CDS Exam Pattern 2025, OTA, IMA, INA and AFA Exam Pattern

The Combined Defence Services ( CDS) Exam is conducted by the UPSC biannually. Lakhs of aspirants appear in the CDS exam with a dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces. The CDS Exam is the most important exam for both male and female graduates to fulfill their aim by joining the defense forces of India. It is considered one of the hardest nut to crack as the finally selected candidates ratio is much less than that of candidates who fill the examination form.

CDS Exam Pattern

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) conducts the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam twice a year to recruit candidates for the position of Lieutenant (On Commission) in various defense academies. The CDS 1 2025 notification was released on 11th December 2024 for 457 posts. It is essential for candidates to be well-versed with the CDS exam pattern to effectively prepare for the examination.

In this article, we are going to discuss the CDS Exam pattern thoroughly to help candidates in their CDS exam preparation. Candidates are often confused about the CDS  Exam Pattern regarding the OTA, IMA, INA and AFA Exam Pattern. Here they can get clarity about the CDS Exam Pattern 2025.

CDS Exam Pattern 2025

According to the CDS Exam Pattern 2025, The CDS Exam Process is divided into two key components. the CDS Written Examination and the SSB Interview. The candidates must clear both stages. Candidates must note that to be eligible for the CDS SSB Interview, He/She must clear the CDS Written Examination. The CDS Written examination is conducted in three shifts English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. They are named Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3 respectively. Read further to know about the academy-wise CDS Exam Pattern.

1. Written Examination
2. Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test: SSB Interview

CDS Exam Pattern: Written Examination

According to the latest CDS Exam Pattern, The CDS Written Examination consists of three subjects, English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. The time duration for each CDS Paper is 2 hours. lets see the academy, time duration, maximum age limit, and other important details.

(a) For Admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy:

For admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA), the written examination follows the CDS exam pattern. The examination consists of three subjects: English (Subject Code 11), with a duration of 2 hours and a total of 100 marks; General Knowledge (Subject Code 12), also for 2 hours with 100 marks; and Elementary Mathematics (Subject Code 13), which is conducted for 2 hours and carries 100 marks.

1. Objective Type Questions: All the papers will consist of objective type questions. The General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers will be available in both Hindi and English languages.
2. Metric System of Weights and Measures: Questions in the examination will be set with reference to the metric system of weights and measures wherever applicable.
3. Writing the Papers: Candidates are required to write the papers on their own. Under no circumstances will they be permitted to use a scribe to assist them in writing their answers.
4. Qualifying Marks: The Commission has the discretion to set qualifying marks for each subject of the examination. Candidates must meet these qualifying marks to be eligible for further stages of selection.
5. No Use of Calculators: Candidates are not allowed to use calculators during the examination. They should ensure that they do not bring calculators into the examination hall.