The Combined Defence Force (CDS) is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is one of the most competitive exams in India. The syllabus for this exam is very vast and candidates should begin their preparation as early as possible to successfully clear this exam. This exam is conducted in offline mode twice a year and consists of Multiple Choice Questions in English or Hindi medium. The IMA/INA/ AFA is for 300 marks and the OTA is for 200 marks. The time duration for each exam is 2 hours. Candidates should carefully read the marking scheme as 1/3rd marks is deducted for each wrong answer. To know more about the CDS exam 2024, Syllabus, exam pattern, No. of attempts allowed, etc refer to the full article.
Important Dates
Below are a few dates that are important for candidates willing to attempt the examination.
CDS 1 Subject – Wise Syllabus 2024
The Exam Syllabus for the CDS exam is very wide, which makes it important for every candidate appearing for the exam to thoroughly read it and make their preparation strategies accordingly. The subject-wise syllabus is mentioned below
1. ENGLISH
• Comprehension passages
• Synonyms and antonyms
• Fill in the blanks
• Error spotting
• Sentence improvement
• Jumbled sentences
• Idioms and phrases
• Grammar and usage
• Parts of speech
• Direct and indirect speech
• Active and passive voice
• Rearrangement of sentences
2. General Knowledge
• Current Affairs – National Events, International Events, Sports, Awards and Honours, Books & Authors, Polity-related major issues, Economics, Social Issues.
• History - Ancient History of India, Medieval History of India, Modern History of India.
• Geography - Physical Geography, Economical Geography, Environment and Ecology.
• Indian Polity and Governance
• Economic and Social Development
• Science and Technology
• Defence and Security Issues
3. Mathematics
• Number System - Natural Numbers, Integers, Rational and Real Numbers, Fundamental Operations, Square Roots, Decimal Fractions, Unitary Method, Time and Distance/Work, Percentage & Ratio Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss
• Elementary Number Theory – Division, Prime & Composite Numbers, Tests of Divisibility, Multiples and Factors, Factorisation Theorem, HCF and LCM, Euclidean Algorithm, Logarithm
• Algebra - Basic Operations, Simple Factors, Remainder Theorem, Polynomials, Quadratic Equations, Linear Equations, Laws of Indices.
• Trigonometry
• Geometry
• Mensuration
• Statistics
CDS Subject Weightage 2024
It is important for all candidates who are appearing for this exam to know about the subject weightage, allowing them to focus more on subjects with higher weightage.
Number of Attempts Allowed
According to the Age limit, the number of attempts allowed to attempt the CDS examination can vary. Given below is the table that will help you to understand the Number of attempts allowed for the CDS examination 2024:
1. FOR OTA
2. FOR AFA
CDS Exam Preparation Strategy
The CDS exam is conducted twice a year. A large number of candidates apply for this limited no. of positions. A proper strategy will help you achieve your goals.
· Know the exam pattern: The initial step to appearing for any competitive exam is to make an effective strategy and grasp all the knowledge related to the exam structure, duration, and no. of questions.
· Make a schedule: A proper plan is necessary to clear any competitive exam as it will help you to manage your timeline and comply with the same.
· Assessment of the syllabus: Due attention should be paid to assessing the blueprint of the syllabus with special emphasis on prioritizing the most important topics followed by the least important ones.
· Thorough practice of PYQ’s: Marking Scheme along with the type of questions asked is the pre-requisite of a topper candidate. PYQs provide clear guidance for the aforementioned.
· Note Making: jotting down the important pointers will facilitate the final run-through a day before an exam in order to recall every significant Key Result Area (KRAs) at once.
· Mock Examination: Mock exams provide an exam-like atmosphere before the final day of the examination. This helps in time management during exams as well as helps in identifying areas that require more attention.
· Positive and Stressfree Mindset: This will help you to build your confidence and eventually push you to achieve your maximum potential without any self-doubt.