The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Examination is a prestigious national-level exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces. It is held twice a year and serves as a gateway for candidates aspiring to join institutions like the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy.
The CDS I exam consists of a written examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which assesses candidates’ intelligence, personality, and leadership qualities. The written test includes subjects such as English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, and AFA). It is designed to evaluate a candidate’s academic ability as well as their suitability for a career in defence services.
This examination provides a golden opportunity for young graduates to serve the nation with honor, discipline, and pride.
UPSC CDS 1: Overview Table
| Field | Details |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission |
| Post | Admission to courses in Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) |
| Category | Exam Overview / Syllabus |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper mode using OMR Sheet) |
| Type of Questions | Objective Type Questions only |
| Total Questions | Not explicitly specified (OMR sample shows up to 160; varies as per UPSC pattern) |
| Total Marks | • 300 marks for IMA, INA, AFA • 200 marks for OTA |
| Time Duration | 2 Hours per subject/paper |
| Negative Marking | 0.33 (One-third) marks deducted for each incorrect answer |
| Selection Process | • Written Examination • Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB Interview) • Medical Examination |
| Official Website | Click Here |
UPSC CDS 1: Exam Pattern
The Combined Defence Services Examination relies on objective-type questions only.
Exam Pattern
| Target Academy | Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) | English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | |||
| Elementary Mathematics | |||
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | English | 100 | |
| General Knowledge |
UPSC CDS 1: Syllabus
| Subject | Detailed Syllabus |
| English | The question paper will be designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workmanlike use of words. |
| General Knowledge | General Knowledge including knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not made a special study of any scientific subject. The paper will also include questions on History of India and Geography of a nature which a candidate should be able to answer without special study. |
| Elementary Mathematics | Arithmetic: • 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. Multiples and factors. Factorisation Theorem. H.C.F. and L.C.M. Euclidean algorithm. Logarithms to base 10, laws of logarithms, use of logarithmic tables. Algebra: • Basic Operations, simple factors, Remainder Theorem, H.C.F., L.C.M., Theory of polynomials, solutions of quadratic equations, 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 x, cosine x, Tangent when 0° ≤ x ≤ 90°. • Values of sin x, cos x and tan x, for x = 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. |
Preparation Tips
- Adapt to the Negative Marking System: The notification strictly warns candidates that there will be a penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers marked in the Objective Type Question Papers. Specifically, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted for every incorrect response. Guesswork should be avoided to protect your aggregate score.
- Master Matriculation-Level Mathematics: If you are targeting the IMA, INA, or AFA, it is crucial to note that the standard of the Elementary Mathematics paper will be of Matriculation level. Focus your preparation entirely on foundational concepts rather than advanced graduation-level math.
- Broaden Your General Awareness: The General Knowledge paper expects a candidate to answer questions without having made a specialized study of any specific scientific subject. Cultivate a daily habit of observing everyday science and consistently track current events, Indian history, and basic geography.
- Familiarize Yourself with the OMR Rules: For both writing and marking answers on the OMR sheet, candidates are strictly mandated to use a black ball pen only. Using a pencil, ink pen, or a pen of any other color is strictly prohibited and will render your answer sheet liable for absolute rejection.
- Prepare Your Identification Documents: The commission strongly advises applicants to use their Aadhaar Card as the primary ID document for effortless verification. Keep this ID safe, as you must carry the exact Photo ID Card provided during your Universal Registration Number (URN) profile creation to all future reference points, including the Examination Hall and the SSB Interview.
- Punctuality is Non-Negotiable: Candidates must ensure they reach the examination venue well in time, at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of each session. Under no circumstances will late entry be permitted inside the exam venue.
- Avoid Banned Items: The use of any mobile phone (even in switched-off mode), pagers, electronic equipment, smartwatches, and Bluetooth devices is strictly prohibited inside the exam hall. Candidates are advised not to bring any valuable or costly items to the venue, as safe-keeping arrangements will not be made.
Read Related Blogs
| PSSSB Warder & Matron Exam Pattern and Syllabus | Click Here |
| UPSSSC Lower PCS Exam Pattern And Syllabus | Click Here |