CDS 2025: Application Form (Ongoing), Eligibility, Exam Dates, Syllabus, Admit Card & 453 Vacancy

The CDS 2025 selection process comprises various stages:

The selection process of CDS comprises three stages that assess the academic knowledge, physical fitness and mental aptitude of candidates. The selection process includes:

Stage 1: Written Examination

Stage 2: SSB Interview (Service Selection Board)

Stage 3: Medical Examination and Merit List

After all these stages, a Final Merit List is prepared based on the written examination and SSB performance. 

The written test is of 300 marks (for INA, IMA and AFA) and 200 marks (OTA). The candidates qualifying the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview. At the second stage, the candidates have to undergo the vigorous 5 days interview in which the candidates are assessed on the physical, psychological and analytics level. Further, the SSB interview is followed by the medical test in which the candidates are assessed on physical standards. In the final stage merit list is released along with the release of the CDS results.

The CDS 2 2025 application and notification was released on May 28, 2025. The application link will remain active until June 17, 2025. However, the exam for the CDS 2 2025 will be conducted on September 14, 2025. On the other hand, the CDS 1 2025 application form and the notification was released on December 11, 2024 and the last date to apply was January 1, 2025 (extended). The CDS 1 exam was conducted on April 13, 2025.

The candidates must be aware that these dates are released by UPSC through exam calendar. There are slight chances that the exam dates get changed due to any circumstance. However, the candidates must prepare for the CDS exams according to these exam dates.

The Commission released the CDS 1 and 2 2026 notification, application process and exam dates on the official website at upsc.gov.in. The CDS 1 2026 notification will be released on December 10, 2025. The CDS 1 2026 application dates are December 12 to December 30, 2025. The CDS 1 2026 exam will be held on April 12, 2026. On the other hand,  CDS 2 2026 notification will be announced on May 20, 2026 and the last date to apply will be June 9, 2026. The CDS 2 2026 exam will be conducted on September 13, 2026. 

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched a new Online Application Portal to streamline the registration process for all exams. The new portal is live at upsconline.nic.in and replaces the older One-Time Registration (OTR) module, which now will no longer be functional. As per the official notification, candidates are advised to use their Aadhaar Card as ID documents for easy, effortless and seamless verification and authentication of ID and other details. 

The New Application Portal officially launched on May 28, 2025. Applications for the CDS 2 exam 2025 will now be accepted through the new online application portal.

 

The age of candidate is calculated from the date of joining and not from the date of application. That is why the candidates are advised to add 10 to 12 months to reach min or maximum age limit criteria. However, UPSC releases the age limit criteria for the candidates along with the notification for the CDS exam. As per the notification for CDS 2 exam released the age limit limitations are mentioned below:
(i) For IMA—Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July, 2000 and not
later than 1st July, 2005 only are eligible.
(ii) For Indian Naval Academy—Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd
July, 2000 and not later than 1st July, 2005 only are eligible.
(iii) For Air Force Academy— 

• 20 to 24 years as on 1st July, 2024 i.e. born not earlier than 2nd July, 2000 and not later than 1st July, 2004 (Upper age limit forcandidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs.
  i.e. born not earlier than 2nd July, 1998 and not later than 1st July, 2004 only are eligible.

Note: Candidate below 25 years of age must be unmarried. Marriage is not permitted during training. Married candidates above 25 years of age are eligible to apply but during training period they will neither be provided married accommodation nor can they live with family out of the premises.

iv) For Officers' Training Academy— (SSC Course for men) unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July, 1999 and not later than 1st July, 2005 only are eligible.

 v) For Officers' Training Academy— (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2nd July, 1999 and not later than 1st July, 2005.

Yes, married girls can apply for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam. The eligibility criteria for the CDS exam allow both married and unmarried women to apply. Here are the key points regarding the eligibility of married girls for the CDS exam:

• Marital Status: According to the CDS eligibility criteria, unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible to apply for the CDS exam
• OTA (Officers Training Academy): Married girls can apply for the OTA (Officers Training Academy) under the Short Service Commission. However, it's important to note that during the training period, married candidates above 25 years of age will not be provided with married accommodation and will not be allowed to live outside the Academy premises with their family
  

It's important for married girls to carefully review the official eligibility criteria and ensure they meet all the requirements before applying for the CDS exam.

CDS officers possess a wealth of experience and skills that can be highly valuable in the private sector. However, they may need to acquire additional education or training to transition to certain roles or industries. Here are some training programs that CDS officers can pursue: 1. Executive MBA (EMBA): An EMBA programme is designed for experienced professionals who want to develop their leadership and management skills. The programme typically focuses on practical and applied learning, and can be completed while working. An EMBA can be particularly useful for CDS officers looking to transition to management or executive roles in the private sector. 2. Project Management Professional (PMP): The PMP certification is a globally recognised certification for project managers. The certification is granted by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and requires passing an exam and demonstrating project management experience. The PMP certification can be useful for CDS officers looking to transition to project management roles in the private sector. 3. Six Sigma: Six Sigma is a methodology for improving business processes and reducing defects. The Six Sigma certification is granted by the American Society for Quality and requires passing an exam. The certification can be useful for CDS officers looking to transition to roles in operations management or quality management in the private sector. 4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional: The CISSP certification is a globally recognised certification for information security professionals. The certification is granted by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium and requires passing an exam and demonstrating cybersecurity experience. The certification can be useful for CDS officers looking to transition to cybersecurity roles in the private sector.

CDS full form is the Combined Defence Services Examination. While some people also refer CDS full form as Chief of Defence Staff, this rank is given to the head of the Indian Armed Forces. It is conducted twice a year in April and September. It is a national-level exam conducted to recruit candidates for officer posts. The selection process comprises written exam and SSB interview. The minimum educational qualification needed to appear for CDS exam is graduation from a recognised Indian university.

Though both are defence exams, there are many similarities and differences in the recruitment process, exam pattern, training, salary, perks, promotion, eligibility, etc. NDA is conducted for candidates who wish to join the defence services after Class 12. CDS is the exam conducted for the graduate candidates for training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers Training Academy (OTA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA). NDA exam is conducted for Class 12 pass candidates. Whereas, CDS exam is conducted for graduate-level candidates. NDA exam carries two subjects-GAT and Maths. CDS exam carries three papers-Maths, English and GK. English and GK section is conducted for OTA, IMA, INA and AFA. Maths paper is conducted for IMA, INA and AFA. The total marks allotted to the written exam of NDA is 900 whereas it is 300 for CDS.

The chances of becoming General after becoming a CDS officer is very less as in duration of service in the Defence forces play a vital role in getting promotions. The candidates commissioned as officers after NDA serves for more duration in the Army as compared to CDS. Therfore, the chances of becoming General after NDA is slightly higher. Historically all the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is an NDA alumni. The current General of India General Manoj Pande is from NDA.

However, the promotions also depends on the performance and contributions of the officers in the Army. So, it is quite possible that the officers with extra ordinary contribution to the Army can gain the positionof COAS (Cheif of Army Staff).

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:

Rank	Level	Salary (In INR)
Lieutenant	Level 10	56,100 -1,77,500
Captain	Level 10 B	61,300- 1,93,900
Major	Level 11	69,400 – 2,07,200
Lieutenant Colonel	Level 12A	1,21,200 – 2,12,400
Colonel	Level 13	1,30,600-2, 15,900
Brigadier	Level 13A	1,39,600-2,17,600
Major General	Level 14	1,44,200-2,18,200
Lieutenant General HAG Scale	Level 15	1, 82, 200-2,24,100
HAG+Scale	Level 16	2,05,400 – 2,24,400
VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG)	Level 17	2,25,000 (fixed)
COAS	Level 18	2,50,000 (fixed)

Different instutes have different rules on the marital status for the CDS exam. The criteria for the marital status for various defence institutes have been given below for the candidates:

• For Indian Military Academy: Unmarried 
• For Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried 
• For Indian Air Force: Married and Unmarried

Note: The married candiddates must be equal to or above 25 years. However, during the training the candidates will not be provided with any married accommodation nor they can live out from the academy premises with the family.

• For  OTA Male: Umarried
• For OTA Female: Unmarried, Divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) and Widows who have not been remarried

Note: Male divorcee or widow will not be considered as unmarried for the purpose of admission in IMA/INA/AFA/OTA

Candidates in the final year of their graduation can also apply provided they do not have any backlog at the application. Also, they have to submit proof of passing the degree examination at the time of commencement of course. The minimum age required is 19 years. The maximum age allowed is 24 for IMA and INA, 23 for AFA, and 25 for OTA Aspirants must have completed their graduation to be eligible for CDS exam 2025. Indian and candidates who have settled in India permanently also can apply for CDS. Yes, final year graduate candidates can apply for CDS. However, they will be admitted to the exam provisionally. They need to produce certificates of having passed the relevant degree at the time of document verification.

Yes, girls can apply for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam. The eligibility criteria for the CDS exam are the same for both male and female candidates. The following are the eligibility criteria for girls to apply for the CDS exam: Age Limit: Female candidates should be between 19 to 25 years of age as on 1st January or 1st July of the respective years (depending on the CDS exam they are applying for). Educational Qualifications: Female candidates should have a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution. Physical Standards: Female candidates should meet the prescribed physical standards for admission to the respective defence services. It is important to note that the CDS exam is highly competitive, and candidates, including girls, need to prepare well and perform their best in all the stages of the selection process to increase their chances of selection for admission to the respective defense academies. Therefore, girls who are interested in joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force can apply for the CDS exam if they meet the above-mentioned eligibility criteria and should prepare well to succeed in the exam.

The Combined Defence Services is one of the most challenging but respectable careers to aspire to. CDS officers get many perks, which include the following: 1. Salary: The officers get a fixed stipend during training, which is Rs. 56,100 per month. After commissioning into the respective services, the officers get a salary as per their rank. 2. Allowances: Officers get many additional allowances such as Dearness Allowance, Uniform Allowance, High Altitude Allowance and Children education allowance etc. 3. Ration: In field areas, defence officers get a free ration, and in peace areas they get a Ration Money Allowance (RMA). 4. Other perks: Officers as well as their family members get facilities such as medical facilities, canteen facilities, and accommodation on concessional rent.

The application fees of CDS can be paid both only in an online mode . The steps to pay the application fees has been given below: Online a) At the last of the application form select the mode of payment online b) Select the payment gateway c) Select the mode of payment again credit card/debit card/ UPI etc. D) Pay the application fees and save the application form Offline a) Candidates have to deposit the application fee in any SBI Branch b) Fillout the details of the deposit fee in the application form by logging into the registered account.

The CDS 2 2025 application process has been started on May 28, 2025. The last date to fill out the CDS 2 application form 2025 is June 17, 2025. Candidates need to visit the official website to fill out the form, or a direct link is also provided here.

Candidates can check below the steps to make corrections in the CDS 2 application form 2025:

• Visit the official website 
• Click on the link available for CDS 2 form correction 
• Log in to the registered account using login credentials
• Make corrections to the CDS 2 application correction
• Save and print a copy of the modified CDS 2 application form 
• Log out from the registered profile

CDS 1 2025 application form correction window was closed. The authority extended the last date to apply for the CDS 1 2025. The last date to apply for CDS 1 2025 was January 1, 2025.

The application fee for the Combined Defence Services CDS exam varies depending on the category and gender of the candidate. The application fee for CDS exam has been given below: a) For candidates belonging to the General category and male candidates of the OBC category: Rs. 200/- b) For female candidates and candidates belonging to the SC/ST categories: No fee It's important to note that these fees are subject to change, and the applicants should always check the official website of the Union Public Service Commission UPSC for the latest information on application fees.

Yes, the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam have physical test in the selection process. A lot of candidates are rejected after the physical test as they were not physically sound. The candiatesneed to clear the written, mental, physical test and a interview in order to get enrolled for the Indian Armed Forces Academies. The candidates are advised to take the physical and medical test prior filling out the CDS application form.  

Different instutes have different rules on the marital status for the CDS exam. The criteria for the marital status for various defence institutes have been given below for the candidates:

• For Indian Military Academy: Unmarried 
• For Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried 
• For Indian Air Force: Married and Unmarried

Note: The married candiddates must be equal to or above 25 years. However, during the training the candidates will not be provided with any married accommodation nor they can live out from the academy premises with the family.

• For  OTA Male: Umarried
• For OTA Female: Unmarried, Divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) and Widows who have not been remarried

Note: Male divorcee or widow will not be considered as unmarried for the purpose of admission in IMA/INA/AFA/OTA

The candidates who wants to appear for the CDS exam must fulfill the eligibility criteria of the CDS exam. The candidates who did not fulfill the eligibility criteria of the CDS exam will not be allowed to fill out the application for the CDS exam. The educational criteria for the CDS exam have been given below for the candidates Indian Military Academy: Graduation Degree Indian Naval Academy: B.E and B.Tech (Intermediate with Physics and Maths Air Force Academy: Graduation, B.E and B.Tech (Intermediate with Physics and Maths Officers Training Academy (Men): Graduation Degree Officers Training Academy (Women): Graduation Degree.

The minimum age limit for applying CDS exam is 19 years. Candidates must be graduate or appearing in the final year. B.Tech and BE candidates can apply for IMA, INA and AFA. The age limit criteria for CDS 1 exam have been given below for the candidates:

Indian Naval Academy: 19 to 24 years

Air Force Academy: 20 years to 24 years

Indian Military Academy: 19 to 24 years

Officers Training Academy (SSC Women Non Technical Course): 19 to 25 years 

Officers Training Academy (SSC Course for Men): 19 to 25 years

The candidates must note that if they don't fulfill the age limit and educational qualification criteria will not be able to appear in the CDS exam. 

The Union Public Service Commission released the CDS 2 examination 2025 approximate number of vacancies. It is around 453 vacancies announced for various defence services.

The Combined Defence Services is one of the most challenging but respectable careers to aspire to. CDS officers get many perks, which include the following: 1. Salary: The officers get a fixed stipend during training, which is Rs. 56,100 per month. After commissioning into the respective services, the officers get a salary as per their rank. 2. Allowances: Officers get many additional allowances such as Dearness Allowance, Uniform Allowance, High Altitude Allowance and Children education allowance etc. 3. Ration: In field areas, defence officers get a free ration, and in peace areas they get a Ration Money Allowance (RMA). 4. Other perks: Officers as well as their family members get facilities such as medical facilities, canteen facilities, and accommodation on concessional rent.

Yes, girls can apply for CDS exam. They are considered for OTA and are allotted to SSC (Short Service Commission) in the non-technical cadre. The SSC ends after 10 to 14 years of service. Further, the commissioned girls can apply for the permanent service after the approval of the board. The girls cannot be admitted in IMA, INA, and AFA through CDS exam. Though, the candidates can apply for the Indian Air Force as pilot or ground duty officers through the AFCAT exam.

The candidates who wants to appear for the CDS exam must fulfill the eligibility criteria of the CDS exam. The candidates who did not fulfill the eligibility criteria of the CDS exam will not be allowed to fill out the application for the CDS exam. The educational criteria for the CDS exam have been given below for the candidates Indian Military Academy: Graduation Degree Indian Naval Academy: B.E and B.Tech (Intermediate with Physics and Maths Air Force Academy: Graduation, B.E and B.Tech (Intermediate with Physics and Maths Officers Training Academy (Men): Graduation Degree Officers Training Academy (Women): Graduation Degree.

General Knowledge section test awareness of current events and general knowledge of the candidates. Important topics include history of India, Geography, Current Affairs, Indian Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Defence news, etc.

Candidates should prepare Indian Constitution, President and Vice President, Governor, Prime Minister and Cabinet, Emergency provisions, Chief Minister, Chairman and State Council Ministers, Legislative Assembly, SC & HC, Tribunals, Auditor General, Finance Commission and Election Commission, Centre-State and Inter-State Relations, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Amendments, Preamble, Panchayati Raj and Municipalities.

The syllabus of Mathematics consists of Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.

Candidates in Geography should cover Agriculture, Air Drainage, Earth: Core and Surface, Environment, Forest and Wildlife Resources, Globe: Latitudes and Longitudes, Human Resources, Human Settlement, India: Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife, India: Physical Features (Size and Location), Industries, International Trade, Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources, Landforms of the Earth, Life on the Earth (Deserts, Ocean, Jungles, Mountain, Antarctic), Lifelines of National Economy, Maps, Minerals, and Energy Resources, Natural Hazards and Disasters, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife, Physiography, Population (Distribution, Density & Growth), Primary, secondary, Tertiary & Quaternary Activities, Resource and Development, Solar System, Topographic and Weather, Transport & Communication, Tropical, and the Subtropical Region, Water Resources.

The language of CDS question paper is bilingual, i.e, English and Hindi. The question paper for the English subject is in the English Language, while the questions for General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics subjects are available in both English and Hindi languages. Candidates can choose the language in which they want to attempt the question paper while filling their application form. It is important to note that the question paper for each subject will be available in only one language, and candidates cannot switch between languages during the exam.

The CDS exam pattern has been divided into two categories- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The exam taken for the IMA, INA, AFA is taken for three subjects- General Awareness, Mathematics and English. On the other hand, the OTA exam is taken for two subjects- English . and General Awareness. The exam pattern for these categories have been given below for the candidates: For IMA, INA and AFA: a)Total Number of Subjects: English. Elementary Mathematics and General Knowledge b) Time Duration: Six hours (2 hours for each paper) c) Maximum Marks: 300 marks (100 marks for each paper) For OTA: a) Total Number of Subjects: English . and General Knowledge b) Time Duration: Four hours (2 hours for each paper) c) Maximum Marks: 200 Marks (100 marks for each paper). .

The CDS (Combined Defence Services) written exam consists of three papers English General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The details of the pattern for each paper are as follows: English: The English paper is of 2 hours duration and carries a total of 100 marks. It tests the candidate's proficiency in the English language and includes questions on comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, error detection, sentence rearrangement, and fill in the blanks. General Knowledge: The General Knowledge paper is of 2 hours duration and carries a total of 100 marks. It tests the candidate's knowledge of current events, history, geography, and other topics related to India and the world. Elementary Mathematics: The Elementary Mathematics paper is of 2 hours duration and carries a total of 100 marks. It tests the candidate's knowledge of elementary mathematics, including topics such as arithmetic, Algebra geometry, and Trigonometry. All the papers are objective type and consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The standard of the papers is that of a graduate-level examination. It is important to note that there is negative marking for wrong answers in the CDS written exam. One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each wrong answer. Therefore, candidates should prepare well and practice solving mock tests and previous year question papers to score well in the CDS written exam and increase their chances of selection.

Yes, there is a time limit for each subject in the CDS exam. The exam is conducted in three stages, namely a written exam, an interview, and a medical exam. The written exam comprises three papers: English General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, and each paper has a specific time limit as mentioned below: a) English 2 hours b) General Knowledge: 2 hours c) Maths 2 hours The total time duration of the CDS exam is 6 hours. It is essential to manage time effectively during the exam to attempt all questions within the given time frame. Candidates should also keep in mind that there is a negative marking for incorrect answers and they should answer the questions carefully.

QPReP stands for "Question Paper Representation and Practice Platform". It is an online platform developed by the UPSC for candidates appearing in various competitive exams, including the CDS exam. The QPReP platform provides candidates with the opportunity to practice and familiarize themselves with the exam format and pattern. It contains a pool of mock test papers that are designed to simulate the actual exam and cover all the topics and subjects included in the syllabus. The platform also provides instant feedback and performance analysis to help candidates identify their strengths and weaknesses and improve their preparation. The QPReP platform is available to all registered candidates for the CDS exam and can be accessed through the UPSC's official website. Candidates can log in to their account and choose the mock test papers they wish to attempt. The platform also allows candidates to customize the test papers according to their preferences, such as the number of questions, difficulty level, and time limit. Overall, QPReP is a useful tool for candidates appearing in the CDS exam to enhance their preparation and increase their chances of success.

It is important for a candidate to clear basics and concepts. Questions asked in this section are of Class 10 standard. Candidates can check below CDS Maths books that will help in the preparation:

• Mathematics for CDS by RS Aggarwal
• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Aggarwal
• Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant Publications

It is not necessary to buy multiple CDS books for your preparation. However, having access to multiple study materials can be helpful in strengthening your understanding of the concepts and providing you with a variety of practice questions to solve. It is recommended to choose one or two CDS books from reputable publishers that cover the entire syllabus and provide you with good quality content. You can supplement your preparation with additional study materials, such as online resources, previous year question papers, or coaching notes, if required. It is important to note that simply buying multiple CDS books will not guarantee success in the exam. It is essential to have a structured study plan, focus on understanding the concepts, and practice regularly to improve your speed and accuracy. Therefore, instead of purchasing multiple books, it is advisable to invest your time and effort in a few good quality study materials and use them effectively to prepare for the exam.

Downloading CDS books for free may NIT be legal or ethical, as these books are copyrighted material owned by their respective publishers and authors. It is important to respect intellectual rights and support the efforts of authors and publishers. While there may be some websites or online forums that offer free CDS book download, however, the candidates are advised to not use those books as they can be fabricated, outdated, or inaccurate. Additionally. , downloading a copyrighted material without permission can lead to legal consequences. It is always better to purchase the original and authorised books from reputable book stores or online retailers. These books are usually reasonably priced and offer high quality content that is updated and relevant to the CDS exam syllabus and pattern.

It is possible to prepare for the CDS exam on your own without coaching classes. However, coaching classes can be helpful for candidates who need additional support and guidance, especially if they are new to the exam or have difficulty understanding certain topics. Coaching classes can provide candidates with access to specialised training, experienced faculty, and mock tests to help them prepare for the exam. This can be particularly helpful for candidates who are not familiar with the exam pattern or who need extra help with specific subjects. That being said, many candidates have successfully prepared for the CDS exam on their own by using textbooks, online resources, and previous year question papers. It ultimately depends on the candidate's level of preparation, familiarity with the syllabus, and personal preferences.

The CDS selection process comprises two stages: a written exam and an SSB interview. All candidates who qualify for the written exam are required to register themselves online on the Indian Army Recruiting website - joinindianarmy.nic.in, within two weeks of the announcement of the written test result. After that, candidates are allotted SSB dates and centres.The SSB procedure consists of a two-stage selection process—stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear stage I are permitted to appear for stage II. Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Tests (PP&DT). Stage II Comprises of an interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the conference.

The Union Public Service Commission released the CDS 2 exam date 2025 on the official website. The CDS 2 exam will be conducted on September 14, 2025. The candidates must be aware that these dates are released by UPSC through the exam calendar. However, the candidates can prepare for the CDS exams according to the exam date.

The CDS exam is conducted in two stages, the written exam and the SSB interview. The CDS exam is an offline exam conducted in pen paper-based format. The CDS marking scheme, negative marking, total marks, exam timing, and the paper pattern for the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA are available on this page for the CDS exam.

Yes, the authority released the CDS 2 exam dates, notification dates on the official website. The CDS 2 exam 2025 will be conducted on September 14, 2025. Also, the CDS 2 2025 notification will be released on May 28, 2025. The last date to apply for CDS 2 2025 is June 17, 2025. 

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CDS exam evey six months. The candidates can prepare for the CDS exam in three month. However, the candidates need to focus and study rigorously in order to crack the CDS exam in three months. While preparing for the CDS exam in three months, the candidates need to take following things in consideration:

• Basics of the exam: If a candidate has completed his/her graduation and twelfth standard with grip on the subjects then it is easy to cover the complete syllabus in time. However, if the candidate have to start from scratch then it will be very difficult to cover the syllabus of the CDS exam
• Time Table: The candidate must stic a time table that can complete the syllabus in time as well as leave ample time for revisions and mock tests
• Question Pattern: The candidtae must go through the question pattern and solve the previous years' question paper and search for repition in topics and question asked in the exam. 
• Mock Test: Take maximum number of mock tests in exam condiction to get habit of sitting and taking the exam. It will help the candidate get relief from freefo in the CDS exam.

Yes, there is a time limit for each subject in the CDS exam. The exam is conducted in three stages, namely a written exam, an interview, and a medical exam. The written exam comprises three papers: English General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, and each paper has a specific time limit as mentioned below: a) English 2 hours b) General Knowledge: 2 hours c) Maths 2 hours The total time duration of the CDS exam is 6 hours. It is essential to manage time effectively during the exam to attempt all questions within the given time frame. Candidates should also keep in mind that there is a negative marking for incorrect answers and they should answer the questions carefully.

The candidates can prepare for the CDS exam by following through pattern by being familiar with the past year examination papers, students can also refer to few books to prepare. Let yourself go through the enlisted books for CDS

Best Books for CDS English Language-  Objective General English by RS Aggarwal Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis High  and School English Grammar and Composition Books for General Knowledge and for Current Affairs Candidates need to read the newspapers regularly in order to keep themselves updated with recent events.

The books that candidates can refer to for this section are given below:

Manorama Yearbook Lucents General Knowledge Competition in Focus (Half-Yearly and Yearly) CDS books for Elementary Mathematics Best Books for Elementary Mathematics
The candidates can refer to the enlisted books for preparing for the CDS elementary mathematics:

Mathematics for CDS by RS Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude for Examinations paperback by RS Aggarwal.

Here are some effective ways to revise for the CDS exam: 

• Make notes: Making notes is an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. While preparing for the exam, make notes of important concepts, formulas, and key points. These notes will help you revise quickly and efficiently. 
• Revise regularly: Regular revision is essential for retaining the information and concepts. Schedule regular revision sessions to go through your notes, study material, and sample papers.
• Solve previous year question papers: Solving previous year question papers is an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. It will help you understand the exam pattern, types of questions asked, and improve your time management skills.
• Use flashcards: Flashcards are an effective way to revise important concepts and formulas. Write down the important concepts and formulas on flashcards and revise them regularly.
• Practice mock tests: Mock tests are an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. They will help you evaluate your performance, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve your time management skills.
• Discuss with peers and mentors: Discussing the concepts and solving problems with peers and mentors is an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. It will help you clarify your doubts and get feedback on your performance.

Remember, revision is an ongoing process, and you should allocate enough time for it in your overall preparation strategy. Also, make sure to focus on understanding the concepts and not just memorizing them.

In the last month of preparation for CDS 2 2025, candidates should focus on comprehensive revision of all the key topics, practice mock tests regularly, Work on weak areas, frequent revision, update yourself with current affairs, maintain physical and mental health, focus on areas in which you feel less confident, go through previous year question papers, analyse performance after each mock test, focus on time management, etc.

If you are unable to download your CDS (Combined Defence Services) admit card, you should try the following steps:

• Check the internet connection: Make sure that you have a stable and fast internet connection to download the admit card.
• Check the details entered: Ensure that you have entered the correct registration ID and password while logging in to your account on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
• Clear your browser cache: Clear your browser cache and cookies and try downloading the admit card again.
• Try a different browser: If you are still unable to download the admit card, try using a different browser to access the UPSC website.
• Contact the UPSC: If you are still unable to download the admit card, you can contact the UPSC through their helpline numbers or email ID mentioned on their website.
• Provide your registration ID and other details to get assistance. It is important to resolve the issue and download the admit card well before the exam day to avoid any last-minute issues or confusion.

Note: Try the above steps and contact the UPSC for assistance if required.

No, it is not mandatory to take a color print of the CDS (Combined Defence Services) admit card to the exam center. A black and white printout of the admit card is also acceptable, provided that all the details mentioned on the admit card are clearly visible and legible. However, it is important to ensure that the printout of the admit card is of good quality and that the details mentioned on it are not blurred or distorted. This is to avoid any confusion or issues during the verification process at the exam center. In addition to the admit card, you should also carry a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, Pan Card, Voter ID Card or Passport to the exam center for verification purposes. Therefore, while a color printout of the CDS admit card is not mandatory, it is important to ensure that the printout is of good quality and that all the details mentioned on it are clearly visible and legible.

The CDS admit card is released online by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). To download the CDS admit card for the upcoming exam the candidates have to follow the steps given below:

a) Go to the official website

 b) Click on the UPSC CDS admit card link

c) Login into the registered account

d) Click on the submit button

e) The CDS admit card will appear on the screen

f) Download the CDS admit card and save it for later use

The CDS admit card comprises details like name of the examination, conducting authority, candidate's name, father's name, mother's name, exam date, shift timing, date of birth, and more. The candidates are advised to check every details in the admit card carefully before downloading it. If the candidates find any discrepancy in the admit card, report the discrepancy to the UPSC as soon as possible. 

 

No, the CDS (Combined Defence Services) admit card is not sent by post. The admit card is available for download on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission UPSC which is the conducting authority for the CDS exam. Candidates who have successfully registered for the CDS exam can download their admit card by logging in to their account on the UPSC website using their registration ID and password. The admit card contains important details such as the candidate's name, roll number, exam date, time, and venue. It is mandatory to carry the CDS admit card to the exam center, along with a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport. Candidates who fail to carry the admit card or the photo ID proof will not be allowed to appear for the exam. Therefore, it is important to download the CDS admit card from the official website and take a printout of it well in advance before the exam day. Make sure to check all the details mentioned on the admit card carefully and contact the UPSC in case of any discrepancies.

Candidates need to carry the following documents to the CDS exam centre: 1. CDS Admit Card: Candidates must carry the CDS admit card to the exam centre. The admit card will be released by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC a few weeks before the exam. 2. Photo ID Proof: Candidates must carry a valid photo ID proof, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, or passport, to the exam centre. The ID proof must be original and should not be expired. 3. Two passport size photographs: Candidates must carry two passport size photographs to the exam centre. The photographs should be recent and identical. Candidates should ensure that all the details mentioned on the admit card, photo ID proof, and photographs match with each other. Candidates should also reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. It's important to note that candidates who fail to carry any of the above documents to the exam centre will not be allowed to appear for the exam. Candidates should also check the official notification and updates regarding the CDS exam on the official website of the UPSC for any changes or updates related to the documents required at the exam centre.

The CDS exam is conducted by the UPSC to select candidates for admission to various courses in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). The CDS exam is conducted twice a year, and candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the exam. The exam consists of a written test followed by a Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which is designed to assess the personality traits and suitability of the candidates for the respective course or post. The CDS exam is a highly competitive exam, and candidates who clear the written test and the SSB interview are selected for admission to the respective course or post based on their overall performance in the exam. The CDS exam provides an opportunity for candidates who are interested in a career in the Indian Armed Forces to pursue their dream and serve the country with honor and pride.

The number of exam centres allotted for the CDS exam may vary each year depending on the number of candidates and other related factors. The UPSC which is the conducting authority for the CDS exam, usually releases a list of exam centres along with the notification for the exam. In general, the CDS exam is conducted at multiple centres across India to accommodate the large number of candidates who appear for the exam. Candidates can choose their preferred exam centre while filling out the application form, and the final allotment of exam centres is done by the UPSC based on the availability of seats and other related factors. Candidates should check the official notification for the CDS exam on the official website of the UPSC to get the latest updates on the exam centres and other related information.

No, candidates cannot change their CDS exam centre after submitting the application form. The exam centre allotted by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC is final, and candidates must appear for the exam at the allotted centre only. Therefore, candidates are advised to carefully choose their preferred exam centre while filling out the application form and ensure that they can reach the exam centre on the day of the exam. Candidates should also check the official notification and updates regarding the CDS exam on the official website of the UPSC for any changes or updates related to the exam centre.

Yes, the examination authority will release the CDS Question Papers 2025 officially on the official website. The question papers will be released in the form of PDF. Candidates will be able to download the CDS question papers 2025 from this page also for free. The question papers will help candidates to check the difficulty level of the exam, questions asked, pattern changed or not, etc.

Yes, sometimes questions do get repeated in the CDS exam. However, the UPSC does not directly repeat the question word for word; instead, the basic part gets repeated. For example, you can SEE questions on Article 32 in different years framed differently. From the analysis of the previous year's question paper, it can be concluded that important themes get revisited in CDS. This is the same for GK, math, and English papers. This is why experts and toppers always suggest analyzing the previous year's question paper. By analyzing previous year's question Sets you can not just make a list of such repetitive themes but also understand the patterns in which questions can be framed. Hence, you must start CDS preparation by solving PYQ.

Candidates can check below the steps to download the CDS question papers for free.

• Visit our website; Shiksha.com.
• Create your profile by mentioning certain details.
• Once a profile is generated, you will be able to download the question papers for free.
• Download and save it.

The candidates must solve more than 50 per cent questions to secure safe marks in order to qualify the CDS cut off. However, to qualify for the CDS exam, the candidates must secure more than 70 per cent marks to get selected for the CDS SSB interview surely. The candidates selected for the SSB interview will be assessed for their mental, physical, and medical ability. The candidates will be considered qualified for the SSB after qualifying the SSB interview. However, the marks of the interview can't be predicted as it completely depends upon the boards and interview panelists. The candidates must not that If they are NIT recommended by the board after the SSB interview they will not move forward for the next stage of the CDS selection to be come Commissioned Officers on the Indian Armed Forces.

As per the students' feedback, the overall difficulty level and good attempts of CDS 1 2025 exam are mentioned below:

Exam paper	Overall Difficulty Level	Good attempts
English	Moderate	87-93
GK	Moderate	85 to 90
Maths	Moderate	70-80

Total number of questions asked in the English Language of CDS exam is 120. These questions are asked from different sections. These sections has been given below for the candidates: a) Basic Grammar b) Idioms & Phrases c) Synonyms and Antonyms d) Reading Comprehension Solving e) Substitution of Words f) Error Spotting g) Para Jumbles.

The CDS question paper for Mathematics carries a total of 100 questions. The section from which the questions are asked has been given below for the candidates: a) Profit and loss b) Elementary Number Theory: Division algorithm c) Prime and composite numbers: Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11. d) Multiples and factors e) Factorisation Theorem, etc. The candidates must go through these Maths section to secure maximum marks as these section comprise maximum marks in the question paper in the Maths section.

The CDS General Awareness section comprises 120 question for 100 marks. The candidates need to solve all the questions as all question are compulsory. If the candidates leaves the question no marks will be awarded for it, however, if the candidates answer it wrong then the penalty of 1/3 marks will given against the wrong answer. The General Awareness section comprises questions from the Current Affairs general Science, history, polity, geography, Maths etc. The candidates can prepare for the CDS General Awareness section by following the analysis of the CDS exam and solving the previous year's question papers. However, the candidates must pen down that the CDS exam follows a negative pattern and they must marks their answer correctly or they will get their marks deducted.

To calculate your marks in the Combined Defence Services CDS exam from the CDS answer key, you can follow these steps: a) Download the CDS answer key: The CDS answer key is usually released by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC a few days after the exam is conducted. You can download the answer key from the UPSC's official website. B) Match your answers with the answer key: Compare your answers in the exam with the answers provided in the answer key. For each question, if your answer matches the answer provided in the key, mark it as correct. If your answer is different or if you have left the question unanswered, mark it as incorrect. C) Calculate the total number of correct and incorrect answers: Add up the number of correct answers and incorrect answers to get the total number of attempted questions. Make sure to deduct any negative marking for incorrect answers, as per the exam pattern. D) Calculate your marks: Use the marking scheme provided in the exam pattern to calculate your marks. For example, in the CDS exam, 1 mark is awarded for each correct answer, and 1/3rd of a mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. Multiply the total number of correct answers by 1 and the total number of incorrect answers by 1/3, and subtract the latter from the former to get your total marks. E) Cross-check with the cut-off: Finally, compare your calculated marks with the cut-off marksfor the respective exam and category to assess your chances of qualifying for the next stage. The cut-off marks may vary depending on factors such as the number of candidates, difficulty level of the exam, and availability of seats.

The benefits of the CDS answer key are as follows: a) Helps candidates to evaluate their performance: The CDS answer key helps candidates to evaluate their performance in the written exam and assess their chances of qualifying for the next stage of selection. B). Provides an idea of the expected cut-off: The CDS answer key provides an idea of the expected cut-off for the exam, which helps candidates to assess their eligibility for the interview stage. C) Allows candidates to challenge incorrect answers: The CDS answer key allows candidates to challenge any incorrect answers in the provisional answer key and ensures that the final answer key is accurate. D) Provides transparency in the evaluation process: The CDS answer key ensures transparency in the evaluation process and helps to maintain the fairness and integrity of the exam. E) Helps candidates to identify their strengths and weaknesses: The CDS answer key helps candidates to identify their strengths and weaknesses in each section of the exam and focus on improving their performance in the future.

Candidates can download the official answer key of CDS, steps are mentioned below:

• Click the given links for the CDS answer key
• On a new page, the answer key opens in PDF format
• Download the answer key and save it

Yes, the authority (UPSC) will release the CDS answer key for the written examination on the official website.

The CDS OTA Result will be released on the official website. Candidates can check below the steps:

• Visit the official website 
• Click on the CDS OTA result link
• Click on the result PDF link 
• The CDS OTA result will appear on the screen 
• Download the CDS OTA result PDF and save it for later use

The CDS 2 examination 2025 includes papers English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The result will be prepared in PDF format and contains the names and roll numbers of all successful candidates. 

The candidates who will qualify for the CDS 2 result in 2025 will proceed to the SSB interview. The CDS 2 result 2025 will be released on the official website. Basically, the result PDF, cut-off marks, and the final merit-list will guide candidates on their next steps, mainly for the SSB interview round. 

The download link for the CDS 2 Result 2025 will be available on the UPSC website and also on our Shiksha page. 

Hi there, The "Combined Defence Services" CDS Examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC for the recruitment of candidates into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Indian Air Force Academy. The UPSC will conduct the CDS exam twice a year. The Air Force Common Entrance Test AFCAT is conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year. Besides, graduates who have secured 60% marks both in Maths & Physics at 10+2 level are eligible to apply online for the AFCAT exam. You can practice daily Current Affairs MCQ, give the weekly and monthly test, practice English comprehension, study the pdf, watch videos, doubt sessions, and many more - all at your convenient time at your own place.

CDSE (Combined Defence Services Examination) is a written exam conducted by UPSC for the recruitment to the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The written exam is followed by an interview by the Service Selection Board (SSB). The SSB interview is a five day long personality and intelligence assessment test conducted by the SSB for candidates who have qualified in the written exam. The SSB interview is conducted in two stages and includes various tests such as psychological tests, group tasks, Personal Interview and outdoor activities. The main objective of the SSB interview is to assess the suitability of the candidate for a career in a defence forces. In summary, CDS result refers to the outcome of the written exam, while the SSB interview is the second stage of the selection process for the candidates who have qualified in the written exam. The SSB interview is a comprehensive assessment of candidate's personality, intelligence and suitability for career in the defence forces.

The UPSC released the CDS 2 approximate Vacancies 2025, along with the CDS 2 notification. UPSC has announced 453 CDS 2 Vacancies 2025 for IMA (Indian Military Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), AFA (Air Force Academy), and OTA (Officers Training Academy). The UPSC will fill the CDS 2 vacancy 2025 by holding an online test for all applicants. The UPSC CDS 2 2025 Vacancy, as well as the CDS 2 Notification 2025, was published on the official website.

The candidates can download the CDS 2 2025 result by following the steps given below:

• Go to the official website 
• Click on the CDS 2 Written exam result link 
• The CDS 2 Result PDF link will appear on the screen 
• Click on the CDS 2 Result PDF link 
• The UPSC CDS result PDF will appear on the screen 
• Check the results and save it for later use

 

If you have lost your CDS roll number, you can still check your CDS result by following the steps given below: a) Visit the official website of UPSC b) Click on examination tab c) Click on the active examination tab d) Click on CDS exam result link e) The result PDF will appear on the screen f) Check your name, date of birth and father's name in the PDF to heck your result If you still want your roll number then you should check your registered mail. The Board sends the roll number and the admit card on the mail.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the CDS 2 exam 2025 on September 14, 2025, at various centres across the country. The CDS 2 2025 result will be released on the official website. Candidates who will appear for the CDS 2 exam in 2025 can check their result. It will be released in the PDF format containing the roll numbers of qualified candidates, which can be downloaded from the official website. The CDS result declaration process occurs in two stages: first, the written examination results will be released, followed by the final results, which include the SSB Interview.

Yes, there is a difference between the CDS 1 and CDS 2 cutoff. The CDS exam is conducted twice a year, and the cutoff marks for each session may vary depending on various factors such as the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, and other related factors. The CDS 1 cutoff is usually released in the month of April/May, while the CDS 2 cutoff is released in the month of November/December. The cutoff marks for each session will depend on the number of vacancies available and the performance of the candidates in the exam. Candidates should note that the cutoff marks for each session may differ depending on various factors. Therefore, it is important to check the official notification and updates regarding the CDS cutoff for each session on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

The CDS cut off is the minimum qualifying marks that a candidate must secure in order to clear the exam and become eligible for the next stage of the selection process. The cut off marks for the CDS exam are determined by the UPSC which is the conducting authority for the exam. The CDS cut off marks are based on various factors such as the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the exam, and the performance of the candidates in the exam. The cut off marks are different for each course and category of candidates. The candidates who score equal to or above the cut off marks are considered qualified for the next stage of the selection process, which may include the SSB interview and medical examination. It's important to note that the cut off marks for the CDS exam may vary each year depending on various factors. Candidates should also check the official notification and updates regarding the CDS cut off on the official website of the UPSC. Has context menu.

The CDS (Combined Defense Services) cutoff is usually released by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC after the declaration of the CDS exam result. The cutoff marks are the minimum qualifying marks required by the candidates to clear the exam and become eligible for the next stage of the selection process. Here are the steps to check the CDS cutoff: 1. Visit the official website of the UPSC 2. Click on the "Exam" tab on the homepage. 3. Select "Active Examinations" from the dropdown menu. 4. Click on the link for "CDS Exam" from the list of active examinations. 5. Click on the "Cutoff" link under the "Result" tab. 6. The cutoff marks for the CDS exam will be displayed on the screen. 7. Download and save the cutoff for future reference. Alternatively, candidates can also check the CDS cutoff on other reliable sources, such as news websites or coaching institute websites.

Yes, there is a sectional cut-off in the CDS exam. The CDS exam is conducted in two stages: the written exam and the interview. In the written exam, there are three sections: English General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Each section has a separate cut-off, which means that candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks in each section to be eligible for selection. The sectional cut-off may vary from year to year and is determined by the UPSC based on various factors such as the number of candidates, difficulty level of the exam, and availability of seats. The cut-off marks for each section are announced along with the result of the written exam. In addition to the sectional cut-off, there is also an overall cut-off for the written exam. Candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks in the overall exam to be eligible for the interview stage. The overall cut-off is also announced along with the result of the written exam. It is important for candidates to prepare and perform well in all sections of the CDS exam to meet the sectional and overall cut-off requirements and increase their chances of success.

The duration of the CDS interview process varies depending on various factors. Including number of candidates appearing for the interview, the number of interviewing officers, and the time taken for evaluation of each candidate. Generally, the interview process takes place over a period of four to five days, with each candidate being called in batches. Each candidate have to appear before a panel of officers for the Personal Interview and the psychological aptitude test, which usually lasts for 30 to 40 minutes.

The Combined Defence Services is one of the most challenging but respectable careers to aspire to. CDS officers get many perks, which include the following: 1. Salary: The officers get a fixed stipend during training, which is Rs. 56,100 per month. After commissioning into the respective services, the officers get a salary as per their rank. 2. Allowances: Officers get many additional allowances such as Dearness Allowance, Uniform Allowance, High Altitude Allowance and Children education allowance etc. 3. Ration: In field areas, defence officers get a free ration, and in peace areas they get a Ration Money Allowance (RMA). 4. Other perks: Officers as well as their family members get facilities such as medical facilities, canteen facilities, and accommodation on concessional rent.

The selection process for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam consists of three stages: Written Exam: The first stage of the selection process is a written exam consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on English General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The exam is conducted in an offline mode and carries a total of 100 marks for each subject. SSB Interview: Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. The SSB interview consists of a series of tests such as Intelligence and Personality Test, Group Testing Officers (GTO) Tasks, and Personal Interview . The SSB interview is conducted over a period of five days and carries a total of 300 marks. Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the SSB interview are called for a medical examination to ensure that they meet the required physical standards for the respective defense services. The medical examination includes a thorough physical and medical examination by a board of medical officers. On the basis of the performance of the candidates in the written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination, the final merit list is prepared, and candidates are selected for admission to the respective defense academies. Therefore, candidates who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force through the CDS exam should prepare well and perform their best in all the stages of the selection process to increase their chances of selection.

NDA exam is conducted for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course. CDS exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

NDA and CDS syllabus are different. Candidates can check below in detail:

The level of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. Whereas, the standard of CDS syllabus is of graduation level. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. CDS syllabus is divided into Elementary Maths, English and General Awareness. The total marks allotted to the NDA written exam are 900. The total marks allotted to the written exam of CDS are 300 for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 for OTA. 

Expected cut off marks for the CDS (Combined Defense Services) exam are determined based on various factors such as the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the exam, and the performance of the candidates in the exam. Here are some of the factors that are taken into consideration while determining the expected cut off marks for the CDS exam: 1. Number of vacancies: The expected cut off marks for the CDS exam will depend on the number of vacancies available for the respective course or post. If the number of vacancies is high, the expected cut off marks may be lower, and vice versa. 2. Difficulty level of the exam: The expected cut off marks will depend on the difficulty level of the exam. If the exam is more difficult, the expected cut off marks may be higher, and vice versa. 3. Previous year cut off marks: The previous year cut off marks are taken into consideration while determining the expected cut off marks for the CDS exam. The expected cut off marks may be similar to the previous year cut off marks or may vary slightly depending on the factors mentioned above. 4. Performance of the candidates: The performance of the candidates in the exam is also taken into consideration while determining the expected cut off marks. If the overall performance of the candidates is good, the expected cut off marks may be higher, and vice versa.

The CDS exam is conducted twice a year for admission to IMA, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. Basically, it works as a tool for students to prepare for an upcoming exam. Candidate will get an idea of the actual examination. Mock tests make candidates realise their mistakes that must be taken care of before going to the exam. 

The merit list for the CDS exam is prepared based on the marks obtained by the candidates in the written exam and the performance in the SSB interview. The cut off marks for the written exam are used as a qualifying criterion to shortlist candidates for the SSB interview, and the final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in both the written exam and the SSB interview. The marks obtained by the candidates in the written exam are used to determine the eligibility of the candidates for the SSB interview. Only those candidates who score equal to or above the cut off marks in the written exam are considered eligible for the SSB interview. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained by the candidates in both the written exam and the SSB interview. Therefore, while the CDS cut off marks are an important criterion for shortlisting candidates for the SSB interview, the final merit list is prepared based on the overall performance of the candidates in both the written exam and the SSB interview.

The CDS exam requires in depth knowledge and clarity of concepts or conceptual clarity. So, regular solving of mock tests of the CDS exam is essential. It provides an additional advantage that a candidate requires to succeed in the exam. It also helps to test the preparation level and evaluate the progress of the candidate.

Candidates can download the UPSC CDS 2 2025 recommended marks by following the steps given below:

• Go to the official website 
• Click on the CDS 2 2025 recommended marks link 
• Click on the PDF link 
• The CDS 2 2025 recommended marks PDF will appear on the screen 
• Download the CDS 2 2025 marks and save it for later use 

The minimum qualifying marks for the written exam and the SSB interview vary for each course in the CDS (Combined Defense Services) exam. The minimum qualifying marks are the minimum score that a candidate needs to obtain in order to be eligible for the next stage of the selection process. Here are the minimum qualifying marks for each course: 1. Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers' Training Academy (OTA): The minimum qualifying marks for each subject in the written exam is 20 per cent. The aggregate minimum qualifying marks in the written exam is 40 per cent 2. Indian Naval Academy (INA): The minimum qualifying marks for each subject in the written exam is 20 per cent. The aggregate minimum qualifying marks in the written exam is 40 per cent. 3. Air Force Academy (AFA): The minimum qualifying marks for each subject in the written exam is 20 per cent. The aggregate minimum qualifying marks in the written exam is 50 per cent. For the SSB interview, there is no fixed minimum qualifying marks, as the selection is based on the overall performance of the candidates in the interview. The SSB interview is designed to test the personality traits and suitability of the candidates for the respective course or post.

The weightage given to the written exam and the SSB interview in the final merit list for the CDS exam varies for each course. Here is the approximate weightage given to the written exam and the SSB interview for each course: 1. Indian Military Academy (IMA): The written exam carries a weightage of 70 per cent and the SSB interview carries a weightage of 30 per cent. 2. Indian Naval Academy (INA): The written exam carries a weightage of 50 per cent and the SSB interview carries a weightage of 50 per cent. 3. Air Force Academy (AFA): The written exam carries a weightage of 50 per cent and the SSB interview carries a weightage of 50 per cent. 4. Officers' Training Academy (OTA): The written exam carries a weightage of 50 per cent and the SSB interview carries a weightage of 50 per cent It's important to note that the weightage given to the written exam and the SSB interview may vary slightly each year, and the exact weightage may be declared by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC in the official notification. Candidates should also check the official notification and updates regarding the CDS exam on the official website of the UPSC.

The candidates must solve more than 50 per cent questions to secure safe marks in order to qualify the CDS cut off. However, to qualify for the CDS exam, the candidates must secure more than 70 per cent marks to get selected for the CDS SSB interview surely. The candidates selected for the SSB interview will be assessed for their mental, physical, and medical ability. The candidates will be considered qualified for the SSB after qualifying the SSB interview. However, the marks of the interview can't be predicted as it completely depends upon the boards and interview panelists. The candidates must not that If they are NIT recommended by the board after the SSB interview they will not move forward for the next stage of the CDS selection to be come Commissioned Officers on the Indian Armed Forces.

The CDS General Awareness section comprises 120 question for 100 marks. The candidates need to solve all the questions as all question are compulsory. If the candidates leaves the question no marks will be awarded for it, however, if the candidates answer it wrong then the penalty of 1/3 marks will given against the wrong answer. The General Awareness section comprises questions from the Current Affairs general Science, history, polity, geography, Maths etc. The candidates can prepare for the CDS General Awareness section by following the analysis of the CDS exam and solving the previous year's question papers. However, the candidates must pen down that the CDS exam follows a negative pattern and they must marks their answer correctly or they will get their marks deducted.

Candidates can check below the steps to download the CDS question papers for free.

• Visit our website; Shiksha.com.
• Create your profile by mentioning certain details.
• Once a profile is generated, you will be able to download the question papers for free.
• Download and save it.

Here are some effective ways to revise for the CDS exam: 

• Make notes: Making notes is an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. While preparing for the exam, make notes of important concepts, formulas, and key points. These notes will help you revise quickly and efficiently. 
• Revise regularly: Regular revision is essential for retaining the information and concepts. Schedule regular revision sessions to go through your notes, study material, and sample papers.
• Solve previous year question papers: Solving previous year question papers is an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. It will help you understand the exam pattern, types of questions asked, and improve your time management skills.
• Use flashcards: Flashcards are an effective way to revise important concepts and formulas. Write down the important concepts and formulas on flashcards and revise them regularly.
• Practice mock tests: Mock tests are an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. They will help you evaluate your performance, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve your time management skills.
• Discuss with peers and mentors: Discussing the concepts and solving problems with peers and mentors is an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. It will help you clarify your doubts and get feedback on your performance.

Remember, revision is an ongoing process, and you should allocate enough time for it in your overall preparation strategy. Also, make sure to focus on understanding the concepts and not just memorizing them.

Yes, sometimes questions do get repeated in the CDS exam. However, the UPSC does not directly repeat the question word for word; instead, the basic part gets repeated. For example, you can SEE questions on Article 32 in different years framed differently. From the analysis of the previous year's question paper, it can be concluded that important themes get revisited in CDS. This is the same for GK, math, and English papers. This is why experts and toppers always suggest analyzing the previous year's question paper. By analyzing previous year's question Sets you can not just make a list of such repetitive themes but also understand the patterns in which questions can be framed. Hence, you must start CDS preparation by solving PYQ.

Yes, the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam have physical test in the selection process. A lot of candidates are rejected after the physical test as they were not physically sound. The candiatesneed to clear the written, mental, physical test and a interview in order to get enrolled for the Indian Armed Forces Academies. The candidates are advised to take the physical and medical test prior filling out the CDS application form.  

No, you cannot show the digital copy of the CDS (Combined Defence Services) admit card as a substitute for the original admit card at the exam center. The admit card is a mandatory document that serves as proof of your candidature and allows you to take the exam. If you forget to carry the original admit card, you will not be allowed to enter the exam center and take the test. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you keep the original CDS admit card safe and secure and carry it with you to the exam center. In addition, you should also carry a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, Pan Card, Voter ID Card or Passport, which will be required for verification purposes. In case you have lost your CDS admit card, you can download a duplicate copy from the official website of the Union Public Service Commission UPSC by logging in with your registration ID and password. However, it is always better to keep the original admit card safe to avoid any last-minute issues or delays.

If there is any error in CDS admit card, the candidates should immediately contact the concerned department/authority to make corrections in the admit card. The concerned department will guide the candidates to solve the issue. It is important to ensure that the Aadhaar number is correct on the CDS admit card as it is a crucial document required for the exam. Any discrepancies or errors in the Aadhaar number or other details can lead to issues during the exam and may even in result in disqualification.

Hi Gaurav, The next step after clearing the CDS examination is to prepare for SSB (Service Selection Board). The Ministry of Defense undertakes the SSB Interview to evaluate prospective candidates for recruitment in the Army, Navy and Air Force. The benchmarks on which the candidates are assessed include intelligence, personality, compatibility, and potential. Hence, mental preparation holds prominence over physical preparation, although physical fitness will be an added advantage. The five-day personality and intelligence test schedule is as under: Day 1: Basic Intelligence Test Day 2: Psychological Test Day 3 & Day 4: The Group Testing Officers (GTO) Activities Day 5: Conference A personal interview (PI) can be taken on any day between second to fourth days.