSB Interview: Includes screening tests, psychological tests, group testing officer tasks, and a personal interview.
- Medical Examination: Final shortlisted candidates undergo a medical exam.
- Merit List: Candidates are ranked based on performance in the written exam and SSB Interview.