CDS
Combined Defence Services Examination
Exam Overview
Key information about CDS
CDS is conducted by UPSC for recruitment to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy. It is held twice a year.
Important Dates
Exam Date: February and November annually
Application Date: October-November and June-July annually
Result Date: After written and SSB interview
Eligibility
For IMA, INA, AFA: Graduates in relevant discipline. For OTA: Graduates in any discipline. Unmarried candidates for IMA, INA, AFA. Age limits vary by academy (19-25 years approx).
Exam Pattern
Sections: English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics (for IMA/INA/AFA)
Total Marks: 300
Duration: 6 hours (3 papers × 2 hours each)
Negative Marking: Yes
Official Website
https://www.upsc.gov.in/Syllabus
Comprehensive syllabus for CDS examination.
- English (for all academies): Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Idioms
- General Knowledge (for all): Current Affairs, History, Geography, Economy, Science, Defence
- Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA): Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics
CDS Mock Tests
Practise in a real computer-based test interface with a timer, palette and instant analysis.
CDS Mock Test 1 (Previous Year Pattern)
20 questions written to match the CDS previous-year paper pattern, topic weightage and difficulty. Every answer key is double-checked.
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