Shikha GoyalAssistant Manager
CDS exam pattern 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) specifies the CDS exam pattern for the written exam and SSB Interview. UPSC lays the best career option for candidates who want to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Defence Forces. The candidate who wants to qualify for the CDS exam must go through the exam pattern and syllabus of the CDS exam.
The CDS 1 2025 exam will be held on April 13, 2025. CDS exam patterns for the INA, AFA, and IMA are similar but the CDS OTA exam pattern is slightly different from the other three. The CDS exam 2025 will be conducted in two stages, the written exam and the SSB interview. The CDS exam is an offline exam conducted in pen paper-based format. The CDS marking scheme, negative marking, total marks, exam timing, and the paper pattern for the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA are available below for the CDS exam.
Also Read: CDS OTA Syllabus 2025
Q: What is the exam pattern for CDS 2025 exam?
The CDS exam pattern has been divided into two categories- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The exam taken for the IMA, INA, AFA is taken for three subjects- General Awareness, Mathematics and English. On the other hand, the OTA exam is taken for two subjects- English . and General Awareness. The exam pattern for these categories have been given below for the candidates: For IMA, INA and AFA: a)Total Number of Subjects: English. Elementary Mathematics and General Knowledge b) Time Duration: Six hours (2 hours for each paper) c) Maximum Marks: 300 marks (100 marks for each paper) For OTA: a) Total Number of Subjects: English . and General Knowledge b) Time Duration: Four hours (2 hours for each paper) c) Maximum Marks: 200 Marks (100 marks for each paper). .
Q: What is the pattern for CDS written exam?
Q: What is QPReP in CDS exam?
Highlights of CDS Exam Pattern 2025
Candidates can check in brief, the exam pattern of the CDS exam as mentioned below:
Parameters | Details |
---|---|
Mode of exam |
Offline |
Number of sections |
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA)-Three Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)-Two |
Total marks of the test |
IMA, INA, and AFA-300 OTA-200 |
Nature of questions |
Objective type |
Language of question paper |
Hindi and English |
Duration of the test |
Two hours for each section of the test |
Q: Can girls apply for the CDS exam?
Q: Is there a time limit for each subject in CDS exam?
Q: What is the language of question paper in CDS exam?
CDS Exam Pattern for INA, AFA, IMA
The candidates appearing for the CDS exam to become defence personnel through INA, IMA and AFA must know the exam pattern. The candidates can understand the exam with a better perspective if they know the exam pattern. The UPSC CDS exam pattern has been given below for INA, IMA, and AFA:
- The written exam for IMA, INA, and AFA comprises three sections: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics
- The total exam duration for IMA, INA, and AFA is six hours (each section is for two hours)
- The total marks of the test for IMA, INA, and AFA are 300
CDS Exam Pattern for Written Test
The candidate can check the CDS written test exam pattern in the table below:
CDS Exam Pattern | |
---|---|
Mode of Exam | Offline |
Number of Subjects | 3 |
Name of Subjects | English, General Awareness, and Maths |
Total Marks | 300 marks |
Time Duration | 6 hours |
Type of exam | Objective |
Medium of Exam | Bilingual (Hindi and English) |
CDS Exam Pattern OTA
OTA (Officers Training Academy) has a different exam pattern as compared to the IMA, INA, and AFA exams. The exam pattern for the UPSC CDS OTA exam has been given below for the candidates to know the intricate pattern of the exam easily:
- The written exam for OTA comprises two sections: English and General Knowledge
- The total exam duration for OTA is four hours (each section is for two hours)
- The total marks of the test for OTA are 200
Q: What is the exam pattern for OTA CDS exam?
Q: What is the syllabus for the CDS exam 2025, and where can I find it?
Candidates who are preparing for CDS exam 2025 must follow the syllabus to prepare for the exam. The CDS syllabus is divided into two categories- a) INA (Indian Naval Academy), IMA (Indian Military Academy), and AFA (Air Force Academy) b) OTA (Officers Training Academy) Syllabus for INA, IMA and AFA The syllabus for the IMA, INA and AFA comprises three sections English GAT and Elementary Mathematics. To get the detailed syllabus for INA, IMA and AFA click on the refer to the link below: https://www.shiksha.com/exams/cds-exam-syllabus.
OTA Syllabus:
The OTA syllabus has two sections English and general knowledge. OTA exam syllabus does not have a Maths section. The topic-wise syllabus for the OTA has been provided for the candidates.
English
- Sentence Arrangement
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Jumble Words
- Idioms and Phrases
- Ordering Sentences
- Ordering Words
GAT (General Ability Test)
- Current Affairs
- History
- Polity
- Geography
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Sociology
- Defence Related Awareness
- Sports and Culture
- Environmental Studies.
Q: What is the duration of CDS interview process?
Structure of CDS Question Paper
The structure of the CDS question paper for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA is as follows:
IMA, INA, AFA |
||
---|---|---|
Subject |
Duration (In hours) |
Maximum Marks |
English |
2 |
100 |
General Knowledge |
2 |
100 |
Elementary Mathematics |
2 |
100 |
OTA |
||
---|---|---|
Subject | Duration (In hours) | Maximum Marks |
English |
2 |
100 |
General Knowledge |
2 |
100 |
Q: How many questions are asked in the Maths section of CDS exam?
Q: How many questions are asked in the English section of CDS exam?
Q: How can I prepare for CDS Maths and Current Affairs for CDS exam?
CDS Negative Marking
CDS Exam Pattern 2025 for SSB Interview
The SSB Interview for IMA, INA, and AFA is for 300 marks each while for OTA, it is 200. The SSB Interview procedure consists of two stages: I and II. Only those candidates who qualify the stage I are permitted to appear in stage II. The details of both stages are given below:
- Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT)
- Stage II comprises Interviews, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conferences. These tests are conducted over days
Download CURRENT AFFAIRS Guide -Click Here |
Related Links:
CDS Previous Years' Paper Analysis
The previous years' paper analysis for the CDS exam is given below. This analysis will help candidates to know the types of questions asked in the exam.
English
The English question paper is designed to test the candidates' understanding of the English language.
English | No. of Questions |
---|---|
Cloze Test |
10 |
Preposition & Determinants |
10 |
Completion of Sentence |
10 |
Antonyms |
10 |
Part of Speech |
10 |
Spotting Error |
10 |
Ordering of Word in a Sentence |
10 |
Fill in the Blanks |
10 |
Synonyms |
10 |
Idioms & Phrases |
10 |
Ordering of Sentences |
10 |
Total |
120 |
Elementary Maths
The distribution of questions in this subject is given below.
Topic | No. of Questions |
---|---|
Mensuration |
14 |
Geometry |
20 |
Algebra |
7 |
Number system |
20 |
Trigonometry |
14 |
Average/Statistics |
4 |
Time and Work |
3 |
Speed & Distance |
6 |
Simple Interest and Compound Interest |
5 |
Percentage |
2 |
Clock |
2 |
Profit and Loss |
1 |
Mixture and allegation |
1 |
Set Theory |
1 |
Total |
100 |
General Awareness
The distribution of questions in GK paper is given below.
Subjects | No. Of Questions |
---|---|
Geography |
16 |
History |
24 |
Economy |
11 |
Polity |
17 |
Physics |
11 |
Chemistry |
17 |
Biology |
7 |
Current Affairs |
18 |
Static/Misc. |
2 |
Total |
120 |
Also Read: CDS Exam Analysis
Instructions to fill CDS Answer Sheet
The candidates appearing for the CDS exam must know the instructions to fill out the CDS exam answer sheet so that they do not make any mistakes while filling out the OMR answer sheet. The instructions to fill out the answer sheet are given below.
- As soon as the candidate receives the answer sheet, they should check that it is numbered at the bottom. If it is found un-numbered they should at once get it replaced by a numbered one
- Candidates should write with a black ball pen the name of the centre and subject in English or Hindi
- The test booklet series is indicated by Alphabets A, B, C, or D at the top right-hand corner of the booklet
- Write roll numbers exactly as it is in your e-Admission Certificate with a black ball pen in the boxes provided for this purpose. Do not omit any zero(s) which may be there
The next step is to find out the appropriate subject code from the Time Table - Encode the Test Booklet Series, Subject Code, and Roll Number in the circles provided for this purpose. Do the encoding with a black ball pen. The name of the Centre need not be encoded
Writing and encoding of the Test Booklet Series is to be done after receiving the Test Booklet and confirming the Booklet Series from the same
CDS Syllabus 2025
The standard of the papers in Elementary Mathematics is of Matriculation level. The standard of papers in other subjects is approximately such as may be expected of a graduate of an Indian University. The question paper is designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workmanlike use of words. General Knowledge includes knowledge of current events and such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not made a special study of any scientific subject. The paper also includes questions on the History of India and the Geography of nature which the candidate should be able to answer without special study. Candidates can check the topics included in the CDS syllabus.
Subjects | Topics |
---|---|
English | The question paper is designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and Grammar |
General Knowledge | Economics, Physics, General Awareness, Politics, History, Geography, Sociology, etc. |
Elementary Mathematics | Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics, etc. |
CDS Best Preparation
The candidates preparing for the CDS exam must go through the CDS best books for the preparation. The list of the CDS books been given below for the candidates in the table :
Name of Books | Subject | Author/Publications |
---|---|---|
Objective General English | English | S.P Bakshi (Arihant Publications) |
Manorama Year Book | General Awareness | Philip Mathew |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exam | Quantitative Aptitude | R.S Aggarwal |
News & Updates
Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates
CDS Exam
Student Forum
Answered a week ago
Any OBC girl is free to apply for the CDS-I examination under reservation benefits extended by the government.
The eligibility of OBCs, including girls, is similar to that of general categories regarding age and educational qualifications. However, here his age limit has been relaxed and certain seat
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
You would be eligible to take the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in April 2025 if you were between the ages of 20 and 24 on January 1, 2025. You would be 24 years old in December 2024 because your birthday is December 15, 2000, hence you would be eligible to apply for the CDS exam in April 2
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
The highest rank attainable through CDs is the rank of general which is a 4-stared officer position.
it is a general in the army, Admiral in the Navy and Air Chief Marshal in the Air Force.
and the lowest rank is lieutenant which is a 2 stared officer position.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 weeks ago
The questions will consist of objective-type questions.
the total duration for the exam is 4 hours and is for a total of 200 marks for OTA.
The question papers for General Knowledge will be set in bilingually in Hindi and English. The exam will comprise 2 subjects, English and General Knowledge, and e
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 weeks ago
The CDS 1 application form 2025 will be available from December 11 to 31, 2024. The CDS 1 2025 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025. CDS 2 notification will be released in May 2025, the last date for application will be 17th June 2025 and the exam will be conducted on 14, September 2025.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
The Union Public Service Commission released the CDS examination 2025 approximate number of vacancies. It is around 457 vacancies will be announced for various defence services.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Candidates can download the UPSC CDS 1 2025 recommended marks by following the steps given below:
- Go to the official website
- Click on the CDS 1 2025 recommended marks link
- Click on the PDF link
- The CDS 1 2025 recommended marks PDF will appear on the screen
- Download the CDS 1 2025 marks and save it fo
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The CDS exam requires in depth knowledge and clarity of concepts or conceptual clarity. So, regular solving of mock tests of the CDS exam is essential. It provides an additional advantage that a candidate requires to succeed in the exam. It also helps to test the preparation level and evaluate the p
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The CDS exam is conducted twice a year for admission to IMA, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. Basically, it works as a tool for students to prepare for an upcoming exam. Candidate will get an idea of the actual examination. Mock tests make candidates realise their mistakes that must be t
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The candidates who will qualify for the CDS 2 result in 2025 will proceed to the SSB interview. The CDS 2 result 2025 will be released on the official website. Basically, the result PDF, cut-off marks, and the final merit-list will guide candidates on their next steps, mainly for the SSB interview r
S
Contributor-Level 10
Can OBC category female students apply for CDS-1 exam?