CDS Official Notification 2024, Exam Pattern and Syllabus Released


The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recently issued the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS I) 2024 on December 20, marking the beginning of an important phase for aspiring candidates aiming to serve in the defense forces. This prestigious examination offers a pathway for individuals to join various defense services including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Candidates eager to seize this opportunity can submit their applications through the official website of UPSC, upsc.gov.in, until January 9, 2024.

The notification encompasses essential details such as vacancy information, eligibility criteria, application process, and significant dates that candidates need to be mindful of. With vacancies across different defense academies and services, the CDS I examination presents a plethora of opportunities for individuals keen on a career in the armed forces. Eligibility criteria outline the educational qualifications, age limits, and physical standards that candidates must fulfill to be eligible for the examination.

The application process entails registering on the UPSC website, filling out the application form, and uploading relevant documents before the specified deadline. It is imperative for candidates to adhere to the timelines and guidelines provided by UPSC to ensure a smooth application process. Overall, the release of the CDS I 2024 notification signifies the commencement of a rigorous yet rewarding journey for aspirants aspiring to serve their nation through the defense forces.

CDS Exam Overview

AspectDetails
ExaminationCombined Defence Services Examination (CDS I) 2024
Notification ReleaseDecember 20, 2023
Application DeadlineJanuary 9, 2024
Official Websiteupsc.gov.in
Vacancy InformationAvailable in the notification
Eligibility CriteriaEducational qualifications, age limits, and physical standards
Application ProcessOnline application through the UPSC website, with required documents

This table succinctly outlines the essential information regarding the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS I) 2024, including the notification release date, application deadline, official website for application submission, vacancy details, eligibility criteria, and the application process.

CBS Vacancy Details:

  1. Indian Military Academy, Dehradun: 100 vacancies
  2. Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala: 32 vacancies
  3. Air Force Academy, Hyderabad: 32 vacancies
  4. Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Men): 275 vacancies
  5. Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Women): 18 vacancies

CDS Syllabus 2024

CDS Syllabus 2024- Overview
Exam Conducting BodyUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam NameCombined Defence Services (CDS)
Mode of examOffline
Number of sectionsIndian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA) – Three 
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Two
Total marks of the testIMA, INA and AFA – 300 
OTA – 200
Nature of questionsObjective type
CDS 1 EXAM DATE21st April 2024
Language of question paperHindi and English
Duration of the test2 hours for each section of test

CDS Exam Pattern :

SubjectDurationMaximum marks
English2 hours100
General Knowledge2 hours100
Elementary Mathematics2 hours100

CDS Exam Pattern for OTA

SubjectDurationMaximum marks
English2 hours100
General Knowledge2 hours100

CDS Syllabus 2024

Negative marking is applicable for every wrong-marked answer. In paper, each question carries 4 options and out of which only 1 option is correct. For each incorrect answer, 1/3 of the marks will be deducted. More than one option marked is treated as incorrect. However, if a question is left unanswered there will be no negative marking.

CDS Syllabus 2024- Subject-Wise Syllabus

SectionsTopics
EnglishSpotting Errors QuestionsSentence Arrangement QuestionsSynonyms & AntonymsSelecting WordsOrdering of SentenceComprehension QuestionsOrdering of words in a sentenceFill in the blanks questionsIdioms and Phrases
General Awareness (GK)EconomicsPhysicsCurrent AffairsPoliticsChemistrySociologyHistoryDefence related AwardGeographyEnvironmentSportBiologyCulturalBookStatementtrue/false
Elementary MathematicsAlgebraBasic Operationssimple factorsRemainder TheoremH.C.F.L.C.M.Theory of polynomialssolutions of quadratic equationsrelation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered)Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutionsSimultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutionsPractical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable & their solutionsSet language and set notationRational expressions and conditional identitiesLaws of indices
ArithematicNumber System: Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers.Fundamental operations: addition, substraction, multiplication, division, Square roots, Decimal fractionsUnitary methodtime and distancetime and workpercentagesapplications to simple and compound interestprofit and lossratio and proportionvariationElementary Number Theory: Division algorithmPrime and composite numbersTests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11Multiples and factors. Factorisation TheoremH.C.F. and L.C.M.Euclidean algorithmLogarithms to base 10laws of logarithmsuse of logarithmic tables
TrigonometrySine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90°Values of sin ×, cos × and tan ×, for ×= 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°Simple trigonometric identitiesUse of trigonometric tablesSimple cases of heights and distances
GeometryLines and anglesPlane and plane figuresTheorems on Properties of angles at a pointParallel linesSides and angles of a triangleCongruency of trianglesSimilar trianglesConcurrence of medians and altitudesProperties of anglessides and diagonals of a Parallelogramrectangle and squareCircles and its properties including tangents and normalsLoci
MensurationAreas of squaresrectanglesparallelogramstriangle and circleAreas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book)Surface area and volume of cuboidslateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinderssurface area and volume of spheres
StatisticsCollection and tabulation of statistical data* Graphical representation frequency polygons* histograms* bar charts* pie charts etc* Measures of central tendency

CDS Age Limit:

Candidates applying for UPSC CDS I 2024 must be between 20 to 24 years of age as of January 1, 2025.

CDS NOTIFICATION:

CDS Application Fee:

  • The application fee is Rs. 200/- (Rupees Two Hundred Only).
  • Female/SC/ST candidates are exempted from the fee.
  • Payment methods include cash deposit at any SBI branch, or online payment through Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or internet banking.

Educational Qualifications:

  • For Indian Military Academy and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai: A degree from a recognized University or equivalent.
  • For Indian Naval Academy: A degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
  • For Air Force Academy: A degree from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.

CDS Application Process:

  • Candidates can apply online through the official website, upsc.gov.in.
  • The application correction window will be open from January 10, 2024, to January 16, 2024.

CDS Admit Card:

The admit cards will be available seven days before the commencement of the examination.

What is UPSC CDS I 2024?

UPSC CDS I 2024 refers to the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.

What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS I 2024?

The deadline for submitting the application for UPSC CDS I 2024 is January 9, 2024.

What is the age limit for UPSC CDS I 2024?

Candidates should be between 20 to 24 years of age as of January 1, 2025.

what is the application fee for UPSC CDS I 2024?

The application fee is Rs. 200/- for candidates (except Female/SC/ST candidates who are exempted from the fee).

When will the admit cards for UPSC CDS I 2024 be released?

The admit cards will be released seven days before the commencement of the examination.

What are the educational qualifications for UPSC CDS I 2024?

Educational qualifications vary based on the academy:For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy: Degree from a recognized University or equivalent.
For Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
For Air Force Academy: Degree from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.