CDS (Combined Defence Services)

The CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam is a competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. It is aimed at selecting candidates for various branches of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Below is a comprehensive overview of the CDS exam, covering its purpose, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategies, and more.

1. Purpose of the Exam

The CDS exam is conducted for recruitment into the following military academies:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
• Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (for Men and Women)

2. Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for the CDS exam:

a. Educational Qualification

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): A degree from a recognized university.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): An engineering degree from a recognized university.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): A degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or an engineering degree.
• Officers Training Academy (OTA): A degree from a recognized university.

b. Age Limit

The age limit varies depending on the academy:

• IMA: 19 to 24 years
• INA: 19 to 22 years
• AFA: 20 to 24 years
• OTA (Men and Women): 19 to 25 years

c. Nationality

• Candidates must be Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan or refugees from Tibet who came to India before January 1, 1962.

3. Exam Pattern

The CDS exam consists of a written examination followed by an SSB (Services Selection Board) interview.

a. Written Examination

• Type: Objective type (multiple-choice questions)
• Subjects:
  • English (100 marks)
  • General Knowledge (100 marks)
  • Elementary Mathematics (100 marks)
• Total Marks: 300
• Duration: 2 hours for each subject
• For OTA Candidates:
  • English (100 marks)
  • General Knowledge (100 marks)
  • Total Marks: 200

b. SSB Interview

Candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for the SSB interview, which assesses candidates on various psychological and personality traits. The SSB interview typically lasts for five days and includes:

• Psychological tests
• Group testing
• Personal interview
• Conference

4. Syllabus

The syllabus for the CDS exam is as follows:

a. English

• Comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Synonyms and Antonyms
• Sentence Correction

b. General Knowledge

• Current Events
• History (India and the world)
• Geography (India and the world)
• Polity and Governance
• General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
• Environmental Studies
• Sports and Culture

c. Elementary Mathematics

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Statistics
• Mensuration

5. Preparation Tips

• Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam structure and syllabus for each subject.
• Create a Study Plan: Allocate time effectively for each subject, considering your strengths and weaknesses.
• Study Material: Use standard textbooks, reference materials, and online resources designed for CDS preparation.
• Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests and previous years’ question papers to improve speed and accuracy.
• Revision: Consistently revise important concepts and formulas, especially for mathematics.
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current affairs and general knowledge topics relevant to the exam.

6. Application Process

• Online Application: The application process is conducted online through the official UPSC website.
• Application Fee: There is usually a nominal fee for the application, with exemptions for certain categories.
• Important Dates: Candidates should monitor official notifications for application deadlines and exam dates.

7. Result and Cut-off

• After the completion of the written examination, UPSC releases the results along with cut-off marks. Candidates must achieve the minimum cut-off to qualify for the SSB interview.