CDS | Exam Pattern | CDS 2024 Exam Pattern: Question Paper Structure, Marking Scheme & Selection Process
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam pattern consists of a written examination followed by a selection process involving the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical examination.
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CDS Exam Pattern Information
The CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), has different patterns for candidates applying to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA).
For Indian Military Academy , Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy
| Serial No. | Subject | Marks | Time |
| 1 | English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| 2 | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| 3 | Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
For Officers Training Academy
| Serial No | Subject | Marks | Time |
| 1 | English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| 2 | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
The CDS papers in all the subjects will consist of objective type questions only.
The CDS question papers of General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set bilingually in Hindi as well as English.
There will be penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Type CDS Question Papers.
There are four alternatives for the answer to every CDS question. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate. One third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty.
If a CDS candidate given more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the given answers happens to be correct and there will be same penalty as above for that question.
If a CDS question is left blank i.e. no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question.
For both writing and marking answers in the CDS OMR sheet (Answer Sheet) candidates must use black ball pen with any other colour are prohibited.
FAQs related to the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam pattern:
1. What is the CDS exam pattern?
- The CDS exam consists of a written examination followed by a selection process involving the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical examination.
2. How many papers are there in the written examination of the CDS exam?
- The written examination comprises three papers for candidates applying to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). For candidates applying to the Officers' Training Academy (OTA), there are only two papers.
3. What are the papers in the written examination of the CDS exam?
- The papers are:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, and AFA only)
4. What is the duration and marks for each paper in the written examination?
- Each paper is of 2 hours duration.
- English and General Knowledge papers carry 100 marks each.
- Elementary Mathematics paper (for IMA, INA, and AFA) also carries 100 marks.
5. Is there any negative marking in the written examination of the CDS exam?
- Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. One-third of the marks assigned to the question will be deducted for each incorrect response.
6. What is the selection process after the written examination?
- Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for the SSB interview.
- The SSB interview assesses various aspects such as leadership qualities, communication skills, decision-making abilities, and social adaptability.
- Candidates who clear the SSB interview undergo a medical examination to assess their physical and mental fitness.
7. How many times is the CDS exam conducted in a year?
- The CDS exam is conducted twice a year, typically in February and November.
8. Is there any specific preparation strategy for the SSB interview?
- Yes, candidates should focus on developing their communication skills, leadership qualities, problem-solving abilities, and overall personality. Regular practice through mock interviews and group discussions can be beneficial.
9. What is the medium of examination for the CDS exam?
- The medium of examination is English for all papers. However, candidates have the option to answer the English paper in Hindi as well.
10. Where can I find study materials and previous years' question papers for the CDS exam?
- Study materials and previous years' question papers for the CDS exam are available online and in bookstores. Additionally, candidates can refer to UPSC's official website for guidance and resources.
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