Table of Contents
CDS Exam Pattern
Every year, thousands of candidates compete for the highly regarded and prestigious CDS exam. This is a great chance for people who want to join the military and serve their country. Applications for the CDS 1 2023 exam will shortly be available on the UPSC website. Candidates must leave no stone unturned in their preparation for CDS because the difficulty for candidates is increasing every year. Candidates are required to submit exam applications in accordance with the CDS eligibility requirements.
Candidates must pass the Combined Defence Forces (CDS) Exam in order to be recruited into one of the three Indian Armed Forces. The candidate who meets all CDS eligibility requirements, despite the fact that there are different eligibility requirements for recruitment in the three Indian Academies, is nonetheless regarded as eligible for the CDS exam.
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2023
The written section of the Combined Defense Services Examination is the first stage, while the interview portion is the second. All three forces’ exams are under this examination, which is conducted by the UPSC. A call for the SSB interview is made if the candidate performs well on the written test. The candidate is then dispatched to various locations for training. The CDS Exam Pattern will now be discussed below in this article. CDS Exam Pattern follows a three-stage of recruitment process that consists of:
- Written Test
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination & Merit List
Read More: CDS Eligibility Criteria
CDS Exam Pattern Overview
The following subjects are included in the written examination for Admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA):
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
For Admission to the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA):
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
Read More: CDS Previous Year Question Papers
CDS Exam Pattern 2023 Interview
After successfully clearing the written test of the CDS exam, candidates are called for the SSB round for final selection in the academy. CDS Interview involves 2 stages that include different tests such as:
- Stage 1 includes the officer cognitive rating, the picture perception test and the description test.
- Stage 2 includes an interview, a group testing officer task, a conference, and a psychology test.
CDS Exam Pattern FAQs
Q. How many papers are in CDS?
Ans. The written exam for IMA, INA, and AFA comprises three sections: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. For admission to OTA, there are only two papers are required i.e., English and General Knowledge.
Q. What are the passing marks in the CDS exam?
Ans. The minimum qualifying marks in each subject are 20 marks, i.e. 20%. The CDS Exam requires candidates to receive qualifying marks in both the written exam and the SSB Interview.
Q. Is negative marking in CDS?
Ans. As per the CDS 2023 exam pattern, candidates will be awarded one mark for each correct answer whereas 0, 33 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions.
Q. How many rounds are there in the CDS exam?
Ans. CDS Selection Process 2023 involves three stages that candidates need to qualify to get the job. In order to recruit suitable candidates for IMA, INA, and AFA vacancies, the Union Public Service Commission conducts the CDS exam twice a year. The CDS exam involves three tiers i.e., Written Test, SSB Interview, and Medical examination.
Q. Can I speak Hindi in the SSB interview?
Ans. The assessing officers will address you in English. In the same language, questions will be addressed to you. You will be expected to speak in English during the PPDT round and the GD. You may use Hindi if you have difficulty with a sentence, but you must turn to English to finish your idea.
Q. Can I clear CDS without coaching?
Ans. The CDS exam is one of the tough exams to qualify for. But with the right preparation and determination, even without coaching, one can easily successfully pass the exam. All you need to do is make a realistic schedule, understand the CDS syllabus in detail and practise questions every day.
Q. Which book is enough for CDS?
Ans. NCERT Books are essential for the preparation of all defence exams. These books are considered the most authentic source for any information which is asked in the government examination like CDS, AFCAT & CAPF and other govt exams.
WhatsApp