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CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - Check CDS 1 Exam Pattern Here
Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on May 28, 2025 06:28 PM IST | #CDS
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CDS Exam Date : 14 Sep' 2025 - 14 Sep' 2025
Union Public Service Commission has prescribed the UPSC CDS exam pattern 2025 in the official notification. As per the UPSC CDS 2025 exam pattern, the written exam is conducted for the IMA, INA, AFA and OTA courses. According to the CDS exam pattern, to be eligible for these courses, candidates will have to clear a written exam and the SSB interview. The SSB interview is a personality test to get an idea of the candidate’s intelligence that is conducted as part of the.
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This Story also Contains
- CDS 2025 Exam Pattern: Stages of CDS exam
- CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - For Written Examination
- CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - For SSB Interview
- UPSC CDS Marking Scheme 2025
- CDS Syllabus 2025
- CDS Mock Test 2025
- CDS Question Papers 2025
While preparing for the exam, candidates can make use of the exam pattern in conjunction with the CDS exam syllabus 2025 to better prepare for the exam. The UPSC CDS exam is conducted for the recruitment of Commissioned Officers in the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy.
It is important to consult the detailed CDS exam pattern 2025 to better understand the nuances of the exam, such as the stages of the exam, marking scheme, time duration of the exam as well as the subjects on which question papers will be based. Candidates must thoroughly go through the CDS 2025 notification for all information. For more information pertaining to the CDS 2025 exam pattern, read the full article below.
Highlights of CDS 2 Exam Pattern 2025
Particulars | Details |
Mode of Exam | Offline only |
Number of questions asked IMA, INA and AFA | 300 multiple choice questions |
Number of questions in OTA | 200 multiple choice questions |
Maximum Marks | 300 ( Indian Military, Navy and Air Force) and 200 (OTA) |
Duration of Exam | 2 hours (120 minutes) for each paper |
Medium | Hindi or English |
Negative marking | One-third of marks were deducted for each wrong answer |
CDS 2025 Exam Pattern: Stages of CDS exam
The CDS 2025 exam is conducted in 2 phases-
Written Examination
Interview for intelligence and personality test
CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - For Written Examination
The first stage of the CDS recruitment process is the written exam. According to the UPSC CDS exam pattern, one written exam is conducted for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Navy Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA) and another one for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The questions are asked from all three subjects in the written test for IMA, INA, and AFA, whereas there is no mathematics paper for the OTA course.
Hence in the CDS 2025 OTA written exam, the question will be asked from two sections only - English and General Knowledge. The total time duration for the IMA, INA, and AFA written tests is 6 hours whereas for the OTA written test 4 hours is allotted. Candidates can consult the table below for more details regarding the CDS 2025 exam pattern.
CDS Exam Pattern for For IMA, INA, and AFA
Subject | Duration | Maximum marks |
English | 2 hours | 100 |
General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 |
Exam Pattern of CDS 2025 for OTA
From the following table, candidates can check the CDS OTA exam pattern to prepare for the OTA exam.
Subject | Duration | Maximum marks |
English | 2 hours | 100 |
General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
Check Here List of Other Government Exams
CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - For SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify in the CDS written exam are required to appear in the SSB interview. For the CDS interview round, candidates will be called at one of the Services Selection Centres. According to the UPSC CDS exam pattern 2025, the interview will be conducted in two stages. Only those candidates who clear stage I of the CDS interview are permitted to appear for stage II. Check below the details about both stages of the CDS interview.
Stage I: Stage I of the CDS interview consists of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Tests (PP and DT).
Stage II: The CDS interview stage II includes a personal interview, Group testing officer tasks, Psychology Tests and the conference.
Following the CDS exam pattern 2025, these tests will be conducted for four days and the personality of a candidate is assessed by three different assessors - The Interviewing Officer (IO), the Group Testing Officer (GTO) and the Psychologist. There is no separate weightage for each test.
Also Read:
UPSC CDS Marking Scheme 2025
As per the CDS 2025 exam pattern, candidates are awarded one mark for each correct answer whereas 0,33 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer. There is no negative marking for un-attempted questions, Check below the table to learn more about the CDS marking scheme.
CDS Marking Scheme
Specifications | English | GK | Mathematics |
Maximum marks | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Marks for the correct answer | +1 mark for each correct option | +1 mark for each correct option | +1 mark for each correct option |
Negative marking | -0.33 marks for each wrong answer | -0.33 marks for each wrong answer | -0.33 marks for each wrong answer |
CDS Syllabus 2025
UPSC has provided the CDS 2025 syllabus in the official CDS notification at upsc.gov.in. The written exam is divided into three sections. In the English sections of the CDS syllabus, candidates need to prepare more with grammar and increase their word power. In order to crack the Maths section of the CDS exam syllabus, the only key is practice.
Read the newspaper daily and keep yourself updated with current affairs for the general awareness section. It is important to go through the entire CDS syllabus before starting the preparation as this will give you a better idea about your weaker and stronger section.
Also read: Basic Information about category-wise career exams
- Top 20 Career Exams for Central Government Jobs
- Top 14 Banking Exams in Govt Financial Sector
- Top 13 UPSC Exams in India
- Top 7 Defence Exams in India
- Top 8 SSC Exams in Central Government Jobs
- Top 7 Railway (RRB) Exams
CDS Mock Test 2025
Candidates preparing for the UPSC CDS 2025 exam must attain the CDS mock tests. The mock test helps the students to know the exact exam pattern of CDS 2025. Candidates can know the CDS exam pressure and the environment of the exam hall. With the help of mock tests, candidates can assess their level of CDS 2025 preparation. There are numerous online mock tests available.
CDS Question Papers 2025
For better preparation for the exam, candidates must solve the previous year's CDS 2025 question paper to understand the important topics. Manage the time in a way so that 2-3 CDS sample question papers can be solved everyday.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the exam pattern of CDS 2025 the same for IMA, INA, AFA written exam and OTS written exam?
No, the UPSC CDS exam pattern 2025 for the IMA, INA, AFA written exam and OTS written exam is not the same. Check the details in the above article.
2. How many questions will be asked in the CDS exam 2025?
As per the CDS 2025 exam pattern, there will be questions in the IMA, INA, and AFA written exams and 200 questions in the OTA written exam.
3. What will be the maximum marks for the CDS question paper?
The maximum marks for the CDS IMA, INA, and AFA question paper is 300 whereas marks for the OTA question paper is 200.
4. How can I prepare for the CDS 2025 exam?
Solve the question papers based on the syllabus and exam pattern of CDS. Manage your time as per the syllabus of CDS.
5. Is the CDS exam tough?
Yes, it is a bit tough, but if candidates have prepared for the exam efficiently, they can qualify for the exam.
6. When will the CDS 2 2025 notification be released?
CDS 2 notification 2025 has been released online on May 28, 2025 at upsc.gov.in.
7. When is the CDS 2 2025 exam?
The CDS 2 2025 written exam will be conducted on September 14, 2025.
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Have a question related to CDS ?
Hi dear candidate,
To be eligible for CDS 1 Exam 2026, your age should fall between 20 to 24 years old. And with your date of birth of 21 December 2002, means that you will be 23 years old as of 1st January, 2026. CDS 1 exam 2026 is expected to take place in April 2026.
Considering the above:
Yes, you will be able to give exam for CDS 1 in 2026.
ALL THE BEST !
Aryan 07 July,2025
Yes, You are eligible to apply for CDS OTA 2026(April exam) Based on your date of birth
Make sure you also:
- Graduation degree from a recognised(Or are in the final year).
- Or unmarried(For OTASSC non-technical entry).
- Meet the required, medical and physical standard as per SSB/UPSE Norms .
Avanishsree VP 10 June,2025
Hello Aditya,
As a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) student after your 12th board exam, you cannot directly appear for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam because it requires a bachelor’s degree. However, here’s a clear and concise guide on how you can prepare for and give the CDS exam after completing further studies, tailored to your background:
-
Understand CDS Eligibility
: The CDS exam, conducted by UPSC twice a year, recruits for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
-
Educational Requirement
:
- IMA and OTA: Any bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
-
AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 12th level or Bachelor of Engineering.
-
For PCB Students
: Since you don’t have Mathematics in 12th, you’re eligible for
IMA and OTA
after completing a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Sc., B.A.). INA and AFA are not an option unless you pursue an engineering degree or have Mathematics at the graduation level.
-
Age Limit
: 19–25 years (varies by academy; check upsc.gov.in for 2025 details).
-
Educational Requirement
:
-
Steps to Prepare After 12th
:
-
Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree
: Enroll in a degree program (e.g., B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields, or even B.A.) to meet CDS eligibility. This takes 3–4 years.
-
Apply for CDS During Final Year
: You can apply for CDS in the final year of your degree, provided you complete graduation before the training starts.
-
Application Process
:
-
Visit upsconline.nic.in when notifications are released (typically
December 2024
for CDS I 2025 and
May 2025
for CDS II 2025).
-
Fill out the form, pay the fee (Rs. 200; exemptions for SC/ST/females), and select IMA/OTA as your preference.
-
Visit upsconline.nic.in when notifications are released (typically
December 2024
for CDS I 2025 and
May 2025
for CDS II 2025).
-
Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree
: Enroll in a degree program (e.g., B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields, or even B.A.) to meet CDS eligibility. This takes 3–4 years.
-
CDS Exam Structure
:
-
For IMA/OTA
: Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is optional for OTA).
-
PCB Advantage
: Your Biology and Chemistry background helps with General Knowledge (science sections). English preparation is manageable with practice.
-
Challenge
: If you’re weak in Mathematics, focus on OTA, where Maths is not required, or practice basic 10th-level Maths for IMA.
- Next Steps : Clear the written exam, then pass the SSB interview and medical test.
-
For IMA/OTA
: Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is optional for OTA).
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.
kumardurgesh1802 20 May,2025
To prepare for CDS, CGL, and CAT during graduation, create a clear study schedule focusing on basics, reasoning, and aptitude. Practice daily mocks, improve time management, and stay consistent. Balance college and preparation with discipline and regular revision.
Sujal Singh 20 May,2025
Your date of birth is 24th February 2006, and you will complete graduation in July 2028. For the CDS exam, the maximum number of attempts depends on your age limit and category, but generally, candidates have around 4 to 6 attempts before reaching the age limit.
Sujal Singh 20 May,2025
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