CDS 2025 Exam Pattern: Paper Structure, Marking Scheme, and Selection Process

EaseToLearn is providing an exclusive interface for your COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES EXAMINATION 2025. Get the latest updated CDS mock test series, CDS previous year question papers, CDS Question Bank, and CDS Study material. Sign up for the Easetolearn CDS Course to get the Latest CDS Exam Pattern 2025 Exam.

Easetolearn will give students all the information regarding the Exam Pattern of the CDS 2025 Exam. It will make it easier for students to understand the pattern of the CDS exam like a total number of questions, the marking scheme, the sections of the exam, and the duration of the exam.

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Note-The maximum marks allotted to the written examination and to the interviews will be equal for each course i.e. the maximum marks allotted to the written examination and to the interviews will be 300, 300, 300 and 200 each for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers’ Training Academy respectively.

To be selected for the interview round, candidates must pass the CDS Written Examination. Exam schedules are listed below for each position.

• Each paper will contain multiple-choice questions.

• The question paper for General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set in Hindi as well as English.

• There will be a penalty of 1/3 (0.33) marks for a wrong answer.

• Each exam has a different duration of two hours.

• Candidates must use a black ball pen to write and mark answers on the CDS OMR page (Answer page).

CDA Exam Pattern 2025 : FAQs

1. Q: How many papers are there in the CDS Examination?
• A: The CDS Examination typically consists of three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. However, the specific subjects may vary for different academies.

2. Q: Is the CDS Examination conducted in an online or offline mode?
• A: The CDS Examination is conducted in an offline (pen-and-paper) mode.

3. Q: Are the questions in the CDS Examination objective or subjective?
• A: The questions in the CDS Examination are mostly objective (multiple-choice questions) in all three papers.

4. Q: What is the duration of each paper in the CDS Examination?
• A: The duration of each paper varies. For example, the English paper is typically of 2 hours duration, and the Elementary Mathematics paper is of 2 hours duration.

5. Q: What is the marking scheme in the CDS Examination?
• A: The marking scheme includes positive marks for correct answers and negative marks for incorrect answers in the objective-type questions. The exact marking scheme may vary for different papers.

6. Q: Can I use a calculator in the CDS Examination?
• A: The use of a calculator is generally not allowed in the CDS Examination. Candidates need to rely on their problem-solving skills and mathematical abilities.

7. Q: Is there negative marking in the CDS Examination for incorrect answers?
• A: Yes, there is negative marking for incorrect answers in the objective-type questions of the CDS Examination.

8. Q: Can I find the detailed CDS Examination Pattern on the official website?
• A: Yes, the detailed examination pattern is usually provided in the official CDS Examination notification released by the UPSC. Candidates can access this information on the official UPSC website.

9. Q: Are there any changes in the CDS Examination Pattern every year?
• A: While the core structure remains consistent, there may be occasional updates or modifications to the examination pattern. Any changes are typically communicated through the official notification.

10. Q: Can I choose the order of papers in the CDS Examination?
• A: The order of papers in the CDS Examination is usually fixed, and candidates are required to follow the sequence specified in the exam instructions.

11. Q: How can I prepare for the General Knowledge paper in the CDS Examination?
• A: To prepare for the General Knowledge paper, stay updated on current affairs, study history, geography, politics, economics, and other related topics. Reading newspapers and magazines can be beneficial.

12. Q: Can I find online resources or apps for CDS Exam preparation based on the pattern?
• A: Yes, EaseToLearn online platforms and educational apps provide study materials, video lectures, and practice questions aligned with the CDS Exam pattern. These resources can be valuable for preparation.