CDS Exam Information Hub

Complete guide to Combined Defence Services examination including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and important dates for your preparation journey.

2
Exams per Year
3
Papers
300
Total Marks
6
Hours Duration

Sections

Eligibility Pattern Syllabus Dates

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limits

Indian Military Academy (IMA)

19-24 years

Indian Naval Academy (INA)

19-24 years

Air Force Academy (AFA)

19-24 years

Officers Training Academy (OTA)

19-25 years

Educational Qualifications

For IMA, INA & AFA

Degree of a recognized University or equivalent

Minimum Required

For OTA (Men)

Degree of a recognized University or equivalent

Minimum Required

For OTA (Women)

Degree of a recognized University or equivalent

Minimum Required

Check Your Eligibility

Exam Pattern

3 Papers

Written Examination

6 Hours

Total Duration

300 Marks

Total Marks

Subject Questions Marks Duration Negative Marking
English 120 100 2 Hours -0.33
General Knowledge 120 100 2 Hours -0.33
Elementary Mathematics 120 100 2 Hours -0.33

English

Questions: 120
Marks: 100
Duration: 2 Hours
Negative: -0.33

General Knowledge

Questions: 120
Marks: 100
Duration: 2 Hours
Negative: -0.33

Elementary Mathematics

Questions: 120
Marks: 100
Duration: 2 Hours
Negative: -0.33

Detailed Syllabus

English

Grammar & Usage

  • Spotting Errors
  • Sentence Improvement
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Synonyms & Antonyms

Comprehension

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Ordering of Sentences
  • Ordering of Words
Study Materials

General Knowledge

History

  • Ancient India
  • Medieval India
  • Modern India
  • World History

Geography

  • Physical Geography
  • Indian Geography
  • World Geography
  • Environmental Issues

Current Affairs

  • National Events
  • International Events
  • Sports & Awards
  • Science & Technology
Study Materials

Elementary Mathematics

Arithmetic

  • Number System
  • Fundamental Operations
  • Percentage
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Time and Work

Algebra & Geometry

  • Basic Operations
  • Simple Factors
  • Lines and Angles
  • Triangles and Quadrilaterals
  • Mensuration
Study Materials

Important Dates

CDS (I) 2025 Timeline

Notification Released

10th December 2024

Completed

Application Deadline

15th January 2025

6 days left

Exam Date

13th April 2025

94 days left

Result Declaration

Expected: June 2025

Upcoming

Get Notifications

Stay updated with important exam dates and notifications

Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Visit Official Website

Go to www.upsc.gov.in and find CDS notification

2

Register Online

Create account with valid email and mobile number

3

Fill Application Form

Complete all sections with accurate information

4

Upload Documents

Upload photograph, signature, and certificates

5

Pay Application Fee

Pay fee online using debit/credit card or net banking

6

Submit & Print

Submit application and take printout for records

Required Documents

Photograph

  • • Recent passport size color photograph
  • • Size: 3.5cm x 4.5cm
  • • Format: JPG/JPEG (10KB - 40KB)

Signature

  • • Clear signature on white paper
  • • Size: 3.5cm x 1.5cm
  • • Format: JPG/JPEG (1KB - 12KB)

Educational Certificates

  • • Graduation degree certificate
  • • Mark sheets of all semesters
  • • Format: PDF (100KB - 300KB)

Application Fee

• General/OBC: ₹200

• SC/ST/Women: No Fee

• Payment: Online (Card/Net Banking)

Previous Year Papers

CDS (II) 2024

Latest

Exam Date: 15th September 2024

English Paper GK Paper Mathematics Paper

CDS (I) 2024

Popular

Exam Date: 21st April 2024

English Paper GK Paper Mathematics Paper

CDS (II) 2023

Exam Date: 10th September 2023

English Paper GK Paper Mathematics Paper
View All Previous Papers