UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
Complete guide to UPSC CDS examination – eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation strategy, and application process. Your comprehensive resource for joining the Indian Armed Forces as an officer.
Eligibility
Graduation or equivalent for different academies
Exam Frequency
Twice a year (February and November)
Papers
3 Papers for IMA, OTA, INA, AFA
Selection Process
Written exam followed by SSB interview
CDSE Overview
The UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Training academy for permanent commission into the Indian Army. Located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Premier training institution for officers of the Indian Navy. Located in Ezhimala, Kerala.
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Training establishment for officers of the Indian Air Force. Located in Dundigal, Hyderabad.
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
Training establishment for Short Service Commission into the Army. Located in Chennai.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for UPSC CDS examination varies based on the academy you’re applying for. Here are the detailed requirements:
Nationality
A candidate must be either:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India
Age Limit
| Academy | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19 to 24 years |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19 to 22 years |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 to 24 years |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Men | 19 to 25 years |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Women | 19 to 25 years |
Age is calculated as on 1st January of the year of examination. Age relaxation is provided for certain categories as per government rules.
Educational Qualification
| Academy | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
Candidates who are studying in the final year of their degree can also apply, provided they submit proof of passing the examination by the specified date.
Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit according to the physical standards set by the authorities. The requirements include:
Minimum height requirements:
- For IMA and OTA: 157.5 cm
- For Indian Navy: 157 cm
- For Air Force: 162.5 cm
Weight should be proportionate to height and age as per medical standards.
Different academies have different vision requirements:
- For IMA and OTA: Corrected 6/6 or 6/9 in better eye and 6/12 or 6/9 in worse eye
- For Navy: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other correctable to 6/6
- For Air Force: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia
Additional requirements include:
- No history of mental illness
- No cardiovascular disease or respiratory disease
- No ear, nose, or throat issues
- No orthopedic abnormalities or conditions
Exam Pattern
The UPSC CDS written examination consists of three papers for IMA, INA, and AFA, and two papers for OTA. The pattern is as follows:
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | English | 2 hours | 100 |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
| Paper III | Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 |
Note: For OTA (Officers’ Training Academy), there is no Mathematics paper. The exam consists of only English and General Knowledge papers, each of 2 hours duration and 100 marks.
Marking Scheme
- All papers are objective type with multiple choice questions
- Each paper is of 2 hours duration
- For every wrong answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted
- No marks will be deducted for unanswered questions
Detailed Syllabus
The UPSC CDS syllabus is designed to test the candidate’s general awareness, English proficiency, and mathematical abilities. Here’s the detailed syllabus:
English Syllabus
The English paper is designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
- Spotting errors in sentences
- Ordering of words in a sentence
- Ordering of sentences in a paragraph
- Completing sentences with appropriate words
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- One-word substitution
- Spelling mistakes
- Words with corresponding meanings
- Words with opposite meanings
A passage will be given, and questions based on the passage will be asked to test the candidate’s comprehension ability.
General Knowledge Syllabus
The General Knowledge paper tests the candidate’s awareness of current events and matters of everyday observation and experience.
- National and international importance
- Latest developments in science and technology
- Sports and cultural events
- Important personalities and awards
- Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history
- Freedom struggle and important leaders
- World history (significant events and personalities)
- Physical geography of India and world
- Climate and natural resources
- Environmental ecology
- Social geography and demographics
- Indian Constitution
- Political system and governance
- Public policy and rights issues
- Panchayati Raj and local governance
- Basic economic concepts
- Indian economy and planning
- Economic reforms and development
- Social sector initiatives
- Defence organisation and setup
- National security issues
- Border disputes and security challenges
- Defence agreements and partnerships
Mathematics Syllabus
The Mathematics paper tests the candidate’s understanding of basic mathematical concepts and applications.
- Number systems
- Fundamental operations
- Percentages, profit and loss
- Ratio and proportion
- Average, interest
- Time and work, time and distance
- Basic operations
- Factorization
- Linear equations
- Quadratic equations
- Polynomials
- Graphs of linear equations
- Lines and angles
- Triangles and their properties
- Circles and their properties
- Mensuration of areas and volumes
- Trigonometry
- Collection and representation of data
- Measures of central tendency
- Measures of dispersion
- Probability
Preparation Strategy & Tips
Effective preparation is key to success in the UPSC CDS examination. Here’s a comprehensive strategy to help you prepare:
Study Plan
A well-structured study plan is essential for effective preparation. Here’s a suggested study plan:
Phase 1: Foundation Building (2-3 months)
Focus on understanding basic concepts in all subjects. Complete NCERT books for relevant classes. Develop reading habit for current affairs.
Phase 2: Subject-wise Preparation (3-4 months)
Study each subject in depth. Use standard reference books. Make concise notes for quick revision.
Phase 3: Practice & Revision (2 months)
Solve previous years’ question papers. Take mock tests regularly. Focus on weak areas and improve speed and accuracy.
Phase 4: Final Preparation (1 month)
Revise all important topics. Take full-length mock tests. Work on time management and exam strategy.
Recommended Books
Choosing the right study material is crucial for effective preparation. Here are the recommended books:
| Subject | Book Title | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| English | Objective General English | SP Bakshi |
| English | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| Mathematics | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | RS Aggarwal |
| Mathematics | Elementary Mathematics | NCERT (Class 6-10) |
| General Knowledge | Manorama Yearbook | Mammen Mathew |
| General Knowledge | Lucent’s General Knowledge | Dr. Binay Karna |
| General Knowledge | India Year Book | Publication Division |
| Current Affairs | Pratiyogita Darpan | Upkar Prakashan |
| Complete Guide | CDS Combined Defence Services Examination | Arihant Publications |
Online Resources
In addition to books, several online resources can enhance your preparation:
Official Websites
UPSC Official Website (www.upsc.gov.in) – For notifications, syllabus, and previous papers
News Portals
The Hindu, Indian Express, Press Information Bureau – For current affairs and editorial analysis
Educational Platforms
Unacademy, BYJU’S, Khan Academy – For video lessons and mock tests
Mobile Apps
Gradeup, AffairsCloud, Daily Current Affairs – For daily quizzes and updates
Time Management
Effective time management is crucial for success in the examination. Here are some tips:
Create a Realistic Schedule
Divide your time according to the weightage of subjects and your proficiency in them. Allocate more time to difficult topics.
Set Daily Targets
Break down your syllabus into daily achievable targets. This helps in maintaining consistency and tracking progress.
Regular Revision
Allocate specific time for revision. Regular revision helps in better retention of information.
Balance and Breaks
Take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Maintain a healthy balance between study, rest, and recreation.
Cut-off Trends
Understanding previous years’ cut-off trends helps in setting realistic targets and gauging the competition level.
| Year | IMA | INA | AFA | OTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 (I) | 125 | 130 | 155 | 85 |
| 2022 (II) | 120 | 128 | 150 | 80 |
| 2022 (I) | 118 | 125 | 148 | 78 |
| 2021 (II) | 116 | 124 | 146 | 75 |
| 2021 (I) | 115 | 122 | 145 | 74 |
Note: Cut-off marks vary each year based on factors like difficulty level of the exam, number of vacancies, and number of applicants. The above values are approximate and for reference only.
Factors Affecting Cut-off
- Difficulty level of exam: Higher difficulty usually results in lower cut-off
- Number of vacancies: More vacancies may lead to slightly lower cut-off
- Number of applicants: Higher competition typically increases cut-off
- Performance of candidates: Overall performance affects the cut-off trend
Application Process
The application process for UPSC CDS examination is conducted online through the UPSC official website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Registration
Visit the UPSC website and complete the one-time registration process. You’ll receive a registration ID which will be used for all future examinations.
Step 2: Fill Application Form
Log in with your registration ID and fill the detailed application form. Provide accurate personal, educational, and contact details.
Step 3: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified format and size requirements.
Step 4: Payment of Fee
Pay the application fee through online modes (net banking, credit/debit card) or offline mode (cash at SBI branches). Female/SC/ST candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Step 5: Print Confirmation
After successful submission, take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference. This serves as proof of application.
Important: Always check the official notification for exact dates and detailed instructions. Keep all necessary documents ready before starting the application process.
Form Filling Assistance Service
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WhatsApp Form Filling Service
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Begin Your Journey to the Defence Forces
With proper preparation and guidance, you can achieve your dream of serving the nation as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces.