UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination Mock Test
Your gateway to a prestigious career as an officer in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
About the UPSC CDS exam
Overview of UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination twice a year (CDS I and CDS II) for recruitment of commissioned officers into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA) Chennai. This highly competitive exam is a gateway for graduates to embark on a prestigious career in the defence forces, serving the nation with honour and dedication. The selection process involves a written examination followed by an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB) for eligible candidates.
Detailed Syllabus for UPSC CDS
The written examination for the UPSC CDS comprises three subjects for IMA, INA, and AFA aspirants: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Candidates applying only for OTA need to appear for English and General Knowledge papers only. Each subject carries a maximum of 100 marks.
English
This section assesses the candidate's understanding of English and their proficiency in the language. Topics include:
- Comprehension: Reading passages and answering questions based on them.
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Identifying words with similar or opposite meanings.
- Spotting Errors: Identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
- Sentence Completion: Filling in blanks to complete sentences meaningfully.
- Ordering of Words in a Sentence: Arranging jumbled words to form a coherent sentence.
- Ordering of Sentences: Arranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
- Idioms and Phrases: Understanding the meaning and usage of common idioms and phrases.
General Knowledge
This paper covers a wide range of subjects to test the candidate's general awareness. Key areas include:
- History of India: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, including Indian National Movement.
- Geography: Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World.
- Indian Polity & Constitution: Structure and functions of the Indian government, fundamental rights, duties, etc.
- Economy: Basic economic concepts, Indian economic system, budgeting, etc.
- Current Events: National and international events of importance, defence-related news, sports, awards.
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at a general science level (up to matriculation).
- Defence-related Knowledge: Basic understanding of Indian Armed Forces, defence technologies, etc.
Elementary Mathematics
This section is designed to test the candidate's mathematical aptitude up to the matriculation level. It includes:
- Arithmetic: Number System, Natural Numbers, Integers, Rational and Real Numbers, Fundamental operations, HCF, LCM, Decimal Fractions, Unitary Method, Time and Distance, Time and Work, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion.
- Algebra: Basic operations, Simple factors, Remainder Theorem, HCF, LCM, Theory of Polynomials, Linear equations, Quadratic equations, Set language, and set notation, Rational expressions.
- Geometry: Lines and Angles, Plane and Plane Figures, Theorems on Properties of Angles at a point, Parallel Lines, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Parallelograms, Rectangles, Squares and Rhombus, Circles, Loci.
- Trigonometry: Sine, Cosine, Tangent of an angle, Values of trigonometric ratios, Simple trigonometric identities, heights and distances.
- Mensuration: Areas of squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, parallelograms. Volume and surface area of cuboids, cylinders, cones, and spheres.
- Statistics: Collection and tabulation of statistical data, Graphical representation (histograms, pie charts), Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode).
Test Rules and Regulations
- Reporting Time: Candidates must report to the examination center well in advance of the scheduled start time.
- Admit Card: A printed copy of the e-Admit Card along with a valid photo ID proof is mandatory for entry.
- Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, electronic devices, books, notes, or any other unauthorized material are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall.
- OMR Sheet: Answers must be marked only on the OMR Answer Sheet using a black ballpoint pen. Marking multiple options or rough work on the OMR sheet may lead to disqualification.
- Rough Work: Rough work should be done only in the space provided in the Test Booklet. No extra sheets will be provided.
- Leaving the Hall: Candidates are not permitted to leave the examination hall before the completion of the respective paper's duration.
- Fair Means: Any form of malpractice, cheating, or unfair means will result in immediate disqualification and may lead to debarment from future UPSC examinations.
Scoring and Passing Marks
Each paper (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics) is of 100 marks. For IMA, INA, and AFA, the total written examination is 300 marks (100 marks per paper). For OTA, the total written examination is 200 marks (100 marks each for English and General Knowledge). There is a negative marking of one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question for every incorrect answer. There are no sectional cut-offs for the written exam, but candidates must score minimum qualifying marks in each paper as decided by UPSC. The overall cut-off marks for each academy are declared after the examination.
Effective Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the detailed syllabus and exam pattern.
- Time Management: Allocate dedicated time for each subject. Focus more on your weaker areas.
- Regular Practice: Solve previous year's question papers and take mock tests regularly to understand the exam pattern and improve speed and accuracy.
- Read Newspapers/Magazines: For General Knowledge and Current Affairs, daily reading of reputed newspapers and magazines is crucial.
- NCERT Books: For General Science and Elementary Mathematics, NCERT textbooks (Class 6-10) are an excellent foundation.
- Revision: Consistent revision of all subjects is key to retaining information.
- Physical Fitness: Start preparing for the SSB interview's physical aspects well in advance, as selection is holistic.
- Stay Updated: Keep track of current affairs and defence-related news from reliable sources.
By following a structured study plan and maintaining consistency, aspirants can significantly improve their chances of clearing the UPSC CDS examination and fulfilling their dream of serving the nation.
Test rules
- Candidates must carry their e-Admit Card and a valid photo identity proof to the examination venue.
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, or any other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited.
- Answers must be marked using a black ballpoint pen on the OMR Answer Sheet only.
- Rough work should be done only in the space provided within the Test Booklet.
- Candidates are not allowed to leave the examination hall until the full duration of the paper is over.
- Any form of unfair means or malpractice will lead to immediate disqualification and debarment from future exams.
- Candidates must adhere to the instructions given by the invigilator.
Score grading
Each paper (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics) carries 100 marks. Total marks for IMA/INA/AFA are 300, and for OTA are 200. There is a negative marking of 0.33 for each incorrect answer. There are no sectional cut-offs, but candidates must secure a minimum qualifying mark in each paper as determined by UPSC, in addition to the overall cut-off.
Syllabus & chapters covered
FAQs
The age limits vary for different academies. Generally, for IMA and INA, it is 19-24 years; for AFA, it is 20-24 years; and for OTA, it is 19-25 years. Specific dates of birth are mentioned in the official notification.
Yes, there is negative marking. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every incorrect answer marked by the candidate.
Candidates who clear the written exam are called for an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB), which is a five-day process evaluating personality, intelligence, and leadership qualities. This is followed by a medical examination.
No, female candidates are only eligible to apply for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA) Chennai (Non-Technical) through the CDS examination.
There is no specific limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear for the exam as long as they meet the age and educational qualification criteria mentioned in the official notification for each specific course.