CDS Papers

The CDS exam is conducted in two stages – Written Exam followed by Interview Process. The written Exam is of objective type in nature. Candidates are not permitted to use calculators for answering objective type papers. Correct answers are awarded one mark and for every wrong answer 1/3rd the value of a mark is deducted.

Details of paper pattern are as follows:

Written Examination for Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy

Written Examination for Officers’ Training Academy

Based on the marks obtained in the written exam, the candidates are selected for the Interview Process. The selected candidates appear before a Services Selection Board for a two stage selection procedure comprising of Intelligence Test and Personality Test.

Stage I comprises of

Officer Intelligence Rating OIR tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on combination of in these tests.

Stage II Comprises of Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted over 4 days. The details of these tests are given on the website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in

The personality of candidate is assessed by three different assessors viz. the interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO) and the Psychologist. All test have equal weightage. The various tests of IO, GTO and Psych are designed to bring out the presence/absence of the officer like qualities and the trainability of a candidate. Accordingly candidates are recommended at the SSB.

Qualified candidates will then be placed in the final order of merit on the basis of total marks secured in the Written examination and the Services Selection Board Tests. The final selection will be subject to medical fitness of the candidate and also on the number of vacancies available in each academy.

Tips to crack CDS Exam:

1. Strong Mental Built and Excellent Physical Strength: CDS exam requires the candidate to have enormous mental strength to overcome the rigorous selection process. Good stamina and determination is needed to complete the tasks and group activities of the interview rounds.

2. Read, Read and Read: Read everything that you come across on daily basis, be it good editorials, analytical articles and columns. Reading one standard newspaper is also useful. This also helps improving the vocabulary and comprehension. Reading is also extremely important for the GK section. Make notes of important dates and events.

3. Get the basics right: There is a vast syllabus of Elementary Mathematics in the question paper. Get the concepts right by glancing through Class 10 and Class 12 Mathematics books. Similarly brush the high school History, Geography and Science topics as well.

4. Start early, keep ample time for revision: Start preparation at least six months in advance. This gives time to revise the tougher topics closer to the exam date.

5. Lots of practice: This is especially applicable to improve speed and accuracy in solving the maths problems. Apart from thorough practice in problem solving, it s important to take few complete mock tests. This helps improve concentration and provides stamina to sit through the actual exam much better.

Previous year question papers can be found here