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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts several prestigious examinations, and one of the most sought-after among them is the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam. The official notification for UPSC CDS (I) 2023 was released on December 21, 2022, on the UPSC website. This exam serves as the gateway to various esteemed military academies, including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Gaining a comprehensive grasp of the exam pattern and ensuring access to UPSC CDS Previous Year Question Papers 2023 are paramount steps to excel in the examination. In this blog, we offer both resources, so be sure to stay with us until the end!
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Total Number of Sections | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA): Three |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Two | |
| Languages in Question Paper | Hindi and English |
| Total Duration of the Test | Two hours for each section |
| Total Marks | IMA, INA, and AFA: 300 |
| OTA: 200 | |
| Type of Questions | Objective Type |
Must Read: CDS Exam 2022
UPSC CDS Previous Year Question Papers 2024: Download Here!
Table of Contents
The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a highly competitive test that requires dedicated preparation. Aspirants aiming for success in this prestigious exam understand the importance of practising with the previous year’s question papers. These papers offer invaluable insights into the exam pattern, question types, and serve as effective tools for self-assessment.
To access the UPSC CDS previous year’s question papers, candidates can conveniently download them for free from various online platforms and educational websites. These papers, spanning multiple years, allow candidates to gauge their strengths and weaknesses, identify recurring topics, and tailor their study strategy accordingly.
| Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2023 | Elementary Mathematics |
| English | |
| General Knowledge | |
| Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2023 | English |
| General Knowledge | |
| Elementary Mathematics | |
| Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2022 | English |
| General Knowledge | |
| Elementary Mathematics | |
| Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2022 | English |
| General Knowledge | |
| Elementary Mathematics | |
| Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2021 | Elementary Mathematics |
| English | |
| General Knowledge | |
| Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2021 | Elementary Mathematics |
| English | |
| General Knowledge |
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2024
The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a crucial step for those aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. To excel in this prestigious exam, it is essential to understand the examination pattern thoroughly. Here, we provide you with comprehensive insights into the UPSC CDS 2023 exam pattern.
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Total Number of Sections | |
| Academy | Number of Sections |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Three |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Three |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Three |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | Two |
| Languages in Question Paper | Hindi and English |
| Total Duration of the Test | Two hours for each section |
| Total Marks | |
| Academy | Total Marks |
| IMA, INA, and AFA | 300 |
| OTA | 200 |
| Type of Questions | Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions) |
Section Details:
For Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA)
| Section | Total Marks | Description |
| English | 100 | Tests proficiency in the English language. |
| General Knowledge | 100 | Focuses on knowledge of current events and scientific aspects. |
| Mathematics | 100 | Evaluates mathematical abilities. |
For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
| Section | Total Marks | Description |
| English | 100 | Focuses on proficiency in the English language. |
| General Knowledge | 100 | Tests knowledge of current events and more. |
Preparation Strategy for UPSC CDS 2024
To complement your UPSC CDS previous year question paper practice, here are some additional tips to help you excel in the exam:
- Detailed Study Plan: Create a detailed study plan that covers all subjects and topics. Allocate sufficient time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Quality Study Material: Refer to the recommended books for each subject, such as “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R. S. Aggarwal for Mathematics and “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis for English.
- Regular Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your progress. Simulating exam conditions will help you build confidence and improve your speed and accuracy.
- Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs, especially in the areas of politics, economics, and defence, as these topics are crucial for the General Knowledge paper.
Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC?
FAQs
To prepare for CDS 2024, begin by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. Create a study plan, focus on each subject, practice with previous papers, and consider joining a coaching institute or using online resources for guidance.
The CDS 2024 application form will be released in Feb-March 2024 and the Tentative date for the 2024 CDS 1 Exam is April 2024. Candidates should be on the lookout for the notification release on the UPSC Official Site.
To clear CDS 1 2024, follow a structured study plan, practice time management during the exam, and pay attention to all sections: English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics (if applicable). Solve mock tests, analyze mistakes, and stay updated on current affairs for the best chance of success.
For further details and the latest updates on UPSC CDS 2023, check out Leverage Edu!