CDS 2 2023: Answer Key (Out), Exam Analysis, Question PDF Link & Latest News

The Combined Defence Services Examination, commonly known as CDS, is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment of Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exam is held twice a year, usually in February and September. Every year, a large number of candidates appear for the national-level defence entrance examination. The selection of candidates is based on the written exam followed by SSB Interview for intelligence and personality test. Shortlisted candidates are placed at the following academies based on their preferences and merit.

Latest Updates

Aug 10:  CDS 2 2023 Admit Card Released On August 10; Direct Link Available Here

June 12: UPSC CDS Application Correction Window Closing Soon; Check Link Here 

June 6: UPSC CDS 2 Application Correction Window Activated on June 6; Check Details Here

June 6: UPSC CDS 2 2023 Application Window Closed; Check Details Here

Go through the highlights of the UPSC CDS exam from the table below to know every bit of the examination. Male and female candidates seeking admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy can check out the recruitment process.

CDS 1 exam is conducted for the courses commencing at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala in January as well as Officers Training Academy, Chennai courses starting in April.

CDS 2 exam is conducted for the courses commencing at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala in July, and Officers Training Academy, Chennai courses starting in October 2023.

Also Read: CDS Previous Years' Question Papers

CDS 2 question papers 2023 for all subjects are available now. The UPSC released the question papers in PDF format. Candidates can also raise objections against the CDS question papers. To access the question paper representation portal, candidates need to login with roll number, date of birth and captcha code. Candidates can download the CDS Question Paper 2023 through the link below.

Shiksha visited one of the exam centres for the CDS 2 2023 exam and took the exam review from the students who have taken the exam. Check their reaction and the difficulty level of the exam according to them on the page below.

CDS 2 English & GK Exam Analysis 2023

The CDS 2 2023  English section analysis was shared on September 3, 2023, after the exam got over. Check the topic-wise difficulty level of English and GK below:

• Manish Kumar Jha Said, " The CDS exam for OTA was moderate in nature. However, the GK paper was moderate to difficult. The questions were asked from the 8 months of current affairs. The English paper was easy and dowable in nature."
• Himanshi said, "The exam pattern was a bit different from the previous year's exam. No questions were asked from modern history. The English paper was easy and the question, synonyms, and antonyms were dominant in the English question Paper. The latest currents were asked in the GK." 
• Narayani Kumari," The questions were good for both English and Gk Sections. The questions were asked from recent current affairs and had questions from all sections like Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. The expected cut-off for the General candidates can go up to 120 marks."
• Sandeep," The exam was lengthy for GK and English. The overall difficulty level for the exam is moderate to difficult. The current affairs were asked till January 2023. The cut-off for the CSD 2 exam will be below 100 for the General candidates. 

CDS 2 2023 Exm Analysis VIdeo (GK & English)

CDS 2 2023 Exam Analysis Maths

Check the reaction of the students who have taken the CDS 2 maths exam below:

• Rishabh Anand Mandal said, "Maths was a little difficult as compared to the other sections. The paper was lengthy and the questions from algebra were dominant in the exam".
• Devesh said, "The exam was good and the difficulty level of the maths paper was high and the questions were asked from advanced algebra. The expected cut-off will be around 120".
• Saransh said," The maths was moderately difficult. The questions were asked from statistics, percentages, algebra, arithmetic, triangles, and more. 
• Md. Mursallain said, "The maths sections were easy. The questions were asked from trigonometry and the difficulty level of them were easy, geometry and mensuration question were dominant in the paper. 

CDS 2 2023 Maths Exam Analysis Video 

CDS 2 2023 Exam Analysis Shorts

CDS 2 admit card 2023 was released online by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) soon on the official website-upsc.gov.in on August 10, 2023. The candidates were allowed to access the CDS 2 admit card from the official website till September 3, 2023. The admit card was released on the official website for all the registered candidates. Candidates can access their CDS 2 admit cards by logging in with either the registration number or roll number. The steps to download the admit card by following the steps given below:

• Go to the official website
• Click on the CDS 2 admit card link
• The link will redirect to the new page
• Click on the CDS 2 Admit card link
• Read the instructions carefully
• Fill out the details asked like application number, date of birth, etc.
• Click on the submit button
• The admit card will appear on the screen
• Download the admit card and save it for later use 

Also Read: CDS 2023 Exam 

Discrepancies in UPSC CDS Admit Card

CDS 1 & 2 Exam Dates 2024 was announced by UPSC on May 11, 2023. CDS 1 notification 2024 will be released on December 20, 2023. The apply online link will remain active till January 9, 2024. The written exam of CDS 1 2024 will be conducted on April 21, 2024. CDS 2 2024 exam will be conducted on September 1, 2024. The notification will be published by UPSC on May 15, 2024. The application form will be made available from May 15 to June 4, 2024. The information for the CDS dates for the year 2023-24 was released by the UPSC through the UPSC exam calendar.

Also Read: UPSC Calendar 2024

CDS exam pattern 2023 is divided into a written exam and SSB Interview. The written exam for IMA, INA, and AFA comprises three sections: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The test paper for admission to OTA comprises two sections: English and General Knowledge. Each section is held for two hours. The total marks of the test for IMA, INA, and AFA are 300, while it is 200 for OTA. The SSB Interview for IMA, INA, and AFA carries 300 marks each while it is 200 marks for OTA. The SSB Interview procedure consists of two stages: I and II. Stage I of the SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT) and Interviews, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conferences.

CDS selection process comprises the release of notification & application form, issue of admit card for the written exam, appearing in the written exam, declaration of result for the written exam, appearing in the SSB interview, and declaration of the final result. The infographic below shows the entire CDS selection process for the CDS exam:

Also Read: CDS Selection Process

CDS Syllabus comprises topics from English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The standard of the CDS syllabus for Mathematics is of Class 10 standard, while for other subjects, it is of graduation level. Candidates can check the syllabus below.

CDS 2 apply online link 2023 was activated by UPSC on May 17, 2023 and continued till June 6, 2023. The candidates had to register themselves first on the OTR and then they were allowed to fill out the CDS application form 2023 for the CDS 2 exam.  The application form withdrawal link will not be made available for the CDS 2 exam. 

How to Make Corrections in CDS 2 Application Form?

The steps to make corrections in the CDS 2 application form have been given below for the candidates:

• The application fees can be paid both online and offline
• The application fees are INR 200 for General and OBC male candidates
• SC and ST candidates were exempted from fee payment

Also Read: CDS OTA Syllabus 2023

The steps have been given below for the candidates to apply for the CDS 2 exam:

• Go to the official website- upsconline.nic.in
• Login into the account on the OTR platform (The registration process for OTR has given above)
• Fill out the details that have been asked for part 1 registration
• Upload the photograph, signature and photo identity proof 
• Make the application fees
• Choose the exam centre for the CDS 2 exam 
• Finally, submit the application form 
• The confirmation message will be sent to the registered mobile number and email id

CDS 2 Online Form 2023 Direct Link- https://upsconline.nic.in/upsc/OTRP/index.php 

Watch How to Fill Out CDS Application Form?

The CDS 2 notification was released by UPSC on May 17, 2023, on the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in. The notification was released in PDF format and the candidates can access them by following the steps given below:

• Go to the official website
• Click on the CDS 2 notification for 2023 in Whats New Section
• Click on the CDS 2 notification PDF link 
• The CDS 2 notification PDF will appear on the screen 
• Download the CDS 2 2023 PDF and save it for later use

CDS 2 Notification 2023 PDF: Download_Here  

The UPSC announced 349 vacancies for the CDS exam was carried out on September 3, 2023. The candidates can check the CDS 2 vacancy 2023 break up in the table below. The vacancy has been released for both male and female candidates:

To be eligible for the exam, candidates need to fulfil the following CDS Eligibility Criteria:

CDS Nationality

Candidates who have settled in India permanently can apply for the CDS exam.

CDS 1 Age Limit 2023

Candidates can check below the prescribed age limit for CDS 1 exam:

• For Indian Military Academy (IMA), unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1999, and not later than January 1, 2004, are eligible to apply
• For Indian Naval Academy (IMA), unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1999, and not later than January 1, 2004, are eligible to apply
• Candidates applying for Air Force Academy should be between 20 to 24 years as on January 1, 2023. They must have been born not earlier than January 2, 1999, and not later than January 1, 2003
• For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for men), unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1998, and not later than January 1, 2004, are eligible to apply
• For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course), candidates should be unmarried and born not earlier than January 2, 1998, and not later than January 1, 2004

Also Read: CDS 2023 Eligibility Criteria

CDS 2 Age Limit 2023

CDS 2 age limit prescribed by UPSC for applying to the different academies is given below:

• IMA: Candidates for IMA should be unmarried and must have been born not earlier than age limit prescribed in the CDS notification 
• INA: Unmarried male candidates can apply for INA
• AFA: To apply for AFA, the age of candidates should be between 20 to 24 years. The upper age limit of candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed upto 26 years
• OTA (SSC Course for men): To apply for the OTA course (SSC Men), candidates must be unmarried and must be within the age limit prescribed in the CDS notification 
• OTA (SSC Women Non-Technical Course): Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees who have not remarried are eligible to apply. 

CDS Qualification

Candidates need to meet the following educational qualification for applying to the CDS exam:

• For IMA and Officers’ Training Academy, the required educational qualification is Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university
• For Indian Naval Academy, candidates must have a degree in Engineering from a recognised university
• For Air Force Academy, candidates must have a degree in Engineering from a recognised university. They must have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12

Note: Candidates who are studying in the final year/semester of Graduation can also apply provided they do not have any backlog upto the last year/semester for which results have been declared at the time of submitting the application form. They are required to submit proof of passing graduation at the time of the commencement of the course.

Can the 12th pass apply for CDS?

No, to be eligible for the CDS exam candidates must have a graduation degree from a recognised university or be appearing in the final year of their graduation. The candidates who want to apply for INA must have a degree in Engineering from a recognised University and Institution while AFA candidates must have a degree from a recognised University (with Physics and Maths at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

Graduates with first choice as Army/Navy/Air Force are to submit proof of Graduation/provisional certificates on the date of commencement of the SSB Interview at the SSB. Candidates who are in the final year of graduation can apply provisionally.

Can females apply for CDS Exam?

Yes, female candidates can apply for the CDS exam for Officers' Training Academy courses.

CDS Physical Fitness

Candidates must be physically and mentally fit as per the guidelines prescribed by UPCS. Every year, a mass of candidates are disqualified on the basis of physical standards. Candidates are advised to check the CDS physical and medical standards before applying for the CDS exam. 

CDS Heights and Weight Standards  

• The minimum required height for male candidates is 157.5 cm. (157 cm for the Navy and 162.5 cm for the Air Force) and that for female candidates is 152 cm. 
•  Gorkhas and individuals belonging to the North-Eastern region of India, Garhwali, and Kumaon, the minimum required height is 5 cm less than the other candidates.
• For candidates from Lakshadweep, the minimum required height is 2 cm less than the candidates from other regions. 
• Body Mass Index (BMI) should be below 25. 
• The ratio of the waist and hip should be below 0.9 for males and 0.8 for females.  
• Waist Circumference should be less than 90 cm for males and 80 cm for females.

CDS Height and Weight Standards Age Wise- Army and Navy (Male Candidates) 

The height and weight standards for the army and navy (male) have been given below for the CDS exam aspiring candidates. The candidates can refer to the table for the CDS age-wise weight and height below:

CDS Height and Weight Standards Age Wise- Army and Navy (Female Candidates)

The height and weight standards for the army and navy (female) have been given below for the CDS exam aspiring candidates. The candidates can refer to the table for the CDS age-wise weight and height below:

Visual Standards for CDS 2023

Candidates who want to appear in CDS 2023 must know about visual standards. The UPSC has divided visual standards into three parts – IMA & OTA, Naval Candidates, and Air Force. The details of the visual standards have been given below: 

CDS IMA and OTA Visual standards 

• Uncorrected vision (max allowed) - 6/60 &6/60  
• BCVA - Right 6/6 & Left 6/6 
• Myopia -
• Hypermetropia -
• Lasik/equivalent surgery - Permitted 
• Colour perception: CP II 

CDS Naval Visual Standards 

• Uncorrected without glasses: 6/12, 6/12  
• Corrected with glasses: 6/6, 6/6  
• Myopia Limit: -1.5D 
• Hypermetropia Limit: +1.5D  
• Binocular Vision: III  
• Limits of Colour Perception: I 

CDS Air Force Visual Standards   

Candidates who wear spectacles regularly are not eligible for India Air Force. The visual standards for the Air Force have been given below: 

• Hypermetropia Colour Vision CP-1  
• Hypermetropia: +2.0 d Sph  
• Manifest Myopia: Nil  
• Retinoscopic Myopia- 0.5 in any meridian  
• Astigmatism : +0.75 D Cyl (with + 2.0 D- Max) 

Maddox Rod Test 

at 33 cms: 

• Exo-16 prism D  
• Eso-6 prism D  
• Hyper-1 prism D 
• Hypo-1 prism D 

 at 6 meters: 

• Exo-6 prism D 
• Eso-6 prism D 
• Hyper-1 prism D 
• Hypo-1prism D  

While appearing for the CDS exam, candidates need to follow the exam day guidelines given below:

• Candidates should carry their admit cards along with one photo identity proof (original and photocopy) to the exam centre
• Candidates are allowed to carry a clipboard or hardboard, black ball pen to the exam centre
• A sheet for doing rough work is 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, bluetooth, pagers, or any other communication devices are not allowed inside the premises of the exam centre

Also Read: CDS exam day guidelines

Lakhs of candidates appear for the CDS exam every year, therefore, the competition is high. Candidates need to prepare well to ace the exam. Here are a few tips and tricks on how candidates can prepare for the exam:

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus 
• Solve previous years' question papers to know the types of questions asked in the exam and difficulty level
• Lay emphasis on the important topics
• Make a proper timetable and follow that diligently 
• Clear the basic concepts of Maths from the high school books 

Also Read:

CDS preparation tips

The candidates appearing for the CDS 2 exam must check the previous year's cut-off for the CDS 2 exam. It will help the candidates in getting the approx cut off marks for the CDS 2 2023 exam. The CDS 2 2022 cut-off marks have been given below for the candidates in the table:

The  CDS question papers are uploaded in PDF form for all the sets of test booklets of Maths, English, and GK. Candidates can also raise objections against the question papers through Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep). The link for the CDS previous years' question papers has been given below.

CDS 2022 Question Paper

The CDS 1 2022 question paper has been given below for the candidates in the table. The candidates preparing for the CDS upcoming exam can use it for practice:

CDS Previous Year Question Paper 2021

CDS question paper 2021 is available for free download below in the table. After solving the CDS previous year's question papers candidates need to check the answers from the solutions PDF. This way they can smoothly track their preparation and start improving the weak section. Download CDS's previous year's paper 2021 through the links available below.

CDS 1 Question Paper 2021

CDS 2 Question Paper 2021

Also Read: CDS Previous Year Question Papers (CDS Question Paper From 2019 to 2022)

The subject-wise books for CDS 2023 are given below.

CDS Books for General Awareness

CDS Books for English

CDS Books for Maths

Also Read: CDS books

CDS exam 2023 will be conducted at more than 70 cities in three shifts. Candidates are required to enter their preferences for CDS 2023 exam centres while filling out the application form. Candidates can choose only one exam city at the time of application. CDS exam centres are allotted to candidates on a first-apply-first-allot basis. The list of CDS exam centres 2023 is given below.

The candidates who are preparing for the CDS exam must take mock tests while preparing for the exam. Preparing for the CDS exam with the mock test can help the candidates to increase their accuracy and speed in the exam. The candidates should follow the tips given below to practice with mock tests:

• Take the CDS mock tests in exam conditions. The exam condition will help the candidates to get habitual of the exam pressure
• Analyse the topics in the mock tests that are difficult in nature 
• Work hard on topics that are difficult in nature
• Focus on the repeated topics that are in the mock test
• Practice for speed and accuracy with the mock tests

The CDS 1 result was released by the Union Public Service Commission on May 4, 2023. A total of 6518 candidates qualified for the CDS written exam. The candidates who qualified for the CDS written exam will be called for the SSB interview soon. The steps to download the CDS 1 result have been given below for the candidates:

• Go to the official website
• Click on the CDS 1 2023 result link 
• The CDS 1 result cum merit PDF will appear on the screen 
• Download the PDF and save it for later use

Direct PDF Link to download the CDS 1 Result: Click Here

The unofficial answer key for the CDS exam was released by various coaching Institutes on April 16, 2023. The candidates can download the CDS 1 Answer Key PDF by following the steps given below:

• Click on the link for CDS 1 Answer Key
• Click on the CDS Answer PDF Link 
• The CDS 1 Answer Key PDF will appear on the screen 
• Download the CDS 1 Answer Key and save it for later use. 

Also Read: 

• CDS 1 Answer Key PDF by Major Khalsi 
• CDS 1 Answer Key PDF by Cavalier

The candidates can check the CDS exam analysis for the CDS 1 exam conducted on April 16, 2023. The exam reaction video has also been provided for the candidates in the article below. 

CDS 1 English Exam Analysis 2023

The CDS 1 2023 exam analysis for the CDS English Paper has been shared below for the candidates. The candidates can check the difficulty level of the question paper in the article. Check the topic-wise weightage in the CDS English Exam:

• The English Paper was Moderate in Nature 
• The Questions were asked about Idioms and Phrases, Figures of speech, Gerund and Participle, Adjective, etc
• Ten questions were asked from each section mentioned-Figure of Speech, Spotting Errors, Filling in the blanks, Completion of Sentences, Cloze Test, Ordering Sentences

CDS 1 General Knowledge Exam Analysis

The CDS 1 Exam analysis for general knowledge has been given below for the candidates. The candidates can check the difficulty level and question paper in the article:

• The overall CDS General Knowledge paper was Moderate in nature 
• There GK Sections were asked in depth.
• The Science section was dominant in the paper 

CDS 1 Elementary Maths Exam Analysis 2023 

• The CDS 1 exam for elementary mathematics has been given below for the candidates. Check the difficulty level of the CDS maths paper below:
• The CDS Maths Paper was moderate in nature and comprised the previous year's questions. 
• The question was asked about ratio and proportion, time and work, distance and speed, HCF and LCM, Algebra, Cube and Cub roots, Factorial, etc. 

CDS 1 2023 Exam Student Reaction Video 

CDS Reaction Video (Shorts)

Download CURRENT AFFAIRS Guide - Click Here

CDS Salary of Officers during the training period is INR 56,100 per month for Army, Navy, and Air Force. The rank-wise salary is given below:

The candidates who will join Indian Defence after clearing CDS and completing training get promotions in several years. The degree of promotion and time period has been given below for the candidates who are aspiring for the CDS exam 2023:

• Captain - Two years of commissioned service
• Major - Six years of commissioned service

• Lieutenant Colonel - Thirteen years of commissioned service

• Colonel - Fifteen years of commissioned service
• Colonel (TS) - Twenty-six years of commissioned service
• Major General - Twenty-five years of commissioned service
• Brigadier - Twenty-three years of commissioned service
• Lieutenant General - Twenty-eight years of commissioned service
• General - No restrictions
• Lieutenant - Promotion only after completion of training

Read More: CDS Salary

Refer below FAQ