CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - Check CDS 1 Exam Pattern Here

CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - Check CDS 1 Exam Pattern Here

Edited By Namritha Bachwal | Updated on Dec 11, 2024 10:44 PM IST | #CDS
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Union Public Service Commission prescribes 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
  1. CDS 2025 Exam Pattern: Stages of CDS exam
  2. CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - For Written Examination
  3. CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - For SSB Interview
  4. UPSC CDS Marking Scheme 2025
  5. CDS Syllabus 2025
  6. CDS Mock Test 2025
  7. CDS Question Papers 2025
CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - Check CDS 1 Exam Pattern Here
CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - Check CDS 1 Exam Pattern Here

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 1 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-

  1. Written Examination

  2. 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 provides CDS 2025 syllabus along with official CDS notification in online mode 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


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 1 2025 notification be released?

CDS 1 notification 2025 is released online on December 11, 2024 at upsc.gov.in.

7. When is the CDS 1 2025 exam?

The CDS 1 2025 written exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025.

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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

Hello Kanchan,

You are eligible to appear for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam based on your date of birth (16 October 2003) and graduation timeline. Here’s when you can apply:

  • CDS 1 2025 : Yes, you can apply (Notification in December 2024, Exam in April 2025)

  • CDS 2 2025 : Yes, you can apply (Notification in May 2025, Exam in September 2025)

    Age Limits for CDS 2025 (Tentative)

  • Indian Military Academy (IMA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2007

  • Indian Naval Academy (INA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2007

  • Air Force Academy (AFA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2006 (with Physics & Math in 12th or Engineering Degree)

  • Officers Training Academy (OTA): 02 January 2001 – 01 January 2007

Since your graduation will be completed next year (2025) , you can apply in your final year , but you need to submit proof of graduation before the final selection .


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


To determine if you're eligible to give the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in 2027, let's check the age criteria:


Age Criteria for CDS Exam

- For Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19-24 years

- For Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19-24 years

- For Air Force Academy (AFA): 19-24 years

- For Officers' Training Academy (OTA): 19-25 years


Your Age in 2027

- Born in 2003

- Age in 2027: 24 years


Considering the age criteria, you'll be eligible to appear for the CDS exam in 2027 for:


- Indian Military Academy (IMA)

- Indian Naval Academy (INA)

- Air Force Academy (AFA)


However, you'll be at the upper age limit for these academies. For Officers' Training Academy (OTA), you'll still be within the eligible age range.


Please note that these eligibility criteria are subject to change, and you should verify the age limits and other eligibility criteria with the official UPSC website or notification before applying.

Hello,

To determine how many attempts you have for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), we need to consider the age criteria and your graduation timeline.

Age Criteria for IMA through CDS

Age Limit: 19 to 24 years as of 1st January or 1st July of the year in which the course commences

For example, if the course starts in January 2029, your date of birth should fall between 2nd January 2005 and 1st January 2009.

Your Cas

Date of Birth: 27th February 2004.

Graduation Completion: July 2028.

You will turn 24 on 27th February 2028, which means you will be eligible for CDS exams for IMA entry till the batch commencing in January 2029.

Exam Timeline

The CDS exam is conducted twice a year (usually in February and September

CDS Exam Attempts Available:

CDS 2, 2027: For the course starting in July 2028.

CDS 1, 2028: For the course starting in January 2029.

Total Attempts:

You have 2 attempts left to apply for the IMA through the CDS exam.

Hello

You can attempt the CDS Exam For IMA until you are 24 years old.

Since your DOB is 27th February 2004 , you will be eligible to take the exam until February 2028 . This gives you attempts in CDS exams until 2027 ( the exam happens twice a year) . After you turn 24, you won't be eligible for IMA through CDS.

Hope this helps you .

Thank you

Hello Swastika,

Yes, as a student of a 5-year integrated law course , you can be eligible for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam at the end of your 4th year , provided you meet the following criteria:

  1. Educational Qualification : For the Indian Army wing, you must have completed your graduation or be in the final year of your degree course. Since you are pursuing a 5-year integrated law course, you will be eligible to apply once you have completed the 4th year (which would make you eligible for the CDS exam, as per the graduation requirement).

  2. Age Limit : Ensure that you meet the age criteria for the CDS exam. For the Indian Army wing, the age limit is typically 19 to 24 years .

  3. SSB Interview : If you qualify for the CDS written exam , you will be called for the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. Your eligibility for the SSB will depend on successfully clearing the written exam and meeting the medical fitness and other criteria.

Since you are pursuing a law degree, you can appear for the Indian Army wing of the CDS exam. Make sure you meet the age and qualification requirements by the time you appear for the exam.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


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