Q. Will the result be calculated based on the CDS answer key?

A. Yes, CDS result is calculated based on the official answer key.

Q. Is there any sectional cutoff in CDS exam?

A. Yes, there is sectional cut off marks in CDS exam. Candidates need to secure 20% in each subject.

UPSC CDS (1) 2021 Exam Analysis, Answer Key, Result, Cut Off & Selection Process

Q: Q. How to prepare for CDS exam?

A. Candidates should first understand the CDS syllabus and pattern. Then they should prepare a proper study routine. Clear basics and understand the concepts.

Updated on Feb 9, 2021 by Anangsha Patra 256.4K Views296 Comments

What is CDS Exam?

CDS Exam Analysis 2021

CDS Answer Key 2021

CDS Eligibility Criteria 2021

CDS 2021 Selection Process

CDS Exam Day Guidelines

CDS 2021 FAQs

UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

Get Prep Tips & Updates about CDS 2021

What is CDS Exam?

Combined Defence Services Examination commonly known as CDS is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment of Commissioned Officers in Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Selected candidates undergo training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). The exam is held twice a year usually in February and September. Lakhs of candidates appear for the national level defence entrance examination.

CDS Latest Updates

Feb 5, 2021: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced CDS (I) 2020 final result on Feb 5. CDS result PDF comprises the roll numbers and names of qualified candidates as per the respective defence academies. Read More

Jan 7, 2021: CDS (1) admit card 2021 has been released on January 7. To download the admit card, candidates need to enter either registration number or roll number. Read More

CDS Exam Analysis 2021

CDS (1) 2021 exam analysis has been released on February 7. The exam analysis has provided for General Knowledge, Mathematics, and English. According to the students, the overall difficulty level of General Knowledge and English was moderate. The Mathematics paper was tough compared to last year. CDS exam analysis help candidates to know the overall and section-wise difficulty level, important topics, topic-wise distribution of questions, etc.

Shiksha visited one of the CDS exam centres in Central Delhi to gather the feedback of candidates regarding the overall difficulty level of the exam.

Watch CDS Exam Analysis 2021 for Mathematics

Watch CDS Exam Analysis 2021 for GK and English

CDS Answer Key 2021

CDS (1) 2021 answer key has released unofficially by coaching institutes. The answer key has been made available separately for English, Elementary Mathematics, and General Knowledge for all sets of test booklets: A, B, C and D. On the basis of the correct and incorrect answers, candidates can calculate their probable CDS score. Read More

CDS 2021 Highlights

Name of exam	Combined Defence Services Examination
Conducted by	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam level	National
Exam frequency	Twice a year
Exam mode	Online
Exam mode	Two hours
Language of question paper	English and Hindi
Exam Fees	Rs 200
Exam purpose	To select candidates as Commissioned Officers in Indian Army, Navy and Air Force
CDS 1 vacancies	345
No of test cities	41
Official website	upsc.gov.in

Prepare for Competitive Exams with Expert Tips on English Section

Click Here

CDS Eligibility Criteria 2021

To be eligible for the exam, candidates need to fulfil the following eligibility criteria.

Age Limits, Sex and Marital Status

For Indian Military Academy (IMA), unmarried candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1998, and not later than January 1, 2003
For Indian Naval Academy (IMA), unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1998, and not later than January 1, 2003
Candidates applying for Air Force Academy should be between 20 to 24 years as on January 2, 1998, and not later than January 1, 2002
For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for men), unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1997, and not later than January 1, 2003
For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course), candidates should be unmarried and born not earlier than January 2, 1997, and not later than January 1, 2003.

Educational Qualification

For IMA and Officers’ Training Academy, candidates must be a graduate
For Indian Naval Academy, candidates must have a degree in Engineering from a recognised university
For Air Force Academy, a degree or Bachelor of Engineering is necessary. Students must have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12

Physical Fitness

Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to CDS exam.

Read more on CDS Eligibility Criteria 2020

CDS 2021 Dates

CDS 2021 dates have been announced through UPSC Calendar 2021. Check the dates below.

CDS I

CDS (I) 2021 Events	CDS (I) 2021 Dates	Salient Features
Release of notification	28-Oct-2020	The notification had been released in PDF format
Application process	28-Oct-2020 to 17-Nov-2020	The application form was available online only. The application fees could be paid online and offline.
Exam date	07-Feb-2021	The written exam was conducted across various cities in the country.
Admit Card	07-Jan-2021	The admit card was made available for all the registered candidates

CDS 2

CDS (II) 2021 Events	CDS (II) 2021 Dates	Salient Features
Release of notification	04-Aug-2021	The notification will be available on the official website
Starting of the application process	04-Aug-2021 to 17-Nov-2020	The application can be filled online with the prescribed deadline
Exam date	14-Nov-2021	The exam will be conducted offline in two shifts

Read more on CDS 2020 exam dates

CDS 2021 Selection Process

The selection process of CDS recruitment includes the following stages.

Release of application form

The application form is released online. The application form can be filled in two parts: Part-I is Registration while Part-II is filling the detailed online form. The application fees can be paid both online and offline. The application fees are Rs 200 for General and OBC male candidates while Female, SC, ST candidates are exempted from fee payment. Read More

Download CURRENT AFFAIRS 2020 Guide - Click Here

Issue of admit card

CDS 1 2021 was released on January 7 by the Union Public Service Commission. The admit cards have been released on the official website for all the registered candidates. Candidates can access their admit cards by logging with either registration number or roll number. Read More

Written Exam

According to the CDS exam pattern, the written exam for IMA, INA and Air Force comprises three sections, English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. The total mark of the test is 300. The written exam for Officers’ Training Academy consists of two sections, English and General Knowledge. The total mark of the test is 200. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB Interview for intelligence and personality test.

Get the Top Score in Numerical Ability section of Competitive Entrance Exams with Expert Prep Tips

Click Here

SSB Interview

There are two stages in SSB Interview - Psychological Aptitude Test and Intelligence Test. Candidates qualifying the stage one are called for the second stage.

Final Selection

Final selection of candidates is done based on their performance in written exam and SSB Interview. Selected candidates are required to undergo training at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai.

Check here complete CDS Selection Process

CDS Exam Centres 2021

The written exam of CDS (1) is scheduled to be conducted across 41 cities. The details about the CDS exam centre are mentioned on the admit card. Candidates are required to select the exam centres while filling the application form. CDS exam centres are allotted to candidates on the first-apply-first-allot basis. Once a particular exam centre is filled, the same is frozen. Candidates are required to choose from the remaining ones.

Agartala	Ahmedabad
Aizawl	Allahabad
Bengaluru	Bareilly
Bhopal	Chandigarh

Check the complete list of CDS exam centres 2021

CDS Exam Day Guidelines

Candidates should carry their admit cards along with photo identity proof to the exam centre
Candidates are not allowed to appear for the exam without the admit card
Candidates are allowed to carry clipboard or hardboard, black ball pen to the exam centre
Sheet for doing rough work will be provided by the invigilator
Candidates should not bring books, notes, loose sheets, electronic or any other type of calculators, mathematical and drawing instruments, log tables, stencils, slide rules, test booklets and rough sheets
Mobiles, phones, Bluetooth, pagers or any other communication devices are not allowed inside the premises of the exam centre

Read More:

CDS 2021 FAQs

Q. When CDS (1) 2021 exam was conducted?

A. CDS (1) 2021 exam was conducted on February 7 across 41 cities in three shifts.

Q. When CDS (1) 2021 admit card was released?

A. CDS (1) 2021 admit card was released on January 7. Candidates can download their admit cards by logging either with registration number or roll number.

Q. What was the difficulty level of CDS exam?

A. The difficulty level of CDS exam was moderate. The English Language and GK sections were moderate while the Maths section was tough.

Q. How to prepare for CDS exam?

A. Candidates should first understand the CDS syllabus and pattern. Then they should prepare a proper study routine. Clear basics and understand the concepts.

Q. How many attempts are permitted for CDS exam?

A. There is no limit on the number of attempts in CDS exam. Candidates can apply for the exam if they satisfy the age limit prescribed for the exam.

Q. Can girls apply for CDS exam?

A. Yes, girls can apply for CDS exam. They are considered for OTA and are allotted SSC (Short Service Commission) in non-Technical cadre.

Q. What is the salary offered to candidates selected through CDS exam?

A. The cadets are paid Rs 56,100 monthly. During training, the stipend to the cadets is Rs 6000 per month in OTA while Rs 12,000 per month in IMA, INA and Air Force academies. Read More

Q. What is the pass marks for CDS?

A. The written exam of CDS is conducted for 300 marks and the qualifying score in the exam is 20% of the total marks i.e. 60. Candidates need to qualify in all three papers of CDS exam.

Q. How can I check CDS marks?

A. The marks of CDS are released after the declaration of the final result. It displays candidate's roll number, date of birth, name, total marks obtained in written exam and SSB Interview.

Q. Is NDA tough or CDS?

A. CDS is a bit easier to crack than NDA. However, candidates can crack both the exams if they prepare well for it.

Q. Can I give CDS exam after class 12?

A. No, to be eligible for CDS exam candidates must have passed graduation.

Was this page helpful?

CDS 2021 Contact Information

UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

Dholpur House,

Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069

Facilitation Counter : 011-23098543 / 23385271 / 23381125 / 23098591

Email : feedback-upsc[at]gov[dot]in

News & Updates

Popular NewsLatest News

CDS 2021 Result (Out): Steps to Download UPSC CDS 1 Result Here

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released CDS (I) 2020 final result on February 5. The result is available online on the official website in PDF form. CDS result PDF comprises the roll numbers and names of qualified candidates as per the respective defence academies. The marks of candidate

Anangsha PatraFeb 5, 2021

105.6K Views76 Shares

CDS 2021 Cut Off: Check UPSC CDS 1 Cut Off Marks Here

CDS cutoff is the minimum qualifying mark that candidates need to secure to qualify the exam. CDS cut off will be released after completion of the entire recruitment process. The cut off for the written exam has been decided based on the minimum qualifying marks in each subject and minimum aggregate

Anangsha PatraDec 31, 2020

91.8K Views38 Shares

CDS Answer Key 2021 (Released): Download Unofficial CDS 1 Answer Key Here

CDS (1) 2021 answer key has released unofficially on February 7, 2021. The answer key has been released by coaching institutes such as Major Khalsi and Cavalier. CDS answer key 2021 has been made available separately for English, Elementary Mathematics, and General Knowledge. The answer key has been

Anangsha PatraFeb 7, 2021

67.2K Views44 Shares

CDS Admit Card 2021 (Out): Check Steps to Download CDS 1 Hall Ticket Here

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released CDS 1 admit card 2021 on January 7, 2021. The admit card has been made available on the official website. To download the admit card, candidates need to enter either registration number or roll number. Candidates can download CDS 2021 admit card ti

Anangsha PatraJan 7, 2021

55.5K Views50 Shares

CDS 2021 Exam Dates: Check Registration & Other Exam Dates

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct CDS (1) 2021 written exam on February 7 across 41 cities spread throughout the country. CDS admit card has been released by UPSC on January 7. CDS (1) 2021 notification was released on October 28. Candidates could apply for the exam till Novemb

Anangsha PatraFeb 5, 2021

49.7K Views127 Shares

CDS Exam Analysis 2021 (Out): Get Subject-wise CDS 1 Analysis & Review Now

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has successfully conducted CDS (1) 2021 exam on February 7, 2021. CDS (1) exam analysis 2021 for Mathematics, General Knowledge, and English is provided on this page. According to the students, the overall paper of English and General Knowledge was moderate. Th

Anangsha PatraFeb 7, 2021

38.3K Views31 Shares

CDS (II) 2020 result announced for written exam; total 6,727 candidates qualified

UPSC has announced CDS (II) 2020 result for the written exam. A total of 6,727 candidates have qualified for SSB Interview.

Anangsha PatraDec 16, 2020

2.9K Views3 Shares

CDS (1) 2021 admit card released by UPSC; check steps to download

CDS (1) admit card 2021 has been released by UPSC on January 7. To download the admit card, candidates need to enter either registration number or roll number.

Anangsha PatraJan 7, 2021

2.6K Views2 Shares

CDS Last Minute Preparation Tips 2021; Cracking The Codes

CDS (1) 2020 exam is scheduled to be conducted on February 7. Here are some relevant last-minute CDS preparation tips 2021.

Anangsha PatraFeb 5, 2021

1.4K Views8 Shares

CDS (I) 2020 final result announced on Feb 5; check list of toppers

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced CDS (I) 2020 final result on Feb 5. CDS result PDF comprises the roll numbers and names of qualified candidates as per the respective defence academies.

Anangsha PatraFeb 5, 2021

1.2K Views2 Shares

Explore Other Exams

BEL 2021

26 Feb '21 -

6 Mar '21

RBI Grade B Phase-I admit card

6 Mar '21

Phase I exam for Officers in G...

IBPS Clerk 2020

28 Aug '21 -

29 Aug '21

IBPS Clerk prelims exam 2021 (...

4 Sep '21 -

5 Sep '21

IBPS Clerk prelims exam 2021 (...

IBPS PO 2020

9 Oct '21 -

10 Oct '21

IBPS PO 2021 Mains Exam (Day 1...

16 Oct '21 -

17 Oct '21

IBPS PO 2021 Mains Exam (Day 2...

RBI Assistant 2021

Sep '21	RBI Assistant 2021 registratio...
Sep '21	Last date to apply

SBI Clerk 2021

May '21	Release of SBI Clerk applicati...
May '21	Release of SBI Clerk notificat...

IBPS RRB 2020

20 Feb '21	IBPS RRB Mains exam of Office ...
30 Jan '21	IBPS RRB mains exam of Officer...

View All

Why am I seeing this?

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in

Comments

Deepika Jaiprakash Maurya

2021-01-26 20:37:16

This year I have completed my graduation from computer Science field and I am female can I apply for CDS exam.

Reply to Deepika Jaiprakash Maurya

Group Captain Vinayak Deodhar

Scholar-Level 18

a week ago

Hello Deepika, yes definitely. Women are allowed to appear for CDS exam conducted by UPSC twice every year. I am from defence background and can say with confidence that armed forces is one of the best careers for women in India. Best wishes to you.

dhruv bhagat

2020-12-31 11:49:12

Is there any feees to be paid after clearing CDS exam?

Reply to dhruv bhagat

Group Captain Vinayak Deodhar

Scholar-Level 18

2 months ago

Hello Dhruv, no, there are no fees to be paid after clearing CDS exam conducted by UPSC. The successful students of course will be required to clear SSB before they are called as per merit to the respective academies of the three forces. Best wishes to you.

Vaishakh

2020-12-24 10:04:36

Can I apply for flying officer in India air force through CDS exam with less than 60percent marks in my engineering.

Reply to Vaishakh

Group Captain Vinayak Deodhar

Scholar-Level 18

2 months ago

Hello Vaishakh, Yes you can definitely apply for appearing in CDS examination for getting entry into Air Force Academy. Mathematics and you are 12th examination. I am attaching a link that will give you all the required information about different eligibility criteria for joining Air Force Academ...Hello Vaishakh, Yes you can definitely apply for appearing in CDS examination for getting entry into Air Force Academy. Mathematics and you are 12th examination. I am attaching a link that will give you all the required information about different eligibility criteria for joining Air Force Academy and then subsequently join in Indian Air Force in the rank of flying officer
https://www.shiksha.com/sarkari-exams/articles/cds-eligibility-blogId-24737
Best wishes to you. more

Harsh raj

2020-12-13 14:56:13

Am complete my Polytechnic coursr after 10th. And now am final year student of B.Tech. Is am applicable to fill CDS & AFCAT form.

Reply to Harsh raj

Group Captain Vinayak Deodhar

Scholar-Level 18

2 months ago

Hello Harsh, yes definitely. Aaj you have taken admission for graduation course in engineering and will be passing it out in this year you are eligible to apply for AFCAT examination. Your Diploma could be considered as equivalent to 12th. You of course need to score the minimum required marks in...Hello Harsh, yes definitely. Aaj you have taken admission for graduation course in engineering and will be passing it out in this year you are eligible to apply for AFCAT examination. Your Diploma could be considered as equivalent to 12th. You of course need to score the minimum required marks in your graduation for actually getting into Air Force. I am attaching a link that will give you all the required information about various aspects of AFCAT. https://www.shiksha.com/exams/afcat-exam
Best wishes to you. more

View More Comments (296)