Is it for the first time that you are giving the CDS Exam for the first time this time? Really, do you believe you’ll be able to pass it on your first try? In this article, we’ll clarify all of your baffling inquiries. Please read this article in its entirety and feel free to consider our advice as it is presented here.
What is CDS Exam Entry?
Its a written test conducted by UPSC two times every year. CDS written exam has three different tests namely English, General Knowledge and Mathematics. Under the topic of “What is cds exam” we are going to discuss about required educational qualification and age limit along with instructions and preparation for the CDS written examination.
CDS Exam AGE LIMIT
Age limit plays a crucial role in this notification. UPSC follows strict rules considering the dates. The dates given by UPSC for CDS Exam are:
| ACADEMY | AGE LIMIT |
| INDIAN MILITARY ACADEMY | 19-24 |
| INDIAN NAVAL ACADEMY | 19-24 |
| AIR FORCE ACADEMY | 20-24 |
| OFFICERS’ TRAINING ACADEMY (MEN) | 19-25 |
| OFFICERS’ TRAINING ACADEMY (WOMEN) | 19-25 |
Education Qualification:
- For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy-Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
- For Indian Naval Academy-Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
- For Air Force Academy-Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
CDS Eligibility Criteria:
Nationality:
- A Citizen of India
- A subject of Bhutan or Nepal
- A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1962, intending to permanently settle in India.
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam intending to permanently settle in India.
- Candidates under points (2), (3), and (4), must have a certificate or proof issued by the Indian Government in favour of their statement.
- Candidates who are Gorkha subjects of Nepal are not required to show any kind of certificate of CDS eligibility.
- A candidate in whose case a certificate of CDS eligibility 2022 is necessary may be admitted to the examination provisionally subject to the necessary certificate being given to him or her by the Government before the declaration of the results by the UPSC.
CDS Exam Syllabus:
| Topic | Syllabus |
| English | Spotting Errors Sentence Arrangement Synonyms Antonyms Selecting Words Ordering of Sentence Comprehension Questions |
| General Knowledge | Physics Current Affairs Politics Chemistry History Defence Related Awards Geography Sports Biology Cultural Knowledge |
| Elementary Mathematics | Algebra Trigonometry Geometry Mensuration Statistics Arithmetic |
CDS Exam Pattern
The candidates who want to join the Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy and Naval Academy need to pass the following three papers:
English:
This paper is designed for checking your knowledge of English Grammar and vocabulary as well as other necessary aspects. This paper is of 100 marks, contains 120 questions and the duration of this paper is 2 hours.
General Knowledge:
This paper is of 100 marks and its duration is 2 hours. This paper contains questions related to the geography of India and the world, civics and the polity of India, which includes constitutional acts and governance. The modern and ancient history of India. General science contains basic questions related to physics, chemistry and biology. The aspirants should be aware of the current affairs at national and international levels.
Elementary Mathematics:
Elementary mathematics includes various fields. The applicants need to be well at calculations and giving quick answers to pass this paper. This paper contains 100 questions and is of 100 marks and the time duration is 2 hours. Doing 100 questions of mathematics in 120 minutes is not easy, even though the questions are very basic in nature, one should have sufficient practice to do these questions quickly.
CDS Exam Pattern for Officer’s Training Academy:
English: The candidates must have good knowledge of English to pass this test. The maximum mark of this paper is 100 and the time duration is 2 hours.
General Knowledge: The applicants should be concerned about current events and matters of common observations. All other necessary information should be known by them. This paper is of 200 marks and the time duration is 2 hours.
How to Prepare English for CDS Exam
- Check CDS English Syllabus first
- Mark the topics as per your knowledge and strength.
- To prepare for English, you should develop the habit of reading. you can improve your reading habit via many sources like English Newspapers, Magazines, Notes, books etc.
- Improve your English speaking, and English listening habits. Make a flash card on a daily basis and try to use it in many sentences.
- Set Proper Time management for all grammar and vocabulary sections.
- Try some CDS English online tests for an exact idea of CDS English paper. also, check and try to solve UPSC CDS Last Year’s English question papers.
How to Prepare General Knowledge for CDS Exam
- Check CDS General Knowledge Syllabus first
- Read Newspapers on a daily basis with consternation this habit increases your overall General knowledge
- Buy CDS GK Preparation Books
- Do more practice with the Online GK test for CDS Exam via CDS mock test.
- Socialize with friends, colleagues, and professionals. The more people you come into contact with, the higher possibility to engage in intelligent and informative conversations where you can gain additional knowledge.
- Sign up for news alerts. Several news outlets that post updated information regularly often have a special notification system that you can subscribe to. Anytime news appears under a category that interests you, the alert will notify you on an electronic device like a cell phone, keeping you updated with current information.
How to Prepare Maths for CDS Exam
- Check CDS Maths Syllabus first
- Make a list of important formulas, theorems and tips check some of here Geometry formulas for circles, Rectangles, squares, tangents etc. Speed Distance and Time-related questions, Math Formula For Area & surface area, Math Formula For Volume, Maths Formulas Of Number System etc to prepare for CDS.
- Work on example problems and check your answers to gain practice with every lesson.
- When beginning to work on a Math problem, do map out a path from problem to answer in your head before writing anything down.
- Look for patterns & connections. After you have done the math for a while, you will begin to see patterns and connections that you cannot experience as an observer. By getting involved in the problem, you get to see and feel how problems are solved. The answer to all problems, be it math or otherwise lies within the problem itself.
- Join Study groups, It will give you a chance to merge ideas and concepts with a group of peers. You will be able to teach and learn from each other. Math clubs will help you exercise your ability to learn.
CDS Selection Process:
Step 1: Written Examination
- The first step is the written exam.
- The question pattern of the written exam for the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) is divided into three sections which are English, Maths, and GK.
- The question pattern of the written exam for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) consists of English and General Knowledge.
Step 2: SSB Interview
- Aspirants who clear the written exam are eligible for the SSB Interview which includes the Personality Test/Interview.
- The Personality Test/Interview includes two steps to test the aspirants’ efficiency, that is their personality and psychology.
- The first part is an intelligence and personality test.
- The second step is a psychology test which consists of an interview, group discussion, and conference round.
Step 3: Medical Test
- Aspirants who clear both interview and document verification rounds are eligible for the last step which is the medical tests.
Training Procedure for CDS Exam Entry
If you are going to apply for Indian Army then there are two terms with which you’ll come across a number of times. These two terms are OTA and IMA. OTA stands for Officers Training Academy and IMA stands for Indian Military Academy.
- OTA is where ladies and gentlemen both are trained into officers but in IMA only gentlemen can be inducted.
There are two OTA’s one in Chennai and the other one in Gaya (Gentleman Cadets of NDA and 10+2 TES are sent here in the last year of their training), there is only one IMA which is in Dehradun. - IMA provide you with the opportunity to join the army and serve for 30 years maximum. Whereas OTA is for only 14 years and not for life-term service (in some cases the service is extensible to Permanent Commission).
- If you are willing to join Indian Army through CDSE then the candidates who are willing to go for OTA do not have to appear for the paper of Mathematics whereas those who are for IMA have to appear for the Mathematics exam.
To crack the SSB Interview, You can join our SSB interview live classes batch and we recommend you Enroll SSB INTERVIEW ONLINE COURSE. Trusted by thousands of defence aspirants.
CDS Frequently Asked Questions:
1: How many times is the exam conducted in a year?
The CDS Exam is conducted twice a year and can be attempted in Hindi or English.
2. How many attempts can one give?
There are no restrictions on the number of attempts but one must adhere to the age limit.
3. When can I give the CDS Exam?
One can attempt the CDS Exam in the last semester of their graduation or can give the exam after the completion of the course.
Also read:
- 5 Killer Tips To Clear CDS Exam
- Tips To Know While Giving CDS Exam For The First Time
- Mistakes You Should Avoid While Preparing For UPSC CDS Exam
- 15 Killer Tips To Crack CDS Written Exam
- 10 Tips To Crack CDS Exam In First Attempt
- How To Score Maximum Marks In CDS English Paper?
- How Can An Average Student Prepare For CDS Written Exam?
- 10 Good Habits Every CDS Aspirant Must Have
- Tips To Crack CDSExam
- 6 Tips To Prepare For CDS Exam At Home
- CDS Exam Previous Year Question Papers [UPDATED]
162 thoughts on “8 Things You Must Know Before Applying for CDS Exam Entry”
Can anyone suggest how to gain weight 😭
Sir my eye vision is(_12 ) and (_8) can i eligible for CDS exam
I am a CA final Student my attempt is in 2023 . Is CDS the route ,from where I can join Army ?
Is their any scope of Ca in army ?
Will foreign degree be accepted for cds?
I have completed degree bcom computers, am I eligible for CDS exam can u suggest the dates and all which will be held in 2022 thank u
Can I prepare for CDS exam . Now I am studying in final year
Those who take bachelor degree through distance is it eligible for this exam.
After pass CDS Exam did there is ground test like running, jumping,deeps etc
Sir, Can i prepared for cds exam withou preparing maths?
Can prepare for CDS exam . Now I am studying in final year
Sir which subject is best for IMA and OTA
I’m from Chhattisgarh and which college should i join in Chhattisgarh
Please help me
I have an doubt .. what if i cleared my cds nd ssb
exams too but due to some medical issues (knock kness or elbow) get rejected..!?? What toh do next?? Please reply..
If u get any TR then you have 42 days to fix it after fixing ur problem u have to report again
I want know about CDS in which branch may I join .
off course dud .
I am 23 years old . My name is vartika . I want to apply for cds OTA but after exam I will get married can I eligible for it. If I will get married before training??
I have not pass out at university can I apply CDs exam
Of course u just need a graduation cerificate for that!
No dear u should be unmarried as per the criteria
No your marital status should be unmarried
not actually u must remain unmarried for the entire training period
How can we apply for defense psychologist?? Do we have to give CDS paper too and do we need to have a master’s degree in psychology??
If I’m a armed force so I’m eligible for CDS or not
Any Bachelor’s degree
Is birth certificate compulsory for document verification ??
Sir I have taken pcbm in my 12 th .. bio as main subject and maths as general one.
So shall I able to give cds after my graduation or not???
And if yes what subject should I take during my graduation????
Which would be better btech or bsc???
Can A defence aspirant having a CA degree can apply for CDS
sir i’m 18 years old , can i CDS exam
If suppose we didn’t clear ssb interview in first attempt then , will we have to give cds exam again or not .. please reply..
I am in last year of bsc .. am I eligible of ota?
No you are eligible only after 19 years
JAI HIND , sir i am pursuing degree 2nd year bcom general in iimc collage Hyderabad, am i eligible for CDS EXAM and the date of application for exam .
yup best of luck ..
Sir I am a graduate student in ba english literature can I join indian airforce as an fighter pilot
Sir I’m pursuing degree final year, am I eligible for CDS OTA exam?
If medical board out person can apply for cds exam.
If my profile picture in join indian army portal is different from the upsc cds registration can it cause any problems to me as i created my account 2years back
Is birth certificate compulsory for cds documents verification??
Sir can I apply for CDSE (Air force ) if i have completed Diploma in Engineering and after that i have completed Degree.
It means that CDSE (Air force )want 60% in 12th standard but if anyone completed Diploma in Engineering and have not done 11 and 12 then he or she can apply ??
Sir , can i apply for CDSE if i have completed Diploma in Engineering and after that i have completed Degree. It means that CDSE (Air force )want 60% in 12th standard but if anyone completed Diploma in Engineering and have not done 11 and 12 then he or she can apply ??
Dear sir,
I’m have just cleared my 12 .
sir please suggest me which graduation should I pursue for CDS OTA.
thank you
You should have any bachelor’s degree but engineering is better than other degrees
Sir,I have hypothyroidism and i consume eltroxin75 daily.I have no other problems also my TSH scales are normal.Can I apply for cds exam?
Sir im doing b pharmacy 3rd yr am i eligible to write cds exam and is their need of ncc to join in ota exam
After CLEARING CDS exam and SSB interview, you can ALL THE BEST
Sir I have scoliosis but it doesn’t interrupt me to do any hard work or physical work out but I wanted to know that can I join Indian air force with this scoliosis or I’ll get rejected in medical examination?
Sir I am a btech student. And I want to give CDs -ota exam so the syllabus would be what
Sir .I am b.com 2nd year student can I apply for CDs exam
No Rahene de kya kregi gi
Sir I am a girl and pursuing btech from biotechnology and i had completed my 12 standard with biology. So please suggest me for what i am elligible for, through CDSE.
hey there..yeh u can give ur shot at the CDSE…!
My maths is very weak even i don’t have basic knowledge of math but I wanna clear CDS exam…… Now, I’m in bsc 1st year…… So please tell me…. Can I improve my maths now of CDsS level mathmetics??. If yes, so please give me some suggestions what I can do for this..plz plz
Only cds 1 attended candidate have the right to attended cds2?????
In selection procedure you had written different subject for OTA i.e mathematics which is not correct.
Yeah, you have to appear for English instead of Mathematics.
Sir,I’m in B.A 2nd semester can i apply for cds exam
CDS 1 and CDS 2 are the two times when UPSC conducts this exam in a year.So these two exams are altogether different attempts,they are not linked at all.Inshort you can attend it.
Whether I can write CDS 2 FIRST? is it enough to write only one exam?
YES YOU CAN… CDS 2 MEANS its the second time exam is being held this year… every year upsc organise 2 times CDSE.
Sir,I have taken PCM in 12th.Which side should I take in Graduation???
Please suggest me.
I’ll suggest you to pursue btech
is there any best book for preparing CDS?
BEING A GIRL CAN I APPLY FOR INA AND OTA?
you can apply for OTA
My height is 5’5 and I’m from west bengal and my cast is general can i apply for cds exam??
I m pursuing b.sc form biology and I had biology in my 12 standard.so am I eligible for air force .for which posts am I eligible ?? Plzz tell me sir .plz
can I apply for pilot through CDSE
i am pursuing b.tech final year
i have one backlog
can i apply for cds
Sir I am 5 semester student and doing bsc can I give CDs 2018-2 but my last semester exams will be in may 2019 so can I able to give paper of CDs 2018-2
Sir in am 6th semester student in betech can I give cds Exm…?
Hey..i’m a girl nd i’m in bcom final year
Am i eligible to join ima ota ?
Please suggest if there is any other segment under my eligibility
Yes you can join ota throgh cdse
Hlo..I’m studying final B pharmacy is there any scope for pharmacist in Indian army
Due to covid19 pandemic my arrear results are not released yet I’m 2020 passed out can I apply for CDS exams
How can I became direct liteunant office sir
Sir can you please tell me about OTA and IMA
OTA is where ladies and gentlemen both are trained into officers but in IMA only gentlemen can be inducted.
There are two OTA’s one in Chennai and other one in Gaya (Gentleman Cadets of NDA and 10+2 TES are sent here in last year of their training), there is only one IMA which is in Dehradun.
OTA stands for officer training academy only for ladies &IMA for indian military academy for only men.
How can a girl became lieutenant ?
After CLEARING CDS exam and SSB interview, you can ALL THE BEST
hi sir i have completed 12 in MLT and now i am learning B.sc 2 so can i apply for cds?
a student suffering from colitis can apply but mow he is in good condition
Medam i am B.A English literature student i am not completed in my degree i have a 4 arear’s can i am eligible to cds exam… to join india army…
I am pursuing B .A but I had maths and physics in my 12 standard. So am I eligible for air force? For which posts i am eligible ?
U r eligible for ota
You are eligible for air force and OTA both
YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR AIR FORCE AS U ARE GRADUATE FROM BA NOT BY BSC OR BTECH. YOU
CAN GO FOR IMA OR OTA.
for cds graduation complete in regular is compulsory? they comlete graduation in open they apply or not ?
Having a extra fingers in legs..
Can a person allowed to appear in cds ?
Sir now i am in B.E final year in CSE stream. I Am interested to join OTA, so do I need to attend the written test or i can directly apply online and can go for SSB interview?
Sir can you please tell me process of joining it properly.?
Sir my age is 24 complicated so how join the cds. Please give me any contact no.
To apply for CDS entry, what’s the minimum Percentage should a candidate get in graduation?
I’m in class12 which subject should I choose after 12 to join army
I’m a girl
I am bcom 2nd year student.. And I am interested in navy… Can I’m eligible to join navy
No your not
Non technical are not eligible for navy
You can join logistics cadre which is conducted directly by indian navy.
sir if i had ankolosying spondlytis earlier but now 100 percent cure will medical board clear me for this?
sir, kya cds form physics maths and statistics graduated students b fill kr skte h
Yes of course but you will be eligible for IMA and OTA only if you have studied physics and maths at 10+2 level then you are eligible for air force also but not for indian navy .
Hello sir my name is amit chauhan I am pursuing bsc last year I have an reapper I’m 5th sem so can I aplly for cds exam and if yes them what would be dates
Is Married women eligible to take CDS exam ?
Please suggest.
yes ; married women are eligible for cds exam
best of luck
No only unmarried candidates are eligible if you are above 25 and married then only you are eligible to apply
No
My age is 20….Nd my 6th semester of engg is going on …Am I eligible for cds?
Are both CDS 1 and CDS 2 needed to appear or
Only one??
only one CDS ……It is semi annual exam. If one is unable to clear first exam then he can apply for second.
Sir Iam 12th 0ass out Student With PCM in my 12th…. , Sir suggest me Which Graduation dagree i should pursue For CDS AFA , ( please suggest those in i cant clear cds then this Degree will give me other Carreir Option )
Sir I am having quite respiratory problem but it will not affected to my efficiency until now also.so is it possible for me to join ima for me sir…
ba private student can apply cds exam
sir i want 2 give cds exam in 2018 whichh is cds -2 in that year i will be ghivingh 5th semester exam (btech) i will be pass out in 2020 .so sir my question is can i give cds -2 in 2018.coz sir in verification they need graduation certificate.
No
i have taken biology in 12th after graduation can i aaper for indian military academy
No
Yes you can only thing you need to join IMA is graduation in any discipline. GO AHEAD AND APPLY
Hi sir myself shaikh zahir I am completing my graduation B.sci second year and also preparing for NDA
Also have a NCC(second year)
if your age is above 19 then you would not be able to take NDA exam.But you can go for CDS.
sir my birth date is 21.06.1999 and now i am studying at class 12(pure science) can i apply at cdse exam?sir answer asap plss.
You have to complete your graduation first also you should be 19.
No u can apply for nda
Sir! can a year down student(in engineering) apply for cdse??? There is a friend of mine who wish to join the army. He is currently a year down student. He wish to join army through cdse. Can he do so?? He will complete his graduation at the age of 23 years. Please reply me sir!
Yes
what is the age limit for ota for women ?
Sir I have 3 arrear in b.tech and now i am on 5th year of b.tech can i apply for cds
Hlo sir .i gave my ist refrence to IMA .and another will mark 0 ( zero) ..if i did not clear ima exam so it is possible that i m converted to ota as per vacancy of ota . Or not
Please reply
Sir i want one help from you…can u please tell that if i have applied for ima(CDS)than can i apply for OTA in another form….means can i apply 2 forms???
Only one form but u can give preference if u apply two forms ur candidature will be canceled
Sir, mera 2nd year ka result nhi aya h to kya mai avi cds ka form bhar skta hu? Or form me 2nd year ke mark ke jagah kya marks likhege?
Ples hurry up. Today 15 nov last date 4 dec.
In this form they didn’t want your examination marks they only want to submit your Prsnl data photography etc etc…
Jai hind sir…i hv completed graduation and iam also having ncc c certificate with A grade so sir can i try for cds or ncc spl entry
Yes you can apply for OTA only.
You have NCC ‘A’ certificate which is not enough for NCC entry because ‘C’ certificate is compulsory
In OTA are there some fitness tests also in which the candidate has to appear…….eg. running, push ups etc. ?
Sir can I apply for cdse while pursuing BSC 2year. Age 18
Dear,
Sir, I’m a student of physical education and sport science. I already completed my BPEd 4th yr degree from Manipur university and now I’m studying MPEd 1st semester at Tripura university. But some of my seniors said to me is that we are not eligible to attend CDS exm. due to our course but sir I want to apply the CDS exm. Sir I want to know is that we are eligible or not eligible to apply the CDS exm.
Sir please reply me. I’m eagerly waiting sir.
Thank you.
Sister,you are eligible if you have completed Graduation in any stream.
Hndk exam thadoiro??
Sir ! Is it necessary to attend two CDs exams in an year
It is not necessary
hi, after getting selection in cds ota ..which post will b there for me as i m a girl.. n till what age i can work over there??
graduation completed.
i would like to correct you ..
Student those who are preparing for OTA have to prepare for english and general knowledge ONLY ….
Sir i have a backlog in the final year and my compartmental exams will be held on february 2018. The results will be out by september 2018. Am i elligible for the cds exam to be held on november,2017
Can U plzzzz mentioned here your Complete name and Mobile number here….
so that, we will tell u the Complete process about CDS
I had ovarian cyst n got surgery done..will I b eligible for cds?
Sir I am 18 years old. In oct. 2016 I faced operation. There was blockage in my ureter by birth because of it my left kidney was not functioning and also my left kidney swollen . It is bigger in size as compare to normal kidney. But doctors assured that I will not face any health issues related to this. My left kidney also started functioning. Am I eligible for CDS exam.
sir i have filled for both IMA and OTA …..but sir if i cant qualify in maths in written exam….so will i elligible for selected in OTA …if i cleared left over two subjects?
no
DEAR ,
If you are preparing for ota then there is no need of mathematics ,you have to prepare for english and gk ….they are providing wrong info …
Sir i got less then 60% agregrate in graduation with maths physics electronics..m i eligible to give cds exam?
There is no percentage criteria in cds…you can happily apply
Sir I done Diploma in Mechanical engineering and now I am pursuing final year of engineering, so can I eligible for CDSE (OTA) or it only required (10+2).
Hlw sir I have one backlog in final yr n my final yr exam WL b in Feb 2018 n result I’ll get by June so can I write CDs exam??
Without maths students can also apply for CDS ??
Yes u can opt for C.D.S only need to prepare for GK and English.
Hello sir due to health problem I got one supplementry paper I will be able to complete my degree only by Oct so can I apply for ota written exam
May i join in cds
Sir,i prefer IMA in 1st option and OTA in 2nd option but want appear OTA exam papers only in exam.will possible or not
How many times can I attempt CDS exam sir..
Bcuz tomorrow I have CDS exam but I am unable to attend that exam due to some health issues (fever) So how many attempts are their
good morning
sir
i Am aditya singh from jabalpur madhya pradesh. I think there’s a problem regarding the age limit for Air force Academy the age limit i seen before was 19-23 years so if it has changed please let me know about this as i’ve started for my engineering course here from private college n will i be able to face CDS regarding AFA entry
thanking you
Your’s
aditya singh
Hello sir …I’m married and belong to St/SC …..can I’m eligible to join army
No you can not only unmarried candidates are allowed for c.d.s.
how Much age U have…?
first Mentioned here….!!!
Sir,now I am at 3rd semester I just want to give the exam of CDS ,but I am weak in maths What should I do to apper this exam????