UPSC-CDSE (I)

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: A candidate must have a degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
• Age Limit: Typically between 19 to 24 years (age relaxation applicable for reserved categories as per government norms).
• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with intent to settle permanently.

Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper-based)
• Number of Papers: 2 written papers followed by an interview/SSB test
  1. English: 100 questions, 2 hours, maximum 200 marks
  2. General Knowledge: 100 questions, 2 hours, maximum 200 marks
• Marking Scheme: Each paper carries 200 marks; no negative marking
• Subjects Covered: English, General Knowledge
• Interview/SSB: Following written exams, included for personality and suitability assessment
• Exam Notification: Usually released in the month of December
• Exam Dates: Generally conducted in February and September (twice a year)

Syllabus

• English:
  • Spotting errors
  • Synonyms and Antonyms
  • Vocabulary
  • Comprehension
  • Sentence completion and correct usage
  • Basic grammar and testing of functional vocabulary
• General Knowledge:
  • Current events - National and International
  • History - India and World
  • Geography - India and World
  • Polity
  • General Science
  • Economics
  • Sports
  • Basic English and grammar (contextual)

Other Content

Application Process

1. Visit the official UPSC website: https://www.upsc.gov.in/
2. Navigate to 'Examinations' and select 'Combined Defence Services Examination (I)'.
3. Click on the 'Online Application Form'.
4. Register yourself by providing basic details and create a login.
5. Fill the application form with necessary personal, educational, and contact details.
6. Upload scanned documents and photograph as per specified guidelines.
7. Pay the application fee through the provided online payment methods.
8. Submit the application and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Courses Offered

• Training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
• Officers training for Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force

Facts about the Exam

• Conducted twice a year.
• Highly competitive with a rigorous selection process.
• Opportunity to join prestigious armed forces as commissioned officers.

Admit Card

• Admit cards can be downloaded from the official UPSC website usually 3 weeks before the examination.
• Use registration ID to log in and download the admit card.
• Check all details on the admit card carefully.
• Carry the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are declared on the UPSC official website under the 'Results' section.
• Cut-offs are based on the number of candidates, difficulty level, and category reservation.
• Candidates clearing the cut-off qualify for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.

Preparation Tips

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
• Read newspapers daily for current affairs.
• Refer to NCERT books for basics and standard reference books for advanced topics.
• Practice previous years' question papers and mock tests.
• Develop time management and answer writing skills.
• Stay physically fit and build mental stamina.

FAQs

• Q: How many attempts are allowed?
  A: Attempt limits are as per government and defense service norms, generally up to 4-6 attempts depending on category and age.
• Q: Can female candidates apply?
  A: Yes, female candidates are eligible and encouraged to apply.
• Q: Is there any negative marking?
  A: No negative marking in written papers.
• Q: What is the level of English required?
  A: Basic to intermediate understanding for comprehension and grammar.