Serving in Indian Defense Services is not just a profession, but the representation of one’s bravery and patriotism. Combined Defense Services examination is the main entry point to the Indian Army, Navy and Airforce officer positions. UPSC conducts the examination twice in an year. Minimum entry requirement is Bachelors Degree in concerned subjects. SSB will conduct the interview for the shortlisted candidates of CDS examination.
Admissions to courses Indian Military Academy Dehradun, Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala, Airforce Academy Hyderabad and Officers Academy Chennai will be based on CDS Examination. One can select Regular or Short Service courses. The first three academies offer permanent commission and Chennai Officers Training Academy offers short service commission.
Indian defense Services offers good salary and plenty of chances for promotion, good benefits for self and family, Status in Society and a good stipend in the training period.
Scheme and pattern of CDS Examination
The Priliminary stage contains written examination with three papers in English, GK and Elementary Mathematics. Each paper will be having 2 hours of time and 100 marks. There will be no Maths paper for those who are applying for Officers Training Academy. Questions will be in Objective mode. The Mathematics paper will be in the standard of SSLC/ 10th. Bachelors degree standard is expected for the other papers. Negative marking is applicable for wrong answers, 1/3 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
Syllabus of CDS Exam
Syllabus for CDS examination is very vast and you need to start preparing at the earliest. Particular attention should be given to increase the General Knowledge and especially the current affairs section. GK questions are expected from Basic Science, Environment, Indian History, Geography, Politics, Economics, and Current affairs. Reading minimum 3 newspapers (including The Hindu), watching the daily TV news checking the current affairs sections of preparation sites will be beneficial to the candidates for answering the GK and English language section of the paper
UPSC CDS Previous year question papers
Time management is an important factor in mastering the CDS examination, you need to acquire the desired speed and accuracy for this. In an average, you will get 1 minute to attempt one question, the best way is to read the full question paper first and mark the easy questions. Solve them first and attend the difficult ones later. This will help you to devote more time to the difficult questions. Collect and solve the previous year question papers is the best way to achieve the desired speed and accuracy. This will also help you to accustom with the examination scheme and standard of questions. Click the following links to download the CDS previous year question papers with answer key/ solutions
CDS 2014(1) Question paper and Key
CDS 2014(2) Question paper and Key
CDS 2013(1) Question paper and Key
CDS 2013(2) Question paper and Key
CDS 2012(1) Question paper and Key
CDS 2012(2) Question paper and Key
CDS 2011(1) and CDS 2011(2) Question paper and Key
CDS 2010(1)and CDS 2010(2) Question paper and Key
CDS Examination Model question papers
Besides the previous year question papers we are also giving you some model question papers for CDS examination click on the links below to download the CDS exam model question papers.
CDS GK model question papers with answers
CDS English Language model question papers Set 1 , Set 2, Set 3
CDS Elementary Maths model question papers – Set 1, Set 2, Set3
CDS Study Materials
Use the following links to get the CDS Exam study materials in Maths, GK and English papers.
CDS Maths Question Bank and Study materials, CBSE Class X Maths Textbook
English study materials for CDS exam
GK study materials for UPSC CDS exam
CDS Model examinations
Educationobserver model examinations provides live online model examinations for CDS exam aspirants. click the following links to get into the online exam system
CDS Elementary Maths live model exam
Tips for CDS examination Preparation.
-
Get a better understanding about the syllabus and expected marks from each portions.
-
Make a timetable and complete a portion of syllabus each day
-
Take notes of important points and shortcuts.
-
Attend one previous/ model question paper each day without fail. Write the model examination in a time restricted manner ie, complete the exam within the stipulated time.
-
Verify and compare the model examination paper yourself, understand the errors and mistakes. Monitor your improvements each day
-
Devote more time to English and Maths. 10th class textbooks of English and Maths will be a good starting point,
Best of Luck !!!