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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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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.
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 |
The CDS 2025 exam is conducted in 2 phases-
Written Examination
Interview for intelligence and personality test
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.
Subject | Duration | Maximum marks |
English | 2 hours | 100 |
General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 |
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 |
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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.
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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.
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 |
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
The maximum marks for the CDS IMA, INA, and AFA question paper is 300 whereas marks for the OTA question paper is 200.
Solve the question papers based on the syllabus and exam pattern of CDS. Manage your time as per the syllabus of CDS.
Yes, it is a bit tough, but if candidates have prepared for the exam efficiently, they can qualify for the exam.
CDS 1 notification 2025 is released online on December 11, 2024 at upsc.gov.in.
The CDS 1 2025 written exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025.
Application Date:30 December,2024 - 28 January,2025
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:
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).
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
.
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.
Hello aspirant,
The CDS 1 & 2 exam 2025 notification dates have already been released by the authority. Applications for CDS 1 2025 must be submitted by December 31, 2024. The date of the 2025 CDS 1 exam is April 13, 2025.
On December 11, 2024, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) published the notification for NDA 1 2025. From December 11 until December 31, 2024, NDA 1 application form 2025 will be accessible. On April 13, 2025, the NDA 1 2025 written test will take place.
Both the exams will be conducted on April 13, 2025.
Thank you
Hope it helps you
Hi,
Yes, you can join the Indian Navy through the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam with a B.Sc. in Nautical Science (B.Sc. NM). The CDS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC ) twice a year for recruitment into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. find the eligibility criteria for CDS exam
Eligibility Criteria for Joining the Indian Navy via CDS:
Educational Qualification:
For the Indian Navy, you must have a B.Sc. in Nautical Science (B.Sc. NM) or any other relevant qualification.The typical qualification for the Indian Navy (Naval Academy) is a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, or a relevant field. B.Sc. NM fits this requirement.
Age Limit:
The age limit for the Indian Naval Academy (INA) through CDS is usually 19 to 22 years. However, please verify the current age criteria when applying
Nationality:
You must be an I ndian citizen or meet specific conditions or have migrated from specific countries
Physical and Medical Standards:
You need to meet the physical fitness standards set by the Indian Navy, which typically includes height, weight, eyesight, and overall health
Hello aspirant,
When applying to the Officers Training Academy, SSC Women enrolled in non-technical courses must be at least 25 years old to sit for the CDS exam.
Applicants must have finished their degree program or be taking the final test in order to sit for the CDS exam.
So if you fulfill this eligibility criteria, then you are eligible for CDS exam 2027.
Thank you
No, completing your college through dummy or non-regular means will not necessarily result in a negative impression during your SSB interview or screening process.
The SSB (Service Selection Board) assesses candidates based on various qualities such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and personality. While the mode of completing your college education may be considered, it is not the sole determining factor.
Here are some important points to keep in mind:
While completing your college through dummy or non-regular means may raise questions, it is not an automatic disqualification. If you can demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and potential, you can still successfully clear the SSB and be considered for selection.
It's important to focus on developing the qualities and skills that are valued by the SSB. By showcasing your abilities and potential, you can overcome any initial concerns related to your mode of education.
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