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CDS

Competitive |

CDS

The CDS Exam, also known as the Combined Defence Services Examination, is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India.

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Runali Deb Roy

Last Update : 31 May 2023

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Purpose and Importance of the CDS Exam

The CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam 2023 is a highly competitive examination that requires comprehensive preparation to succeed. The course overview for the CDS Exam 2023 includes the subjects and topics that candidates need to cover during their preparation. Here is a general course overview for the CDS Exam:

  1. English: The English section assesses the candidate's proficiency in English grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and basic language skills. Topics typically covered include grammar rules, sentence completion, antonyms, synonyms, comprehension passages, and error detection.

  2. General Knowledge: The General Knowledge section tests the candidate's awareness of current affairs, history, geography, politics, science, and other relevant topics. It is essential to stay updated with national and international events, recent developments, and important facts. The syllabus covers subjects like Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, and Defence-related topics.

  3. Elementary Mathematics: This section focuses on fundamental mathematical concepts and their applications. The syllabus includes topics like arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration, and statistics. Candidates should have a clear understanding of mathematical concepts and be able to solve problems using various formulas and techniques.

Candidates are required to study these subjects thoroughly to achieve a good score in the CDS Exam. It is important to note that the syllabus for each subject may vary slightly from one exam cycle to another. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the official notification and exam syllabus provided by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the most accurate and updated course content.

Apart from the subjects mentioned above, candidates are also required to develop their physical fitness, leadership skills, and personality traits as these are evaluated during the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which is an integral part of the selection process for the CDS Exam.

It is recommended that candidates create a study plan, gather relevant study materials, and practice with previous years' question papers and mock tests to enhance their preparation. Additionally, joining coaching institutes, self-study, and online resources can also be beneficial in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the exam syllabus and improving overall performance in the CDS Exam 2023.

Exam Pattern and Structure

  • English Language Skills: Candidates will learn and improve their English language skills, including grammar rules, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing abilities. This will enable them to effectively communicate and comprehend English passages, solve questions related to grammar and vocabulary, and write essays or descriptive answers.
  • General Knowledge: Candidates will acquire knowledge in diverse areas such as current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, science, and defence-related topics. They will learn about important national and international events, historical facts, geographical locations, political systems, economic concepts, scientific principles, and defence-related developments.
  • Mathematics: Candidates will learn mathematical concepts and techniques to solve problems related to arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration, and statistics. They will gain proficiency in mathematical calculations, formulas, equations, and problem-solving methods to tackle quantitative aptitude questions effectively.
  • Defence and Military Knowledge: Candidates will develop a comprehensive understanding of defence-related subjects, including the structure of the Indian Armed Forces, military history, weapons and equipment, defence policies, national security, and strategic affairs. They will learn about the roles and responsibilities of different branches of the military, leadership qualities, and defence-related current affairs.
  • Current Affairs: Candidates will stay updated with current national and international events, news, and developments. They will learn about the latest happenings in various fields such as politics, sports, science, technology, environment, and the economy. This knowledge will help them answer questions related to current affairs and demonstrate awareness during the interview process.
  • Personality Development: Along with academic knowledge, candidates will work on enhancing their personality traits, leadership qualities, communication skills, and physical fitness. They will learn techniques for effective communication, team-building, problem-solving, and decision-making. The aim is to develop a well-rounded personality that aligns with the requirements of a career in the armed forces.

Course Content

3 Lessons 45m

KNOW THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR UPSC CDS 2023

To appear for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam 2023 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), candidates must fulfill the eligibility criteria set by the commission. The eligibility criteria for the CDS Exam 2023 are as follows:

  1. Nationality:

    • Candidates must be citizens of India.

    • For the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers' Training Academy (OTA), both unmarried male and unmarried female candidates are eligible.

    • For the Indian Naval Academy (INA), only unmarried male candidates are eligible.

    • Only unmarried male candidates are eligible for the Air Force Academy (AFA).

  1. Age Limit:

    • For Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2000, and not later than January 1, 2005, are eligible.

    • For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2000, and not later than January 1, 2005, are eligible.

    • For Air Force Academy (AFA): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2005, are eligible.

    • For Officers' Training Academy (OTA): Unmarried male and unmarried female candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1999, and not later than January 1, 2005, are eligible.

  1. Educational Qualification:

    • For Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers' Training Academy (OTA): Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or equivalent.

    • For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering from a recognized university or institution.

    • For Air Force Academy (AFA): Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or have a bachelor's degree in engineering.

  1. Physical Standards:

    • Candidates must meet the physical fitness criteria set by the Indian Armed Forces.

    • Detailed physical standards can be found in the official notification of the CDS Exam 2023.

  1. Marital Status:

    • For Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA), candidates must be unmarried.

    • For the Officers' Training Academy (OTA), both male and female candidates can apply and be unmarried or married.

It is essential for candidates to carefully review the official notification released by the UPSC for the CDS Exam 2023 to ensure they meet all the eligibility criteria before applying. Any deviation from the eligibility criteria may result in disqualification from the selection process.

SELECTION PROCESS OF UPSC CDS 2023

The selection process for the UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam 2023 consists of three stages:

  1. Written Examination:

    • The first stage is a written examination conducted by the UPSC.

    • The exam is conducted separately for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA).

    • The written examination consists of objective-type questions covering subjects like English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.

    • The exam is typically conducted in multiple sessions.

    • Candidates who qualify for the written examination are shortlisted for the next stage of the selection process.

  1. Interview (SSB):

    • Candidates who clear the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview.

    • The SSB interview is a comprehensive evaluation process that assesses the candidate's aptitude, personality, and potential for a career in the armed forces.

    • The SSB interview includes various stages such as intelligence tests, psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.

    • The interview process is conducted over multiple days and takes place at SSB centers located across India.

    • Candidates who qualify for the SSB interview are eligible for the final stage of the selection process.

  1. Medical Examination:

    • Candidates who successfully clear the SSB interview are required to undergo a medical examination.

    • The medical examination assesses the candidate's medical fitness for the respective armed forces.

    • The medical standards include parameters such as physical fitness, visual acuity, hearing ability, and general health.

    • Candidates who pass the medical examination are considered for the final selection.

Final Merit List:

  • The final merit list is prepared based on the candidate's performance in the written examination, SSB interview, and medical examination.

  • Candidates who secure a place on the merit list are offered admission to the respective academies based on their preferences, subject to the availability of vacancies.

It is essential for candidates to note that the selection process may vary slightly for different academies. The UPSC releases detailed guidelines and instructions regarding the selection process in the official notification of the CDS Exam 2023. Candidates are advised to carefully review the information and follow the instructions provided by the commission.

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  • Duration 6 Months
  • Level Beginner
  • Lectures 12 Lectures
  • Language English
  • Enrolled 100+ Enrolled
  • Recorded Video 36
  • Notes 45
  • MCQs 45
  • PPTs 25
  • Live Test Series 42
  • E-Book 40
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UPSC CDS 2023 EXAM PATTERN

The UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam 2023 follows a specific exam pattern that varies slightly for different academies. Here is the exam pattern for each academy:

For Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA):

  1. Written Examination:

    • The written examination consists of three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.

    • Each paper is 2 hours in duration.

    • The English paper is of 100 marks, while the General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers are of 100 marks each.

    • The papers are conducted in an offline (pen-and-paper) mode.

    • The question paper is objective type, with multiple-choice questions.

    • There is a negative marking of 1/3rd marks for each incorrect answer.

  1. Interview (SSB):

    • Candidates who qualify for the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview.

    • The SSB interview is conducted in two stages: Stage I and Stage II.

    • Stage I includes Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Tests (PP&DT).

    • Candidates who qualify for Stage I move to Stage II, which includes Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Interviews, and Conferences.

    • The SSB interview is conducted over multiple days and assesses the candidate's aptitude, personality, and potential for a career in the armed forces.

For Officers' Training Academy (OTA):

  1. Written Examination:

    • The written examination for OTA consists of two papers: English and General Knowledge.

    • Each paper is 2 hours duration.

    • The English paper is of 100 marks, while the General Knowledge paper is of 100 marks.

    • The papers are conducted in an offline (pen-and-paper) mode.

    • The question paper is objective type, with multiple-choice questions.

    • There is a negative marking of 1/3rd marks for each incorrect answer.

  1. Interview (SSB):

    • Candidates who qualify for the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview.

    • The SSB interview for OTA follows the same stages (Stage I and Stage II) as mentioned earlier.

It is important for candidates to note that the exact syllabus and distribution of marks for each paper are mentioned in the official notification released by the UPSC for the CDS Exam 2023. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification and prepare accordingly.

UPSC CDS 2023 EXAM PATTERN

Course Structure

1
1. English
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  1. Grammar and usage
  2. Vocabulary and comprehension
  3. Sentence formation and completion
  4. Synonyms and antonyms
  5. Idioms and phrases
  6. Spotting errors
  7. Fill in the blanks
  8. Para jumbles
  9. Reading comprehension

2
2. General Knowledge
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  1. Current affairs (national and international)
  2. History (ancient, medieval, and modern)
  3. Geography (physical, political, and world geography)
  4. Indian Polity and Governance
  5. Indian Economy
  6. General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
  7. Environmental Science
  8. Awards and honors
  9. Sports and games
  10. Books and authors
  11. Important dates and events
  12. National and international organizations

3
3. Elementary Mathematics
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  1. Arithmetic (numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, time and distance, etc.)
  2. Algebra (polynomials, linear equations, quadratic equations, inequalities, progressions, etc.)
  3. Geometry (lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, mensuration, etc.)
  4. Trigonometry (trigonometric ratios, identities, heights, and distances, etc.)
  5. Statistics and Probability

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