The UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment of officers into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Here’s a detailed overview of the UPSC CDS exam pattern:
- For Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA):
a. Written Examination:
- Duration: 2 hours for each paper.
- Total Marks: 100 for English, 100 for General Knowledge, and 100 for Elementary Mathematics.
- Type: Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question will be deducted as penalty for wrong answers.
b. SSB Interview:
- Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the SSB interview conducted by the Services Selection Board.
- The interview assesses candidates’ suitability for the armed forces based on various psychological and physical aspects.
- For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA):
a. Written Examination:
- Duration: 2 hours for each paper (English and General Knowledge).
- Total Marks: 100 for each paper.
- Type: Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question will be deducted as penalty for wrong answers.
b. SSB Interview:
- Same as mentioned above for IMA, INA, and AFA.
Note: Candidates applying for OTA do not need to appear for the Elementary Mathematics paper.
Candidates must qualify both the written examination and the SSB interview to be eligible for final selection. The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks obtained in the written examination and the SSB interview.
It’s important for candidates to familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and syllabus, practice previous years’ question papers, and prepare thoroughly for both the written examination and the SSB interview to increase their chances of selection in the UPSC CDS examination.
