CDS Syllabus Exam Pattern 2023 – UPSC CDS eligibility is prescribed by the UPSC in terms of nationality, age, educational qualification, and physical standards. Candidates need to fulfill these requirements in order to be eligible for the exam. Read this article below to check how many years it will take for you to qualify for the exam under different circumstances.
CDS Eligibility
 The Combined Defence Services (CDS) selection process comprises a written exam and an SSB interview. To apply for CDS, candidates need to fulfill the eligibility criteria, which include nationality, educational qualification, age, marital status, and physical conditions. It is also required that the candidate has completed graduation or is currently in the final semester of their degree.
Candidates should carefully read the CDS eligibility criteria before they fill out the application form. If they are found ineligible, their CDS application will be rejected and they will not move forward in the process. Make sure to read this article below for more details on eligibility guidelines.
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CDS Eligibility 2023 – RN Defence Academy
The Commissioned Defence Services Selection Board conducts the Combined Defence Services exam in India twice a year to select candidates for Commissioned Officer positions in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Male and female candidates can apply for CDS vacancies.Â
The eligibility conditions for the exam are as follows:Â
- Candidates must be permanently settled in India Candidates must be a graduate or are in their final year of graduation.
- The minimum age limit is 19 years
- women are eligible for IMA, INA, and BTech graduates can apply for INA.
CDS Eligibility Criteria 2023: Nationality
- Candidates must be citizens of India, subjects of Bhutan, subjects of Nepal, or Tibetan refugees who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling there.
- Or candidates can belong of Indian origin and have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia), Malawi Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam. This is a sentence rewrite.
- Provided candidates belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v) should be a person in whose favor a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Indian government.
- A certificate of eligibility is also necessary for Gorkha candidates in Nepal.
Which Graduation is required for CDS?
For CDS, candidates must have graduated with Physics and Mathematics in Class 12th or a Bachelor of Engineering. Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), and Indian Naval Academy (INA) all require candidates to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
CDS Age Limit 2023 & Marital Status
Only unmarried candidates are eligible for the CDS exam. The CDS age limit is given below for candidates who wish to apply for the exam:
CDS 1 Age Limit 2023
The age limit for the CDS 1 exam is given below:
- For Indian Military Academy (IMA), unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1999, and not later than January 1, 2004, are eligible to apply
- For the Indian Naval Academy (IMA), unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1999, and not later than January 1, 2004, are eligible to apply
- Candidates applying for Air Force Academy should be between 20 to 24 years, as on January 1, 2023. They must have been born not earlier than January 2, 1999, and not later than January 1, 2003
- For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for men), unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1998, and not later than January 1, 2004, are eligible to apply
- For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course), candidates should be unmarried and born not earlier than January 2, 1998, and not later than January 1, 2004
How To Join CDS After Graduation
If you’re looking for a career in software development, there’s no better place to start than with CDS. As one of the most prestigious companies in the industry, we offer top-notch training and development opportunities for our employees. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can join CDS after graduation. We’ll cover everything from what qualifications you need to what the application process entails. So if you’re interested in pursuing a career in software development with us, read on!
What is CDS?
The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is an examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy.
The examination is held twice a year, in February and November. The notification for the examination is released in the months of October and May, respectively.
The CDS examination comprises three parts:
- Written Examination: The written examination consists of objective-type questions from English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
- Interview: Candidates who clear the written examination are called for an interview by a Service Selection Board.
- Medical Examination: Candidates who are cleared in the interview are required to undergo a medical examination by a Board of Service Medical Officers.
The Different Types of CDS
After graduation, many students are unsure of which CDS to join. Here is a rundown of the different types of CDS available:
- The first type of CDS is the Army National Guard. The Army National Guard is a part-time military force that provides support to civil authorities during natural disasters and other emergencies. It also works with other agencies to provide security at public events.
- The second type of CDS is the Army Reserve. The Army Reserve is a federal military reserve force that provides trained soldiers for active duty in the event of war or national emergency. It also works with state and local governments on homeland security missions.
- The third type of CDS is the Marine Corps Reserve. The Marine Corps Reserve is a federal force that supports the Marines during wartime and provides training and equipment for them in peacetime.
- The fourth type of CDS is the Navy Reserve. The Navy Reserve is a federal force that supports the Navy during wartime and provides training and equipment for them in peacetime.
- The fifth type of CDS is the Air Force Reserve. The Air Force Reserve is a federal force that supports the Air Force during wartime and provides training and equipment for them in peacetime
How to Join CDS After Graduation
If you want to join the CDS after graduation, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Secondly, you will need to pass the Cadet Command Screening Test (CCST). The CCST is a multi-part exam that tests your physical fitness, aptitude, and knowledge. Finally, you will need to complete the Cadet indoctrination course at the United States Air Force Academy.
Alternatives to Joining CDS
There are a few alternatives to joining the CDS after graduation. One is to join the Army National Guard. Another is to enlist in the Army Reserve. Finally, you could become an officer in the Army.
What are the benefits of joining CDS?
The benefits of joining CDS are many and varied. For one, you will have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the world. In addition, you will gain access to exclusive resources and opportunities that can help you further your career. As a member of CDS, you will also be able to give back to the organization through volunteering and mentoring programs. Finally, you will be part of a community that is committed to social change and making the world a better place.
CDS Syllabus and Pattern
The CDS exam is conducted by the UPSC every year to recruit officers in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The written examination comprises three papers- English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. In order to join the prestigious Indian Armed Forces, candidates have to go through a very tough selection process which starts with qualifying for the CDS exam. The CDS syllabus and pattern are not very different from other competitive exams like SSC, Banking, etc. However, the level of difficulty is a bit higher and needs dedicated preparation. In this blog post, we will take a look at the CDS syllabus and pattern in detail so that aspirants can have a clear idea about what to expect in the examination.
CDS Exam Pattern
The CDS Exam Pattern comprises three sections – English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The total marks for the exam are 100 and the duration of the exam is 2 hours.
Each section has two parts – Part A and Part B. Part A contains objective-type questions and Part B contains conventional-type questions. Candidates have to attempt both parts in each section.
In this article, we have provided you the information related to CDS Exam Pattern and Detailed Syllabus.
Name of the Exam | Combined Defence Forces (CDS) |
Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Exam Conducted in A Year | Twice a Year |
Mode of Examination | Offline |
Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Medium | Hindi or English |
Number of Questions |
|
Time Duration | 2 hours for each paper |
Negative Marking | Yes (1/3rd deducted for every wrong |
The age limit of the CDS exam is given below.
Academy | Age Limit (In years) | Marital Status |
Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19-24Â | Unmarried |
Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19-22Â | Unmarried |
Air Force Academy | 19-23Â | Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried
Married candidates above 25 years of age are eligible to apply, but during the training period they will neither be provided married accommodation nor can they live with a family out of the premises |
Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) | 19-25 | Unmarried Women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. |
Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for Men) | 19-25 | Unmarried |
The CDS Syllabus for each section is given below:
English
- Part A – Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/Antonyms, Spot the Error, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles.
- Part B – Essay Writing, Precis Writing, Letter/Application Writing.
General Knowledge:
- Part A – History, Geography, Science & Technology, Environment & Ecology, Current Affairs.
- Part B – Indian Constitution, Indian Polity & Governance, Economic & Social Development.
Elementary Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Geometry Probability etc
CDS Syllabus
Candidates appearing for the Combined Defence Services Examination must be thoroughly familiar with the CDS syllabus in order to prepare effectively for the exam. The CDS syllabus covers a wide range of topics, from English and general knowledge to mathematics and Elementary Science.
To give you a better idea of what to expect, we’ve provided a detailed breakdown of the CDS syllabus below. As you can see, the examination tests candidates on their knowledge of a variety of subjects.
How to Prepare for the CDS Exam
- Candidates who are preparing for the CDS exam must be aware of the syllabus and pattern of the examination. The written examination is conducted in order to test the candidate’s knowledge of English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The duration of the examination is two hours and there are a total of 100 marks.
- The questions in the English section will be based on grammar, usage, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- The General Knowledge section will cover history, geography, current affairs, economics, etc.
- The Elementary Mathematics section will include topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and mensuration. Candidates need to practice a variety of questions from each topic so as to increase their speed and accuracy levels.
To conclude, we would like to reiterate that candidates must go through the CDS syllabus and pattern thoroughly before starting their preparation for the examination.
What are the CDS (I) and (II) Exams?
The “Combined Defence Services” (CDS) Examinations are conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment of candidates into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy. The UPSC conducts the CDS exam two times a year in the month of February and September.
The shortlisted candidates will be placed at the respective academies based on preference and merit. Explore more details regarding the CDS (I) & (II) examinations below. Â
S.No | Academy | City |
1 | IMA | Dehradun |
2 | INA | Ezhimala |
3 | AFA | Hyderabad |
4 | OTA (Men) | Chennai & Gaya |
5 | OTA(Women) | Chennai & Gaya |
Tips and Tricks to Prepare for CDS Exam
The CDS exam is one of the most popular exams for candidates seeking to join the armed forces. The following tips and tricks will help you prepare for the CDS exam:
- Know the CDS Syllabus and Pattern: It is important that you are familiar with the syllabus and pattern of the CDS exam before you start preparing for it. This will help you focus your studies on the topics that are covered in the exam.
- Study Regularly: You should study regularly for the CDS exam. This will help you retain what you have studied and also improve your speed and accuracy.
- Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Practicing previous years’ papers will give you an idea of ​​the type of questions asked in the CDS exam. It will also help you improve your time management skills.
- Join a Coaching Institute: Joining a coaching institute will provide you with access to quality study material and mock tests. This will give you an edge over other candidates who are preparing for the exam on their own.
- Stay Healthy and Fit: It is important that you stay healthy and fit while preparing for the CDS exam as it is a physically demanding examination. Eating healthy food and exercising regularly will help you maintain your energy levels during your preparations
Books Recommended for CDS Exam Preparation
- “The Contest Problem Book IX” by Steven Gordon
- “Introduction to Algebra” by Artin
- “A First Course in Linear Algebra” by Beauregard and Fraleigh
- “Linear Algebra Done Right” by Sheldon Axler
- “Abstract Algebra: Theory and Applications” by Thomas W. Judson
Benefits Of Joining CDS
- A competitive salary and bonuses.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- The chance to work with some of the best minds in the industry.
- A supportive team environment.
- The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to continue your academic journey after graduation, joining the CDS community might be right for you. With its supportive and friendly environment, CDS provides an excellent opportunity to explore your interests and expand your knowledge. Plus, with so many resources available, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for — whether it’s advice on landing a job or tips on how to succeed in graduate school. If you’re ready to take the next step in your academic career, head over to the CDS website and learn more about how to join our community.
CDS Eligibility FAQs
Question: What are the age criteria for CDS exam?
Answer: There is a difference in age criteria according to the posts-
- 19-24 Years – Indian Military Academy
- 19-24 Years – Naval Academy
- 20-24 Years – Air Force Academy
- 19-25 Years – Officers’ Training Academy.
Question: How age is calculated in CDS?
Answer: In defence exam, the age is calculated from the date of joining, not from the date of the exam date/application date. candidates are advised to add 10 to 12 months to their age to reach min & the max of for cds. However, every time UPSC release a CDS notification, they mention min & max dates also. Candidates are advised to visit the official website & read the notification carefully before filling out the online form.
Question: What is the education qualification for the CDS exam?
Answer: Candidates with bachelor’s degrees can apply for the CDS exam. Education qualification varies according to the post –
- For Indian Military Academy – A degree from a recognized university or equivalent is required.
- For Air Force Academy – Degree of a recognized University with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 or Bachelor of Engg. is required.
- For Officer Training Academy – A degree from a recognized university or equivalent is required.
- For Naval Academy – a Bachelor of Engineering is required.
Question: Can candidates with arts/humanity stream degrees apply?
Answer:Â Candidates with a graduation degree from any stream can apply for the CDS exam. But candidates holding degrees in Arts/Humanity can only apply for Army & OTA.
Question: I am appearing in the final year of my graduation. Can I apply for the CDS exam?
Answer: Yes, Candidates who are appearing last year of their graduation can apply for the CDS exam.
Question: Can female/girl candidates apply for the CDS exam?
Answer: Â Yes, Female (unmarried) candidates can apply for CDS only for the post of Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Question: How many attempts are allowed for appearing in CDS exams?
Answer: There is no such no. of attempts mentioned in the CDS notification or on the UPSC website. Students can attempt till they fulfill the age criteria of the CDS application.
Question: Is there any specific % required to apply for CDS?
Answer: No. As per the CDS notification & UPSC website, there is no such criteria is mentioned. Candidates only have to secure passing marks to apply CDS exam.
Question: Who can apply for the CDS exam?
Answer: The candidate must either be:
- A citizen of India,
- A subject of Bhutan,
- A subject of Nepal,
- A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before the first of July 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India.
- A person of Indian origin migrated from the outside country with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Question: What is the marital status for the CDS exam?
Answer: There is a variation of marital status for the CDS exam –
- For IMA & INA – Unmarried male candidates only are eligible.
- For Air Force Academy – Unmarried male candidates only are eligible.
- For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for men) – Unmarried male candidates only are eligible. Male divorcee/widower candidates are not eligible.
- For Officers’ Training Academy (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
Note – Marriage is not permitted during training. - Relaxation in Age for Commercial Pilot Licence Holder (issued by DGCA) – Upper age limit for candidates holding valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 yrs. Married candidates above 25 years of age are eligible to apply but during the training period they will neither be provided married
accommodation nor can they live with family outside of the premises.
Question: What is the medical eligibility for the CDS exam?
Answer: Candidates must be physically and mentally fit according to the given standards.
- vision standard for Naval and Airforce
- For Males:
- Candidate must be able to read 6/6 in a distant vision chart with each eye with or without glasses (For Navy and Air Force without glasses only).
- Myopia should not be more than 3.5D
- Hypermetropia should not be more than 3.5D including Astigmatism.
- For Females:
- The aspirant must able to read 6/6 (better eye) and 6/8 (worse eye) in a distant vision chart with or without glasses
- Myopia should not be more than minus 5.5 including Astogination.
- A candidate must have good binocular vision.
- The color vision standard will be CP-III.
- A candidate should be able to recognize red and green colors.
- For Males:
- Teeth, Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions:
- CDS Physical Qualification also covers your conditions of teeth, ear Nose, Throat, etc. Check the standards given below.
- The applicants ought to have an adequate number of normal and sound teeth.
- At least 14 dental focuses will be satisfactory.
- A hopeful ought not to be experiencing serious pyorrhea.
- The listening must be ordinary.
- A hopeful ought to have the capacity to hear a constrained whisper with every ear at a separation of 610 cm in a very room.
- There ought to be no confirmation of present or past disease of the ear, nose, and throat.
- Sound metric misfortune ought not to exceed+20 DB in frequencies somewhere between 250Hz and 4000 Hz.
Question: What are the physical criteria for cds?
Answer: Candidates are advised to go to the official notification of the CDS exam which is released by UPSC.
- First of all, the participants should take care that they are physically & mentally fit and fine and free from any type of disease/disability.
- The participant does not have any type of mental breakdown record in past.
- The aspirant must undergo a preliminary medical check-up for wax in ears, refractory error of eyes, and fungal infection of skin before reporting for the SSB interview.
- Candidate must be under a standard weight
- The chest should be in fine condition.Â
- The minimum range of expansion after full inspiration should be 5 cm.
- There should be no disease of the bones and joints of the body.
- There are height/weight standards for male & female candidates. Please refer cds official notification.
Question: What is the CDS Exam Pattern?
Answer: CDS is a written exam that consists of only Multiple Choice Questions. However, For Officers Training Academy, candidates must take two papers only- English and GK. Each paper carries 100 marks.Â
Question: Is there any negative marking for the wrong answer in the CDS exam?
Answer: Candidates should note that there will be a penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers.