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About CDS 2023

UPSC CDS 2023 - The Union Public Service Commission has released the official CDS 2 question paper 2023 on the official website. The commission successfully conducted the CDS 2 exam 2023 in offline mode on September 3, 2023. The UPSC CDS 2 admit card 2023 was released online on August 10 at upsconline.nic.in. The authority deactivated CDS 2 2023 application form correction facility link on June 13, 2023 at upsc.gov.in. CDS 2 application form 2023 correction link has been activated on June 7, 2023. Union Public Service Commission closed UPSC CDS 2 2023 application form window on June 6, 2023. The Commission already released the UPSC CDS 2 notification 2023 online on May 17, 2023.
Latest: The final UPSC CDS 2 2022 result has been released for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA) on July 4, 2023.

Along with the notification, the exam authorities also released the UPSC CDS 2 application form 2023. Candidates who are between 20 to 24 years and fulfill other CDS 2023 eligibility criteria are eligible for CDS.

The CDS exam is conducted for candidates who wish to pursue their career as commissioned officers in the Navy, Air Force and Army after graduation or candidates appearing in their final year. There are two stages in the CDS exam 2023 written exam followed by the SSB interview. Candidates who qualify written CDS exam 2023 are eligible for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview which includes Personality cum Psychometric tests and Intelligence interviews.

Candidates who clear the CDS 2023 selection process will have to undergo training programmes as per their merit and preference for Army, Navy and Air Force jobs. The training of selected candidates will be done at Indian Military Academy (IMA Dehradun), Indian Naval Academy (INA Ezhimala), Air Force Academy (Hyderabad), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA Chennai).

CDS 2023 Highlights

Full Exam NameCombined Defence Services Examination
Short Exam NameCDS
Conducting BodyUnion Public Service Commission
Frequency of Conduct2 times a year
Exam LevelMatriculate
LanguagesEnglish, Hindi
Mode of ApplicationOnline
Application Fee (General)200 Rs [Offline] +1 More
Mode of ExamOffline
Mode of CounsellingOffline
Exam Duration6 Hours
Number of Seats349 Seats

Download all details about CDS 2023

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CDS 2023 Important Dates

CDS (Session Sep 2023)

Past Dates and Events

04 Sep, 2023

Official CDS 2 question paper - Start Date | Mode: Online

10 Aug, 2023 - 03 Sep, 2023

Admit Card | Mode: Online

03 Sep, 2023

Exam | Mode: Offline

07 Jun, 2023 - 13 Jun, 2023

Application Correction | Mode: Online

17 May, 2023 - 06 Jun, 2023

Application | Mode: Online

06 Jun, 2023

Application fee payment online last date | Mode: Online

05 Jun, 2023

Application fee payment by cash last date | Mode: Offline

17 May, 2023

Advertisement | Mode: Online

Candidates must check the CDS eligibility criteria like age limit, educational qualification, marital status to be eligible for CDS exam 2023.

Nationality

Candidates applying for CDS exam 2023 must be

  • an Indian citizen, or
  • a Tibetan refugee (before January 1962), or
  • a subject to Nepal or Bhutan, or
  • Migrants from Pakistan, Burma, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, with the intention of permanently settling in India

Age

Candidates must be 20 to 24 years.

Educational Qualification martial status as per courses

Courses

Marital Status

Qualification

Officers Training Academy (OTA - women, Non-Technical)

Unmarried and widow

Degree of a recognised university or equivalent

Officers Training Academy (OTA - men)

Unmarried and married

Degree of a recognised university or equivalent

Indian Naval Academy (NA)

Unmarried

Degree in Engineering from a recognised             university/institution

Indian Military Academy (IMA)

Unmarried

Degree of a recognised university or equivalent

Air Force Academy (AFA)

Unmarried

Degree of a recognised university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering


Mode of Application : Online

Mode of Payment : Net Banking | Credit Card | Debit Card | Other

UPSC deactivated CDS 2 2023 application form correction link on June 13, 2023. CDS 2 application form 2023 correction link has been activated on June 7, 2023. The Commission closed the CDS 2 2023 application form window on June 6, 2023. Union Public Service Commission already released the CDS 2 2023 application form online on May 17, 2023. The CDS 2 2023 application form is released at upsc.gov.in. Candidates have to complete the One-Time Registration and then proceed to apply for the UPSC CDS exam 2023.

Documents Required While Filling CDS Application Form

  • Active Email – ID
  • Matriculation certificate
  • Scanned signature
  • Scanned photograph
  • One photo identity proof like an Aadhar card/ Voter card/ PAN card/ Passport/ Driving license

Steps to Fill UPSC CDS Application Form

  • Open the UPSC official website - upsc.gov.in.

  • Click on the ‘Apply Online link’ available on the web page.

  • Online One-Time Registration (OTR)- If the applicants are not completed the One Time Registration, They have to complete it by providing some basic details such as personal and contact details.

  • Login by using valid login credentials Email ID and OTP/Password or Mobile number and  OTP/Password or OTR ID and OTP/Password.

  • Candidates have to fill out the UPSC CDS 2023 application form in two parts which include filling in other details, fee payment, uploading of scanned documents, signature, photo identity card document and selection of preferred exam centre.

  • Check all the details furnished in the UPSC CDS application form 2023 thoroughly and edit the details if needed.

  • Once submitted, Applicants will not be able to make changes to their UPSC CDS application form 2023.

  • After submission, a registration number will be generated. Candidates have to download it as a pdf file and take a printout for future reference.

CDS Application Fee

CategoryCDS Application Fee
General & OBCRs. 200
SC, ST & Female CandidatesNo Fee


How to Fill UPSC CDS Application Form 2023? - Video


Application Fees

CategoryQuotaModeGenderAmount
OBC, GeneralOffline, OnlineMale₹ 200
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General knowledge

Elementary mathematics+

Elementary mathematics: Unit 01
Arithmetic
Number system-natural numbers, integers, rational, and real numbers
Fundamental operations, addition, substraction, multiplication, division, square roots, decimal fractions
Unitary method, time and distance, time and work, percentages, applications to simple and compound interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, variation
Elementary number theory-division algorithm
Prime and composite numbers
Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 11
Multiples and factors
Factorisation theorem
H.C.F. and L.C.M.
Euclidean algorithm
Logarithms to base 10, laws of logarithms, use of logarithmic tables
Elementary mathematics: Unit 02
Algebra
Basic operations, simple factors, remainder theorem, H.C.F., L.C.M., theory of polynomials, solutions of quadratic equations, relation between its roots and coefficients (only real roots to be considered)
Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns-analytical and graphical solutions
Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions
Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable and their solutions
Set language and set notation, rational expressions and conditional identities, laws of indices
Elementary mathematics: Unit 03
Trigonometry
Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90° values of sin ×, cos × and tan ×, for × = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°, simple trigonometric identities
Use of trigonometric tables
Simple cases of heights and distances
Elementary mathematics: Unit 04
Geometry
Lines and angles, plane and plane figures, theorems on (i) properties of angles at a point, (ii) parallel lines, (iii) sides and angles of a triangle, (iv) congruency of triangles, (v) similar triangles, (vi) concurrence of medians and altitudes
Theorems on (vii) properties of angles, sides and diagonals of a parallelogram, rectangle, and square, (viii) circles and its properties including tangents and normals, (ix) loci
Elementary mathematics: Unit 05
Mensuration
Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangle, and circle
Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (field book), surface area and volume of cuboids, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, surface area and volume of spheres
Elementary mathematics: Unit 06
Statistics
Collection and tabulation of statistical data, graphical representation frequency polygons, histograms, bar charts, pie charts etc.
Measures of central tendency

To score well in the written exam of CDS, candidates must know the preparation tips and strategies. Candidates must know the importance of solving the previous years’ question papers, timely revision, time management, etc. which are the key elements of preparation.

UPSC prescribed the CDS exam pattern in he official notification. There are two stages in the CDS exam 2023- written and SSB interviews. The written CDS exam 2023 is conducted in pen and paper mode. As per the CDS exam pattern, candidates who apply for Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Indian Military Academy courses have to appear for three subjects - English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics while candidates who have opted for Officers' Training Academy have to appear for two subjects – English and General Knowledge.

CDS Exam Pattern – Written Exam

Structure of CDS exam pattern for admission to Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Indian Military Academy.

Subject

Maximum Marks

Duration

Elementary Mathematics

100

2 hours

English

100

2 hours

General Knowledge

100

2 hours


Structure of exam pattern for admission to Officers’ Training Academy

Subject

Maximum Marks

Duration

General Knowledge1002 hours

English

100

2 hours


CDS Exam Pattern – SSB Interview

Stages

Tests

Stage-I

Screening Test

Verbal and non-verbal tests.

PPDT

Stage-II

Psychological Test

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

Word Association Test (WAT)

Situation Reaction Test (SRT)

Self Description Test (SD)

Group Testing Officers Test

GD

GPE

PGT

HGT

IOT

Command Task

Snake race/ Group Obstacle Race

Individual lecture

FGT

Personal Interview


Conference

Union Public Service Commission issued the UPSC CDS 2 2023 admit card in online mode on August 10 at upsc.gov.in. Candidates can download the CDS exam admit card till the date of examination. In order to download the CDS admit card 2023, candidates can either log in through roll number or registration number. The admit card of the CDS exam is available for candidates who have successfully filled and submitted the application form.

Details on CDS Admit Card

  • Candidate’s name
  • Scanned signature and colour photograph
  • Registration number
  • Candidate’s category
  • Examination date
  • Reporting time
  • Address of examination centre
  • Examination timing

CDS 2023 Exam Centers

StateCity
TripuraAgartala
GujaratAhmedabad
MizoramAizawl
Uttar PradeshAllahabad
Bareilly
Lucknow
KarnatakaBangalore
Dharwad
Madhya PradeshBhopal
PunjabChandigarh
Tamil NaduChennai
Madurai
OdishaCuttack
Sambalpur
UttarakhandDehradun
DelhiDelhi
SikkimGangtok
TelanganaHyderabad
ManipurImphal
RajasthanJaipur
Udaipur
Jammu and KashmirJammu
Srinagar
AssamJorhat
KeralaKochi
Thiruvananthapuram
NagalandKohima
West BengalKolkata
MaharashtraMumbai
Nagpur
GoaPanaji
BiharPatna
Andaman and Nicobar IslandsPort Blair
ChhattisgarhRaipur
JharkhandRanchi
MeghalayaShillong
Himachal PradeshShimla
Andhra PradeshTirupati
Visakhapatnam
Arunachal PradeshItanagar

Documents Required at Exam

  • Admit card
  • Aadhar card
  • Voter card
  • PAN card
  • Passport
  • Driving license
  • Any other photo ID card issued by the state/central government

UPSC will release the official answer key of CDS 2 2023 exam. CDS 2 answer key 2023 will be available subject wise for all test booklets. Candidates can check the number of correct and incorrect answers marked by them with the help of answer key. There are some coaching institutes who release the unofficial answer key after the completion of the CDS exam 2023 on the same day.

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will declare the result of CDS 2 2023 in PDF format on the official website. The CDS 2 2023 result for the CDS written exam and final CDS result are declared separately. Candidates have to secure qualifying marks as prescribed by UPSC to qualify the written exam. Candidates who qualify for the written exam will be eligible to appear for an SSB interview. The final result of CDS is calculated by adding the marks secured by candidates in written as well as SSB Interview.

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the cut off of CDS exam 2023 separately for the written exam and final. Candidates who score equal or more than cutoff released by UPSC for written exam are eligible SSB Interview. The CDS cut off marks of written test for is calculated out of the total score of 300 for INA, IFA  and IMA, and 200 for OTA (Men & Women). The final cut off will be released in by UPSC later.

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The selection process of CDS exam 2023 is of two stages - written exam and SSB interview. In the first stage - CDS written exam, candidates are required to appear in three papers for admission in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force and two papers for admission in Officers’ Training Academy.

Documents Required at Counselling

  • Call letter
  • Matriculation/secondary school examination certificate or equivalent
  • Degree/provisional degree certificate/marks sheet

General Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question:How to check CDS marks?

Answer:

The CDS marks can be checked from the official website. The CDS marks are released after declaration of final result.

Question:What are passing marks for CDS exam?

Answer:

The written exam of CDS is conducted for 300 marks and candidates must score a minimum of 20% of the total marks i.e. 60. Candidates need to qualify in all three papers of the CDS exam.

Question:What is the salary offered to candidates selected through CDS exam?

Answer:

The cadets are paid Rs. 56,100 per month. During training, they get a stipend of Rs. 6000 OTA while Rs 12,000 per month in IMA, INA and Air Force academy.

Question:Can girls apply for CDS exam?

Answer:

Yes, girls too can apply for CDS exam. Girls are considered for OTA and allotted Short Service Commission in non-Technical cadre.

Question:What is the educational qulification required for the CDS exam?

Answer:

Bachelors degree is must to apply for the CDS examination.

Question:What is the age limit to apply for the CDS exam?

Answer:

Candidates between the age group of 20 years to 24 years can apply for the CDS exam.

Question:When will the CDS 02/2023 application be released?

Answer:

UPSC released the CDS 02/2023 application form online on May 17, 2023.

Question:What is the CDS 2 2023 exam date?

Answer:

CDS 2 2023 written exam was conducted by UPSC on September 3, 2023.

Questions related to CDS

1 Million+ Questions answered |Get answers within 24 hours Ask Now
Showing 890 out of 890 Questions
5 Views

can i apply for cds after graduation from an private Institute not approved by ugc

sajaltrivedi2005 10th Sep, 2023

Hello aspirant,

If you have already graduated or are in your final year of school, you are eligible to apply for CDS. You can take the CDS if the university from which you received your degree is an accredited institution.

To apply for Chief of Defence Staff, you need to do graduation from a recognised university.

Thank you

Hope this information helps you.

10 Views

my birth date is 12 july 2001 so how many chance does i have to crack CDS Exam

shivamtrivedi0005 9th Sep, 2023

Hii There,

You are eligible to make three more attempts for the CDS IMA exam, considering the age limit is between 19 and 24 years and your current age falls within this range.

For more information on CDS IMA exam:

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/cds-eligibility-criteria

22 Views

i will be 26 this year can i give cds exam for 2024

sajaltrivedi2005 4th Sep, 2023

Hello aspirant,

Candidates may apply for the CDS Exam 2024 if they are between the ages of 19 and 25. The CDS 1 test in 2024 will take place on April 21. Till January 9, 2024, interested applicants may apply for the exam. The CDS 2 exam for 2024 will take place on September 1st.

So as your age is 26, you are not eligible to give CDS exam.

Thank you

Hope this information helps you

5 Views

Best CDS ima coaching in delhi

sajaltrivedi2005 28th Aug, 2023

Hello aspirant,

The top scores in the various government exams, according to a number of CDS coaching facilities in Delhi. But before making a choice, it is crucial to gather details about the faculty, cost, facilities, and other relevant aspects of the various coaching institutes. Some of the top coaching given below.

  1. The Lakshya Academy
  2. Aim and Achieve
  3. Cavalier India
  4. Delhi Career Point
  5. Baalnoi Academy
Thank you

Hope this information helps you.

11 Views

Hello, I am in final year of engineering. I have completed diploma. Am i eligible for AFCAT or CDS ?

shivamtrivedi0005 24th Aug, 2023

Hii There,

Yes, according to AFCAT eligibility criteria for 2023, students in their final year can apply for the exam. They should have achieved a minimum of 60% marks until their last completed year or semester when they submit their application. Additionally, they must provide evidence of completing their graduation by May 30, 2024.

Regarding the CDS exam, it's open to students from any engineering discipline. The CDS exam is held biannually to select candidates for IMA (Indian Military Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), AFA (Air Force Academy), and OTA (Officers Training Academy).


I hope this answers your question.

Thanking you

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