UPSC CDS: Exam Dates, Pattern, Syllabus, Papers

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the “Combined Defence Services” (CDS) Examination twice a year by the name of CDS I and CDS II. The exam is conducted for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy. The notification for CDS I is generally released in the month of October- November and the exam is conducted in the month of February, whereas, for CDS II, the notification is released in the month of June and the exam is conducted in the month of November. Only unmarried graduate candidates are eligible to sit for the exam. Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB) is conducted after the written exam to shortlist candidates.

 UPSC CDS 2021 UPSC CDS 2020 UPSC CDS 2019 UPSC CDS(1) 2018 UPSC CDS(2) 2018

UPSC CDS

The CDS entrance examination comprises a written examination, interview for intelligence and personality test. The written test is conducted by the UPSC, whereas, the interview and personality test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

UPSC CDS Exam Dates are given below.

UPSC CDS Exam	Dates
UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS) 2021
UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS 1 ) Exam	07 Feb 2021
UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS 2) Exam	14 Nov 2021
UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS) 2020
UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS 1 ) Exam	02 Feb 2020
UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS 2) Exam	08 Nov 2020
UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS) 2019
UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS 1) Exam	03 Feb 2019
UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS 2) Exam	08 Sep 2019
UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS) 2018
UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS 1) Exam	04 Feb 2018
UPSC Combined Defense Services (CDS 2) Exam	18 Nov 2018

UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria

It is important that the candidates should first check the eligibility criteria for CDS exam. The basic eligibility criteria to apply for the CDS exam is that the candidates should be unmarried and should hold a degree. Candidates can check the age limit required, educational qualification to apply for recruitment for the various posts from the table below.

Post	Age Limit	Educational Qualification
Indian Military Academy	19 –24 years	Should hold a Degree from a recognised University or equivalent
Air Force Academy	19–24 years	Should possess a Degree from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
Naval Academy	19–24 years	Should have a degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution
Officers’ Training Academy	19–25 years	Should hold a Degree from a recognised University or equivalent

UPSC CDS Selection Process

The candidates are admitted into the respective Academies as per the selection criteria decided by UPSC. There are two (02) stages to CDS recruitment, which are:

Stage 1 – Written examination 

• After submitting the application form and issuance of Admit Card, the candidates need to sit for the written test.
• The papers in all the subjects consist of objective type questions only.
• Candidates have to write the papers in their own handwriting. Under no circumstances will they be allowed the help of a scribe to write answers for them.
• The standard of the papers in Elementary Mathematics is that of Matriculation level, whereas, for other subjects, the standard of questions are expected to be of a graduate of an Indian University.

Stage 2 – Interview for intelligence and personality test at one of the Services Selection Centres

• The SSB procedure consists of a two-stage Selection process.
• Stage I comprises of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests which are Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates are shortlisted based on the combination of performance in OIR Test and PP&DT.
• Stage II Comprises of Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted over 4 days

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern

The scheme for the examination is given below in the table.

For Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy

Subject	Maximum Marks	Duration
English	100	2 Hours
Elementary Mathematics	100	2 Hours
General Knowledge	100	2 Hours

For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy

Subject	Maximum Marks	Duration
English	100	2 Hours
General Knowledge	100	2 Hours

The papers in all the subject will be of MCQ type (objective questions). Candidates are not allowed to use the calculators during the examination.

UPSC CDS Exam Syllabus

Following is the syllabus of the examination. The questions will be given based on the syllabus. Candidates have to prepare for this examination from this syllabus only.

English: 

The questions will be made to test the candidate’s understanding of English.

General Knowledge:

The questions will be based on current events to test how much the candidate knows about whats happening around in the world. The paper will also include questions like Indian History and Geography.

Elementary Mathematics:

Questions will be based on Number System—Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers. Fundamental operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, Square roots, Decimal fractions. Unitary method, time and distance, time and work, percentages, applications to simple and compound interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, variation.

Elementary Number Theory—Division algorithm. Prime and composite numbers. Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11, Factorisation Theorem. H.C.F. and L.C.M. Euclidean algorithm.

Algebra:

Basic Operations, simple factors, Remainder Theorem, H.C.F., L.C.M., Theory of polynomials, solutions of quadratic equations, the relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered). Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutions. Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions. Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable & their solutions. Set language and set notation, Rational expressions and conditional identities, Laws of indices.

Trigonometry:

Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90° Values of sin ×, cos × and tan ×, for × = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° Simple trigonometric identities. Use of trigonometric tables. Simple cases of heights and distances.

Geometry:

Lines and angles, Plane and plane figures, Theorems on (i) Properties of angles at a point, (ii) Parallel lines, (iii) Sides and angles of a triangle, (iv) Congruency of triangles, (v) Similar triangles, (vi) Concurrence of medians and altitudes, (vii) Properties of angles, sides and diagonals of a parallelogram, rectangle and square, (viii) Circles and its properties including tangents and normals, (ix) Loci.

Mensuration:

Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangle, and circle. Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book), Surface area and volume of cuboids, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, surface area and volume of spheres.

Statistics:

Collection and tabulation of statistical data, Graphical representation frequency polygons, histograms, bar charts, pie charts etc. Measures of central tendency.

UPSC CDS Vacancies

Candidates can check the number of vacancies for the various academics under Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination from the table below.

Name of the Course	Number of vacancies
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun	100
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala	45
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad—(Pre-Flying) Training Course	32
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras)— 112th SSC (Men) Course (NT)	225
Officers Training Academy, Chennai—26th SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course	15
Total	417

UPSC CDS Pay Scale

Candidates can check the pay scale for the services from below:

Pay scale of Army Officers and equivalent ranks in Air Force and Navy

• Pay

Rank	Level	(Pay in Rs.)
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)

MSP to the officer is as follows: Military Service Pay (MSP) to the officers from the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier Rs 15.500 p.m. fixed

Fixed Stipend for cadet Training: Stipend to Gentlemen or Lady Cadets during the entire duration of training in Service academies i.e. during training period at IMA and OTA is Rs 56,100/-p.m. (Starting pay in Level 10)

Candidates joining the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun

Note the following points if joining Indian Military Academy:

1. The candidates will have to sign a certificate to the effect that he fully understands that he or his legal heirs shall not be entitled to claim any compensation or other relief from the Government in respect of any injury which he may sustain.
2. parent or guardian will be required to sign a bond to the effect that if for any reason considered within his control, the candidate wishes to withdraw before the completion of the course or fails to accept a commission if offered. Furthermore, the candidate will be liable to refund the whole or such portion of the cost of tuition, food, clothing and pay & allowances, received as may be decided upon by Govt.
3. Finally selected candidates have to undergo a course of training for about 18 months. 
4. They are enrolled under the Army Act as Gentlemen cadets.
5. The minimum expenses at the Indian Military Academy generally do not exceed Rs. 200.00 per month. However, if a cadet’s parent or guardian is unable to meet the minimum expense, they will be provided with the financial assistance.
6. Those who are finally selected for training at the Indian Military Academy will be required to deposit the following amount with the Commandant on arrival :
   

   Pocket allowance for five months @ Rs. 200.00 per month.	Rs. 1,000.00/-
   For item of clothing and equipment	Rs. 2,750.00/-
   Total	Rs. 3,750.00/-

7. On successful completion of training, the Gentlemen Cadets are granted Permanent Commission in the rank of Lt. subject to being medically fit, in shape.
8. Remember that Army officers are liable to serve anywhere in India and abroad.

Promotion 

Candidates can check the service limits for the grant of the substantive promotion to higher ranks below:

Rank	Time scale
Lieutenant	On completion of training
Captain	2 years of reckonable commissioned service
Major	6 years of reckonable commissioned service
Lieutenant Colonel	13 years of reckonable commissioned service
Colonel (TS)	26 years of reckonable commissioned service
Colonel	15 years of reckonable commissioned service
Brigadier	23 years of reckonable commissioned service
Major General	25 years of reckonable commissioned service
Lieutenant General	28 years of reckonable commissioned service
General	No restrictions

Candidates Joining the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala

1. Those who are selected for the training at the Indian Naval Academy will be appointed as Cadets under the Graduate Cadet Special Entry Scheme (GSES) Course.
2. A sum of Rs. 35,000/- should be brought by them and deposited in the bank account, which they would be opening at the State Bank of India, Ezhimala branch, on arrival. Candidates can check the expenditures from the deposit money from the table below:
   

   Pocket/Personal expenses	Rs. 5,000/- (@ Rs. 1,000/- per month )
   Expenses on Laundry, Civilian-  bearer, Cinema, hair cutting and other sundry services per month	Rs. 4,250/-  (@ Rs. 850/- )
   Expenses on stitching/purchase of  Academy Blazer, Academy tie, Academy Mufti, Academy Sportswear, Jogging shoes, Jungle boots, Swimming Trunk/suits and Satchels	Rs.20,000/-
   Travelling expenses for proceeding to next duty station/ home station on leave on completion of Naval Orientation Course on return Journey at the end of the term	Rs. 2,000/-

Candidates who are appointed as cadets at the Indian Naval Academy shall remain under probation till completion of initial training which is as follows:-

Naval Orientation Course at INA, Ezhimala	44 weeks
Officers Sea Training at Training Ship	06 months
Sub-Lieutenant Afloat training	06 months
Sub-Lieutenant (Technical course) Afloat attachment for award of	32 weeks
Full Naval watch-keeping Certificate	06-09 months

Candidates Joining the Air Force Academy

Now, there are three (03) modes of entry in F(P) Course viz. CDSE/NCC Special Entry/AFCAT. Those who apply for Air Force through more than one source are tested/ interviewed at Air Force Selection Boards as per type of entry. Common candidate who fail in Computer Pilot Selection System (CPSS) will not be tested for flying branch in IAF.

• The approximate duration of training for Flying Branch (Pilots) at the Air Force Academy will be 74 weeks. 
• Cadets are authorised fixed stipend amounting to Rs. 21,000/- per month (Rs. 15,600/- pay in the pay band and Rs. 5,400/-as grade pay) during training
• On successful completion of training the stipend admitted will be converted as pay for all purposes.

Candidates who are finally selected for training at the Air Force Academy will be required to deposit the following amount (under revision) with the Commandant on arrival:

Pocket allowance for six months @ Rs. 140/- per month	Rs.840/-
For item of clothing and equipment	Rs.1,500/-
Total	Rs. 2,340/-

Carrer Aspects for the Candidates After Completion of Training at Air Force Academy

After the successful completion of training, the candidates pass out in the rank of Flying Officer and will be entitled to the pay and allowances of the rank. The time scale promotions to the rank is as follows:

Rank	Time Scale
Flight Lieutenant	2 years of successful service
Squadron Leader	6 years of successful service
Wing Commander	13 years of successful service
Group Captain	26 years of successful service

Note that the promising officers have a fair chance of getting higher promotions to air ranks—Air Commodore, Air Vice Marshal and Air Marshal. 

What are the Other Privildges?

The other priviliges include that the officers and their families are entitled to free medical aid, accommodation on concessional rent, group insurance scheme, group housing scheme, family assistance scheme, canteen facilities etc.

Candidates Joining the Officers Training Academy, Chennai

1. Candidates finally selected have to undergo a course of training at the Officers’ Training Academy, for an approximate period of 49 weeks. 
2. They will be enrolled as Gentlemen/Lady Cadets. Gentlemen/Lady Cadet initially.
3. The minimum expenses during the pre-commission training do not exceed Rs. 200/- per month

Those who are finally selected for training, at the Officers’ Training Academy, will be required to deposit the following amount with the Commandant on arrival:

Pocket/Personal expenses	Rs. 3,000/- @ Rs. 1,000 per month
For items of clothing and equipment	Rs. 5,000/-
Group Insurance Coverage for 02 months (AGIF)	Rs. 2,000/-
Total	Rs. 10,000/-

Official Website of UPSC: www.upsc.gov.in

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