The Union Public Service Commission holds the Combined Defence Services Examination (abbreviated as CDS Exam) to appoint Commissioned Officers for the Officers Training Academy, Indian Military Academy, Indian Air Force Academy, and Indian Naval Academy. This exam provides numerous options both for men and women. However, women and girls can only enrol for Officer Training Academy (OTA) positions in the CDS examination.
To crack the exam, it is crucial for you to understand the latest CDS syllabus so that you can have a goal oriented strategy to complete the syllabus.
CDS Syllabus
When preparing for the CDS exam, it is essential to remember that General Knowledge, Elementary Maths, and English are necessary for admission to INA, AFA, and IMA. A proper knowledge is required for exam preparation so that you do not study those that are not required. Otherwise, this makes you lose the track of time. For this, you can visit BYJU’S Exam Prep.
Changes in CDS Syllabus
Until significant changes in the test format are disclosed, the syllabus generally remains the same.
CDS Exam pattern
- The Mathematics and General Knowledge exam papers are set in multiple languages, including Hindi and English.
- Only objective-type questions are asked in those tests.
- There are 120 questions in each of the English and General Knowledge areas and 100 questions in the section of Mathematics.
- Every incorrect response carries a penalty. For each incorrect answer given by the applicant, there is a deduction of 1/3 of a mark.
- The CDS exam is thoroughly examined using the topics on the exam and the CDS study guides. With the CDS solution key, you’ll be able to estimate how many points you’ll obtain on the exam.
Eligibility Criteria for CDS
Below is the eligibility criteria which will allow a candidate to enter the examination.
- The exam is only open to graduates who are not married. The examination is held twice a year. Following an interview with the Services Selection Board, qualified applicants are accepted into their specific Academies (SSB).
- Candidates who are divorced or widowed will not be considered unmarried. As a result, these individuals will not be eligible for the CDS Exam.
- There are no percentage criteria for CDS application. The sole minimum requirement is the possession of a Graduation degree from a recognized University.
Important points
- The exam notification fpr CDS exam is usually issued in the time frame of October and June, with the exams taking place in February and November, respectively.
- The birth date in the UPSC record should be similar to the birth date mentioned on the Examination Certificate of Matriculation/Secondary School or a certificate identified by an Indian University considered similar to Matriculation or any similar exam certificate.
- Affidavits, Horoscopes, birth records from Municipal Corporation, service history, and other documents of age are not approved.
- If it is discovered throughout the confirmation process and at any phase of the exam that the student’s date of birth on the online application does not meet a valid certificate, the Board will bring charges against them as per the rules.
- After that, no modification in birth date is permitted for any reason.
- The CDS exam is conducted in a pen-and-paper format, i.e. offline mode.
Exam preparation tips fpr CDS Exam
- Begin planning at least 6 months ahead of time. Because this is such a prominent exam, the competition can be fierce. Preparation ahead of time will give you an edge in the competition.
- Thoroughly choose your study materials. There seem to be a lot of books and resources out there, but not each of them is valuable, so pick wisely.
- To identify your strong and weak areas, practice past years question papers & practice examinations.
- Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and prepare accordingly to avoid any loopholes in your preparation.
To conclude from the above-explained points, the CDS exam is relatively simple. Exam success can be significantly aided by concentrated preparation and consistent practice. When you’re well prepared, it is not at all difficult. As a result, keep practising mock exams on BYJU’S Exam Prep and enrol in online classes to strategically prepare for the exam to pass the exam on the first try.