CDS Mock Test Series

CDS Exam Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination twice a year to recruit candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). It is one of the most prestigious defence exams for graduates who wish to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

CDS Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfill the following eligibility conditions to apply for the CDS exam:

1. Nationality / Citizenship

The candidate must be either:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal, or
• A subject of Bhutan, or
• A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before the 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India.

2. Educational Qualification

• IMA & OTA: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
• INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
• AFA: Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

3. Age Limit & Marital Status

For IMA, INA, and AFA, unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2001 and not later than 1st January 2006 are eligible. For OTA, unmarried male and unmarried female candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2000 and not later than 1st January 2006 are eligible.

CDS Application Fee

The application fee can be paid online or by depositing the cash in any Branch of SBI.

CDS Pay Scale & Salary Structure

Cadets undergo rigorous training at their respective academies. Upon successful commissioning as an Officer, they are placed in Pay Level 10.

In addition to the basic pay and MSP, officers receive Dearness Allowance (DA), High Altitude Allowance, Uniform Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other facilities like free rations and medical facilities.

CDS Exam Pattern

The CDS written examination consists of objective-type questions. The exam pattern differs slightly for IMA/INA/AFA and OTA.

For IMA, INA, and AFA

For Officers' Training Academy (OTA)

Note: There is a negative marking of 0.33 marks (1/3rd) for each incorrect answer. The question papers are set bilingually in Hindi and English.

Detailed CDS Syllabus

1. English (100 Marks)

• Reading Comprehension
• Grammar and usage
• Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution)
• Sentence improvement, Error spotting
• Cohesion in extended text

2. General Knowledge (100 Marks)

• Current Affairs (National & International)
• History of India and Geography
• Indian Polity and Economy
• General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

3. Elementary Mathematics (100 Marks)

• Arithmetic: Number System, HCF/LCM, Time and Work, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple/Compound Interest.
• Algebra: Set Language, Polynomials, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations.
• Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, Identities, Heights and Distances.
• Geometry: Lines and Angles, Triangles, Circles, Constructions.
• Mensuration: Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, circles; Surface area and volume of solids.
• Statistics: Collection and tabulation of data, Mean, Median, Mode.

CDS Selection Process

The selection of candidates is done through a multi-stage process:

• Stage 1: Written Examination - Objective type MCQs.
• Stage 2: SSB Interview (900 Marks) - Conducted over 5 days. It includes the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test, Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT), Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO), Psychology Tests, and a Personal Interview.
• Stage 3: Medical Examination - Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a thorough medical examination.

The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks of the Written Exam and the SSB Interview.

How to Apply for CDS?

Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website. Follow these steps to successfully submit the application form:

1. Visit the official website: www.upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in.
2. Click on the "Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC" link.
3. Register using Part-I Registration: Enter basic details and choose the preferred academy/courses.
4. Complete Part-II Registration: Log in using the Registration ID generated in Part-I.
5. Pay the application fee online or offline via SBI Bank Challan.
6. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and photo ID card in the prescribed format.
7. Select your preferred exam center.
8. Review all details carefully and submit the application form.
9. Download and take a printout of the final submitted application form for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can girls apply for CDS?

Yes, female candidates are eligible to apply for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA) through the CDS exam.

Q2. Is a calculator allowed in the CDS exam?

No, calculators or any electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall. All calculations must be done manually.

Q3. What is the minimum height required for CDS?

The minimum acceptable height is generally 157.5 cms for Army, 162.5 cms for Air Force, and 157 cms for Navy. However, specific relaxations apply for candidates from certain regions (like Gorkhas, North Eastern areas).

Q4. Where can I practice free CDS Mock Tests?

You can attempt free high-quality CDS mock tests and practice sets directly on this page at MockSeries.in to evaluate your preparation.