1. What is the CDS Exam?

• The CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. It is for candidates seeking entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA).

2. What are the eligibility criteria for the CDS exam?

• Nationality: Indian citizen or a subject of Bhutan/Nepal.
• Age:
  • IMA: Unmarried male candidates aged 19–24.
  • INA: Unmarried male candidates aged 19–24.
  • AFA: 19–24 years (for unmarried male candidates) or up to 26 years (if holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence).
  • OTA: Men aged 19–25; women (unmarried or widows/divorcees not remarried) aged 19–25.
• Education:
  • IMA and OTA: Graduate degree in any discipline.
  • INA: Engineering degree.
  • AFA: Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or an engineering degree.
• Marital Status: IMA, INA, and AFA require unmarried male candidates. OTA accepts unmarried men and unmarried women (or widows/divorcees).

3. What is the exam pattern for the CDS written test?

• For IMA, INA, and AFA:
  • English: 100 marks, 2 hours.
  • General Knowledge: 100 marks, 2 hours.
  • Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks, 2 hours.
• For OTA:
  • English: 100 marks, 2 hours.
  • General Knowledge: 100 marks, 2 hours.
• All sections are multiple-choice questions, with a penalty for wrong answers.

4. How can I start preparing for the CDS exam?

• Begin by understanding the syllabus and exam pattern.
• Build a strong foundation in English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge.
• Refer to standard books, including NCERTs, for clarity on basic concepts.
• Practice previous years’ question papers and take regular mock tests.

5. What subjects are covered in the CDS exam?

• English: Vocabulary, Grammar, Comprehension, Sentence Correction, Synonyms/Antonyms.
• General Knowledge: Topics include Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Science, Economics, and other general topics.
• Elementary Mathematics (only for IMA, INA, and AFA): Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.

6. Which books or resources are best for CDS preparation?

• English: Wren & Martin for grammar, newspapers for vocabulary, and Lucent’s General English.
• General Knowledge: NCERT books for basic subjects, Lucent’s General Knowledge, and daily newspapers for current affairs.
• Mathematics: RS Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude and NCERT Mathematics books for basics.
• Mock Tests & Previous Papers: Solving past UPSC CDS exam papers is essential for understanding the exam pattern.

7. How important is current affairs knowledge for the CDS exam?

• Current affairs are crucial for the General Knowledge section. Reading newspapers, following monthly current affairs magazines, and practicing with current affairs quizzes will be beneficial.

8. How should I manage my time while preparing for the CDS exam?

• Devote at least 4–5 hours daily to CDS preparation.
• Divide study hours among English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.
• Reserve weekends for mock tests and revision.

9. Is Mathematics compulsory for the CDS exam?

• Mathematics is only compulsory for candidates appearing for IMA, INA, and AFA. Candidates appearing for OTA only need to take English and General Knowledge.

10. How can I improve my English for the CDS exam?

• Regular reading (newspapers, magazines, novels) can help improve vocabulary and comprehension.
• Practice grammar exercises, synonyms, antonyms, and sentence correction.
• Work on comprehension and writing skills, as these are tested in the English paper.

11. What physical standards are required for CDS selection?

• Candidates must meet specific physical and medical standards, which vary by service (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA).
• General fitness, vision standards, height and weight requirements, and other health criteria must be met to qualify.

12. What happens after the CDS written exam?

• After clearing the written exam, candidates are called for the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview, a five-day process that assesses personality, leadership qualities, and fitness.
• The SSB interview includes various tests like the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR), Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT), psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview.

13. How should I prepare for the SSB interview?

• Work on communication skills, physical fitness, and general awareness.
• Practice group discussions, and improve logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Mock interviews, group activities, and fitness routines will help build confidence.

14. Can I apply for both IMA and OTA in the CDS exam?

• Yes, candidates can apply for multiple academies (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) in a single CDS application, depending on eligibility. If selected, candidates will be considered for admission based on their preferences and scores.

15. Is coaching necessary for CDS preparation?

• Coaching is optional. Many candidates prepare successfully on their own with disciplined study and access to quality resources. However, coaching can offer guidance, structure, and additional mock test resources.

16. What should my daily routine look like for effective CDS preparation?

• Dedicate specific hours to each subject and follow a daily study plan.
• Include time for revision, mock tests, and physical fitness training.
• Stay consistent and motivated, keeping track of your weekly progress.

17. What is the best way to practice time management for the CDS exam?

• Take mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
• In Mathematics, focus on solving questions using efficient methods.
• For English and General Knowledge, avoid spending too much time on one question and focus on covering the entire section.

18. Are previous years’ CDS papers helpful for preparation?

• Yes, solving past papers is highly recommended. It helps in understanding question patterns, familiarizes you with the level of difficulty, and boosts confidence.

19. How can I prepare for the General Knowledge section without feeling overwhelmed?

• Start with NCERTs to build a base, then move on to advanced books.
• Allocate daily time for current affairs and focus on revising regularly.
• Cover topics like history, geography, polity, and science to ensure a well-rounded preparation.

20. How do I stay motivated during CDS exam preparation?

• Set small, achievable goals and celebrate each milestone.
• Stay physically active, eat well, and take breaks to avoid burnout.
• Remind yourself of the honor and commitment associated with joining the armed forces.