FAQs on Combined Defence Services CDS Exam 2023 (I)

Frequently asked questions on CDS Exam 2023 (I)

Combined Defence Service Examination [CDSE] is a written test consisting of three papers which is conducted in order to enable recruitment of officers in the three wings of the defence services, i.e. the Army, Navy and the Airforce. The next Combined Defence Services CDS Exam 2023 paper (I) will be conducted on 16th April 2023. The exam is conducted twice in a year the first one in February and the second one in September.

Where can I see the Latest CDS Notification?

1. You can look for the UPSC CDS notification by simply clicking on the link here

What is the syllabus of CDS (I) Exam 2023?

The standard of the papers in Elementary Mathematics will be of Matriculation level. The standard of papers in other subjects will approximately be such as may be expected of a graduate of an Indian University. To be updated in General Knowledge and General Awareness it is suggested that you read newspapers daily. This will not only help to improve your English but also keep you updated on General Knowledge.

Please let me know the eligibility for CDS?

i) For Indian Military Academy/Officers’ Training Academy: Degree from a recognized university or equivalent

ii) For Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognisedUniversity/Institution

iii) For Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognized University with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering

Graduates with first choice as Army/Navy/Air Force are to submit proof of graduation provisional certificate on the date of commencement of the SSB interview at the SSB

For CDS exam, applicants can be from any stream but for entry to Air Force and Navy, candidates should have studied physics and maths up to Class 12

Candidates who are studying in the final year degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply but they will be required to subject proof of passing the degree examination to reach the Army Head Quarter/Rtd CDSE Entry, West Bloc III, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066

Candidates appearing at the degree or equivalent examination are also eligible to compete. Such candidates will be required to submit the proof of passing the requisite qualifying examination by a date to be specified in the Commission’s Notice for the Examination.

In the event of Air Force candidates being suspended from Flying Training for failure to learn flying, they would be absorbed in the Navigation Branch of the IAF. This will be subject to availability of vacancies and fulfilling the laid down qualitative requirements (including 60% in graduation)

What is the Procedure for applying CDS (I) 2023 online?

Candidates are required to apply online only using the link www.upsconline.nic.in click here to apply

The applicants are advised to submit only single application, however if due to any unavoidable situation, if he/she submits another/multiple applications, then he/she must ensure that application with the higher RID (Registration ID) is complete in all respects like applicants’ details, examination centre, photograph, signature, fee etc

The applicants who are submitting multiple applications should note that only the applications with higher RID (Registration ID) shall be entertained by the commission and fee paid against one RID shall not be adjusted against any other RID.

Candidates are not required to submit alongwith their applications any certificate in support of their claims regarding age, educational qualifications, SC/ST/OBC and fee remission etc.

The eligible candidates shall be issued an e-Admission Certificate three weeks before the commencement of the examination

The e-Admission Certificate will be made available in the UPSC website www.upsc.gov.in for downloading by candidates. No admission certificate will be sent by post

Information in this regard can also be obtained from the Facilitation Counter located in the Commission’s Office either in person or over telephone 011-2338527/011-23381125/011-23098543

Admit Card

The eligible candidates shall be issued an e-Admit Card three weeks before the commencement of the exam; the e-Admit Card will be made available on the UPSC website www.upsc.gov.in for downloading by candidates. No e-Admit Card will be sent by post

All the applicants are required to provide valid & active e-mail ID while filling up online application form as the Commission may use electronic mode for contacting them

Please suggest best books for CDS preparation

Listed below are the some books:

Arihant CDS Entrance Examination (Self Study Guide) written by Dr. Satyajeet Rawat, Brijesh Tripathi & Neetika Goyal

Asian Combined Defence Services Exam Guide written by R. P. Verma

Combined Defence Services Exam Guide written by Datason Rp

What is the date of CDS (I) 2023 examination?

1. The CDS (I) exam for 2023 will be held on 16th April 2023

What is the difference between CDS and NDA Exam?

1.  Where the NDA examinations recruit for the Army, Naval and Air Force whereas the CDS examinations are conducted for recruitment for IMA, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and OTA.

What is the selection procedure after CDS?

The candidates will be provided admission to INA, IMA, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy through Written Examination, Personality Test and Interview

The candidates will be placed in the order of merit on the basis of the total marks secured by them in the written examination and in the SSB tests. The final selection will be made in order of merit subject to medical fitness and suitability in all other respects and number of vacancies available

What is the age limitation for appearing for CDS (I) 2023?

For IMA – Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2000 and not later than 1st January, 2005 only are eligible

For Indian Naval Academy – Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2000 and not later than 1st January, 2005 only are eligible.

For Air Force Academy – 20 to 24 years as on 1st January, 2024 i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January, 2000 and not later than 1st January, 2004 (Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January, 1998 and not later than 1st January, 2004 only are eligible.

For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for men) unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 1999 and not later than 1st January, 2005 only are eligible.

For Officers’ Training Academy – (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2nd January, 1999 and not later than 1st January, 2005.