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CDS Exam Pattern 2024, Marking Scheme IMA, INA, AFA and OTA

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is one of the most prestigious and sought-after exams in India for those aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year, the CDS Exam opens doors to entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). To qualify for the CDS Exam 2024, it is crucial to comprehend its intricate CDS Exam Pattern 2024 in detail.

CDS Exam Pattern 2024

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 recruitment process that consists of:

  • Written Test
  • SSB Interview
  • Medical Examination & Merit List

CDS Exam Pattern 2024 Overview

CDS Exam Pattern Overview 2024

Exam Mode Offline
Total Number of sections Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA)- Three

Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)- Two

Language asked in the question paper Hindi and English
Total Duration of the test Two hours for each section of the test
Total Marks IMA, INA and AFA- 300

OTA- 200

Type of questions Objective type
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CDS Exam Pattern 2024 – Written Test

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

Read More: CDS Previous Year Question Papers

CDS Exam Marking Scheme 2024

Details about the UPSC CDS Exam Mathematics  English Exam General Knowledge 
Total marks 100 100 100
Marks for Negative marking -0.33 marks for each wrong answer -0.33 marks for each wrong answer -0.33 marks for each wrong answer

Read More: CDS Eligibility Criteria

CDS SSB Interview Exam Pattern 2024 

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.

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CDS Exam Pattern 2024

How many papers are in CDS?

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.

What are the passing marks in the CDS exam?

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.

Is negative marking in CDS?

As per the CDS 2024 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.

How many rounds are there in the CDS exam?

CDS Selection Process 2024 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.

Can I speak Hindi in the SSB interview?

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.

Can I clear CDS without coaching?

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.

Which book is enough for CDS?

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.

What is the CDS OTA exam pattern?

The CDS OTA exam pattern comprises two major subjects, English and General Knowledge.

Is CDS very tough?

Yes, CDS exam is one of the toughest exams of UPSC.

How many hours study CDS?

Students should dedicate at least 8 hours daily to prepare for the Written test and 2 hours for physical training to improve physical fitness.

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