“The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is one of the most sought-after exams in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The full form of CDS is “”Combined Defence Services””. The exam is conducted twice a year, and it offers candidates an opportunity to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Indian Air Force Academy (IAFA). In this blog, we will discuss in detail everything you need to know about the Combined Defence Services exam, including the eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and much more.
Introduction to CDS Exam
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is an entrance test conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment of candidates into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Indian Air Force Academy (IAFA). The CDS exam is a national level exam and is conducted twice a year, usually in February and November. The examination is conducted to select candidates for permanent commission in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
Eligibility Criteria for CDS Exam
The eligibility criteria for the Combined Defence Services exam are specified by the UPSC. The candidates appearing for the CDS exam must meet the following eligibility criteria:
The candidate must be a citizen of India.
- Age Limit: The minimum age limit for the CDS exam is 19 years and the maximum age limit is 25 years for IMA and Indian Naval Academy, and 24 years for Indian Air Force Academy.
- Educational Qualification: The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Physical Fitness: The candidate must be physically fit as per the physical standards prescribed by the UPSC.
Syllabus for CDS Exam
- The CDS exam consists of three papers, including English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. The syllabus for the Combined Defence Services exam is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the English language, general awareness, and mathematical skills. The syllabus for the CDS exam is as follows:
- English: The English paper tests the candidate’s knowledge of the English language, including grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and written expression.
- General Knowledge: The General Knowledge paper tests the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, politics, and economics.
- Mathematics: The Mathematics paper tests the candidate’s mathematical skills, including algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and arithmetic.
Exam Pattern for CDS Exam
The CDS exam consists of three papers, including English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. The exam pattern for the Combined Defence Services exam is as follows:
- English: The English paper is of 100 marks and is conducted for a duration of two hours.
- General Knowledge: The General Knowledge paper is of 100 marks and is conducted for a duration of two hours.
- Mathematics: The Mathematics paper is of 100 marks and is conducted for a duration of two hours.
- The CDS exam is an objective type exam, and the questions are multiple-choice questions. The total marks for the CDS exam are 300 marks.”