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CDS Syllabus

CDS Syllabus:  The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. It is a highly competitive examination that selects candidates for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is a national-level competitive exam in India. It is conducted twice a year, usually in February and September. The CDS examination aims to select candidates for various branches of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, as well as the Officers Training Academy (OTA) for short service commission.

Iim Indore Cutoff (2)

Structure of the CDS Examination

The CDS examination is divided into two stages:

  • Written Examination: This is the first stage and consists of objective-type questions. It varies slightly for different academies.

  • Intelligence and Personality Test: This is the second stage and involves a personal interview, group testing, and psychological testing. This stage is applicable to candidates who clear the written examination.

CDS Syllabus

The CDS syllabus can be broadly divided into two categories: the written examination and the intelligence and personality test.

Written Examination

The written examination consists of three papers:

  • Paper I: English (Code No. 01)

    • This paper is designed to evaluate the candidate’s understanding of the English language. Topics include:
      • English grammar and usage
      • Vocabulary
      • Comprehension skills
      • Basic knowledge of synonyms and antonyms
      • Understanding of idioms and phrases

  • Paper II: General Knowledge (Code No. 02)

    • This paper assesses a candidate’s general knowledge, current events, and awareness of various topics. The syllabus includes:
      • Current events of national and international importance
      • History of India
      • Geography
      • Indian polity
      • Economics
      • Science and technology
      • Environmental science
      • Basic knowledge of prominent institutions and personalities

  • Paper III: Elementary Mathematics (Code No. 03)

    • This paper is specific to candidates applying for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. The syllabus covers:
      • Arithmetic
      • Algebra
      • Trigonometry
      • Geometry
      • Mensuration
      • Statistics

  • Paper III: General Knowledge (Code No. 04) for Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)

    • This paper is meant for candidates applying to the Officers’ Training Academy. It is similar to Paper II but without mathematics. It includes:
      • Current events of national and international importance
      • History
      • Geography
      • Indian polity
      • Economics
      • Science and technology
      • Environmental science
      • Prominent institutions and personalities

Intelligence and Personality Test

After qualifying in the written examination, candidates proceed to the second stage, which involves an Intelligence and Personality Test. This stage assesses various qualities like leadership, courage, communication skills, and psychological attributes. The tests include:

  • Interview: The candidate faces an interview panel comprising senior officers who assess their overall personality, communication skills, and leadership qualities.

  • Group Testing Officers (GTO) Test: This includes group activities like group discussions, group planning exercises, progressive group tasks, and half group tasks. These activities evaluate a candidate’s ability to work as part of a team.

  • Psychological Tests: These tests assess the candidate’s emotional stability, mental agility, and problem-solving skills. The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self-Description Test (SD) are part of this stage.

Tips for CDS Examination Preparation

Preparing for the CDS examination is rigorous and requires dedication. Here are some tips to help you excel:

4.1. Understand the Exam Pattern:

  • Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, marking scheme, and syllabus for each paper. This will help you create a focused study plan.

4.2. Time Management:

  • Create a study schedule that allocates sufficient time to cover all subjects. Make sure to practice time management while attempting mock tests.

4.3. Practice Previous Year Papers:

  • Solving previous year’s question papers can help you understand the types of questions asked and the level of difficulty.

4.4. English Proficiency:

  • For the English paper, focus on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Reading newspapers and English literature can improve your language skills.

4.5. General Knowledge:

  • Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers, magazines, and online sources. Also, study history, geography, and other relevant topics in detail.

4.6. Mathematics Preparation:

  • If you are taking the exam for IMA, INA, or AFA, practice mathematics regularly. Focus on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Work on your problem-solving skills.

4.7. Mock Tests and Practice:

  • Take mock tests and practice questions regularly to improve your speed and accuracy. This will also help you get accustomed to the exam format.

4.8. Develop Soft Skills:

  • Preparing for the intelligence and personality test involves developing soft skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, and emotional stability. Engage in group discussions and activities.

4.9. Stay Physically Fit:

  • Maintaining physical fitness is crucial, especially if you are applying for academies that require physical training. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle are important.

4.10. Seek Guidance:

  • If possible, seek guidance from professionals or mentors who can provide insights into the selection process and interview techniques.

CDS Examination Books and Resources

To prepare for the CDS examination, you can refer to a variety of books and online resources. Some recommended books include:

  • “Pathfinder CDS Examination” by Arihant
  • “CDS Combined Defence Services Exam” by R. Gupta
  • “Objective General English” by R.S. Aggarwal and Vikas Aggarwal
  • “Manorama Yearbook” for current affairs
  • “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal

Online resources, including UPSC’s official website, also provide valuable information and previous year’s question papers for practice.

CDS Examination Cut-off and Selection Process

The CDS examination has specific cut-off marks for each paper. Candidates must clear both the written examination and the intelligence and personality test. The final selection is based on the overall performance and medical fitness of the candidate.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, females were eligible to apply for the CDS examination only for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). However, eligibility criteria and rules may change, so it’s important to check the latest notifications on the official UPSC website.

The number of attempts for the CDS examination depends on the candidate’s age and eligibility criteria. Typically, candidates can appear for the CDS examination multiple times until they reach the maximum age limit as specified in the notification.

Coaching is not mandatory, but it can be helpful, especially for candidates who are not confident in certain subjects or require guidance for the interview and personality tests. Many candidates prepare on their own and succeed with self-study and practice.

The age limit varies for different academies and branches. It is crucial to check the official notification for the specific examination you plan to appear for, as age limits can change.

Yes, there are physical fitness requirements, particularly for candidates applying to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). These requirements include height, weight, and vision standards. Candidates must meet the prescribed medical and physical fitness criteria.

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