UPSC-CDSE (II)

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II)

• Nationality : Candidate must be an Indian citizen, or a subject of Nepal, Bhutan or Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
• Age Limit : Generally, between 19 to 24 years of age as on January 1 of the year of exam. Age relaxation is applicable for certain categories as per UPSC norms (e.g., SC/ST, OBC).
• Educational Qualification :
  • For Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA): A degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
  • For Indian Naval Academy (INA): A degree in engineering from a recognized university or equivalent.
  • For Air Force Academy (AFA): A degree from a recognized university (specific subjects like Physics and Mathematics may be required for some branches).

Exam Pattern of UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II)

• Mode of Exam : Offline (Pen and Paper Based Test)
• Number of Papers : Two written examination papers
  • English : Objective type, 100 questions, 200 marks
  • General Knowledge : Objective type, 100 questions, 200 marks
• Marking Scheme : Each paper carries 200 marks. No negative marking.
• Subjects Covered : English, General Knowledge.
• Exam Schedule :
  • Typically held twice a year: UPSC CDS (I) in February and UPSC CDS (II) in November/December.
  • Notification release usually around October for CDS (II).

Syllabus of UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II)

• English :
  • Spot the error
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Synonyms & Antonyms
  • Idioms & Phrases
  • Sentence Improvement
  • Comprehension
• General Knowledge :
  • Current events of national and international importance
  • History of India and Indian National Movement
  • Geography of nature and economy of India and the world
  • Indian polity and governance
    • Constitution
    • Political System
    • Public Policy
  • Economic and social development
  • General science

Other Content Related to UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II)

Application Process

1. Visit the official UPSC website.
2. Look for the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II) notification under "What's New" or "Examinations" section.
3. Read the detailed notification carefully regarding eligibility, syllabus, exam dates, and application guidelines.
4. Register yourself using a valid email ID and mobile number.
5. Fill in the online application form with personal, educational, and other required details.
6. Upload scanned copies of photograph and signature as per specifications.
7. Pay the application fee online through net banking/credit/debit card (fee exemptions apply as per categories).
8. Submit the application and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Courses Offered

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
• Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai

Facts about the Exam

• Conducted twice a year for recruitment into the Defence Forces.
• One of the prestigious exams for entry into Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers.
• Comprises written exam followed by SSB Interview and medical examination.
• Clearing written exam leads to next stages of selection.

Admit Card

• Available to download on the official UPSC website approximately 3 weeks before the exam date.
• Login using registration ID and date of birth.
• Contains important details like exam center, date, timing, and instructions.
• Carry original admit card and photo ID proof to the exam center.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are announced on the official UPSC website.
• Cut-off marks vary year to year based on exam difficulty and number of vacancies.
• Only candidates meeting or exceeding cut-offs qualify for the next stage (SSB Interview).

Preparation Tips

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
• Refer to standard English grammar and vocabulary books.
• Regularly read newspapers and current affairs magazines for General Knowledge.
• Practice previous years' question papers and mock tests.
• Maintain a disciplined study schedule and focus on weak areas.
• Recommended books include Wren & Martin for English, Lucent's General Knowledge.
• Use online resources like official UPSC notifications, online mock tests, and forums.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: How many times is the UPSC CDS exam conducted in a year?
  A: Twice, CDS (I) in February and CDS (II) in November/December.
• Q: Is there any negative marking in the written exam?
  A: No, there is no negative marking.
• Q: Can I apply offline for UPSC CDS exam?
  A: No, applications are accepted only online through the UPSC website.
• Q: What after clearing the written exam?
  A: Qualified candidates are called for the SSB Interview and medical examination.
• Q: Where can I download the admit card?
  A: From the official UPSC website by logging in with your registration ID and date of birth.