UPSC CDS Exam Pattern Marking Scheme for All Posts

UPSC Exam Pattern PDF Download CDS Exam Pattern for IMA OTA

Combined Defense Service CDS Exam is conducted by Union Public Service UPSC every year. Huge number of aspirants fills up the forms to get admissions in IMA, NA, OTA and AFA. As you all know by this time CDS is the one of the biggest exam in India. Male candidates can join Indian Military Academy, Navy, and Air force but for Female candidates OTA in army is available. After giving the examination, candidates who clear is eligible for the SSB interview. This article is all about the CDS Exam Pattern so read all the sections carefully.

CDS Written Test Pattern

Well exam question paper consists of objective type questions and divided in three sections English, General Awareness and Mathematics. Each of the paper contains 100 marks and total of 300 marks. Every section consists of 120 questions in which 2 hours duration is given and in between 1 hours break is given. If any candidate gives any incorrect answers there will be negative marking of 1/3 which will be deducted from your score. From this we can conclude that 0.33 is negative marking and 0.8 marks will be rewarded for every correct answer.

CDS EXAM PREPARATION TIPS CHECK

Candidates who are thinking to apply in CDS OTA exam are looking for the exam pattern, its consists of two section English and General Awareness.

CDS Exam Pattern for OTA

Paper Subject Name Time Duration Maximum Marks
I English 2 Hours (120 Min) 100
II General Knowledge 2 Hours (120 Min) 100
                                               Total 200

Now we are explaining CDS Exam Pattern for IMA, NA, and AFA

Paper Subject Duration Maximum Marks
I English 2 Hours 100
II General Knowledge 2 Hours 100
III Elementary Mathematics 2 Hours 100
                                               Total Marks 300

AFCAT Preparation Material

AFCAT Exam Pattern & Syllabus  AFCAT Preparation Best Books
AFCAT Preparation Tips  AFCAT Sample Papers
AFCAT Full Eligibility Details AFCAT Study Material
AFCAT Previous Papers

UPSC Previous Year Question Papers DOWNLOAD

UPSC CDS Syllabus FULL DETAILS

Well we have provided you all the details regarding the UPSC CDS examination pattern. Hope you get an idea that how question paper will be formulated and time duration given. We suggest that to keep on trying and practicing every day. If you need any kind of help them just comment in the section given below and do not forget to Subscribe Us to get all the latest notification regarding CDS and exam related to defence services. Follow or connect us on FB for more interaction with you.

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104 thoughts on “UPSC CDS Exam Pattern Marking Scheme for All Posts”

  1. i want to know that if i am preparing for cds ota then the english and general knowledge section for bota ota and cds air force, navy will be same or the aspirants of OTA have to give different paper

    Reply
  2. Sir , i m preparing for cds OTA . .can u please guide me regarding to books . .which book is to follow specially for english

    Reply
  3. Hii….
    i’m roshan,doing my last year. my question is that can a male candidate eligible for OTA exam or not???
    plzzz rply

    Reply
  4. Hi
    my graduation exam is complete but result is not declared but I want to apply for CDS (2) exam for ota.
    am I eligible for this exam???

    Reply
  5. can you upload the previous year cut-offs? Want to see the general trend.
    is it available in the UPSC website ?

    Reply
  6. Hai sir,
    I know the books for preparing cds.but my question is how to know GENERAL KNOWLEDGE which one is helpful for that.

    Reply
    • Hi Kannan,
      General Knowledge does not include any of fixed topics, it is totally variable it is dependant on current affairs, new events, important dates etc. So, you need to be updated with the current knowledge ongoing around you.

      Reply
  7. dear Abhi sir….
    every section me se kitne questions puchte h….mens history me kitne… geography me kitne plz tell me
    only GK and Maths me

    Reply
  8. My preference was given to IMA and OTA at the time of applying form . So i want to know is that can I write the exam for only OTA paper ie English and general knowledge

    Reply
  9. Hallo sir,
    I have completed B.sc, as notification apply for OTA female have 152cm hight ,but my hught is 149 cm, can I apply for OTA ???

    Reply
  10. after passing 12th with science stream is I am eligible for cds airforce exams…
    nd sir please give me it’s full details…..
    nd what to prepare…for it…

    Reply
    • Hi Nitin,

      It depends on you how much you are giving time to your preparation but it is always better to have option and different methodology to learn. So i am suggesting you to go for other books as well.

      Reply
  11. Sir what is the chances of getting creak the exam for female candidant of general category…..in ota..?…..i mean what is the cut off and the procedure……it is tough or not

    Reply
    • Hi,
      The exam needs preparation and full determination. The questions are asked from very basic concepts but the competitive mind is required to answer them quickly and correctly. This comes up only with the practice and proper study regarding English, General Knowledge will help you.

      Reply
      • Sir I have passed out 12th……and my age is 17….i have started coaching of ota including maths also…… And decided to study private for my bechlor degree…… It is good for me or not… I have 2 years for the preparation……. Plz…suggest me what should I do next……?

        Reply
        • Hi Boby,
          For CDS you need to get the graduation degree from recognized university, just be sure of pursuing your bachelors’ degree accordingly. But, yes you can start your preparations and study well for CDS. OTA is only for females and so they need to prepare English & General Awareness.

          Reply
  12. Hi sir ,
    I am Atul Lad now completed BE in Mechanical Engineering.
    I am interested to join Indian army as a officer . Now my DOB 02-05-1995
    So I am eligible or not.

    Reply
    • Hi Chandra,
      To prepare well for CDS exam-
      1) Study the syllabus well of CDS.
      2) Refer to best of books for CDS preparation.
      3) Practice previous & sample question papers before the exam so that you have the confidence to give your best shot in exam.

      Reply
  13. Sir I’m Manasa.After my garduation it means at last yr of my degree want to apply for OTA exam .I can apply it in 4th yr last sem only or 4th yr 1st sem also can I apply???And for that(OTA) exam preparation what books should I prefer??can u plz suggest me sir.

    Reply

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