The Combined Defense Services (CDS) examination is a highly competitive and sought-after exam for individuals aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the CDS exam is held twice a year, and CDS 2/2023 is the second iteration of the exam in the year 2023. To excel in the CDS 2/2023 exam, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the syllabus, exam pattern, and marking scheme. In this article, we will delve into the detailed syllabus, exam pattern, and marking scheme of CDS 2/2023.
CDS 2/2023 Syllabus And Exam Pattern
Table of Contents
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Number of sections | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA)-Three Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Two |
| Total marks of the test | IMA, INA, and AFA – 300 OTA – 200 |
| Nature of questions | Objective type |
| Language of question paper | Hindi and English |
| Duration of the test | 2 hours for each section of the test |
Exam Pattern for CDS 2/2023:
The CDS 2/2023 exam is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper-based). The exam pattern for CDS 2/2023 is as follows:
- For Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy:
- English: 2 hours, 100 marks
- General Knowledge: 2 hours, 100 marks
- Elementary Mathematics: 2 hours, 100 marks
- For Officers’ Training Academy:
- English: 2 hours, 100 marks
- General Knowledge: 2 hours, 100 marks
Note: There is no mathematics paper for candidates applying for the Officers’ Training Academy.
Find the CDS IMA, INA, and AFA Exam pattern in the table below:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 |
CDS OTA Exam Pattern 2023
| Subject | Duration | Maximum marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
Syllabus for CDS 2/2023:
The CDS 2/2023 exam consists of three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Let’s take a closer look at the syllabus for each paper:
- English:
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Error detection
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Sentence completion
- Ordering of words in a sentence
- General Knowledge:
- Current affairs
- History of India
- Geography
- Indian polity
- Indian economy
- General science
- Static GK (sports, awards, books, etc.)
- Elementary Mathematics:
- Arithmetic (number system, ratio and proportion, percentages, averages, time and work, etc.)
- Algebra (basic operations, quadratic equations, linear equations, etc.)
- Geometry (lines and angles, triangles, circles, etc.)
- Trigonometry (trigonometric ratios, heights and distances)
- Mensuration (areas, volumes)
- Statistics (data interpretation, graphical representation)
Marking Scheme for CDS 2/2023:
To understand the marking scheme of CDS 2/2023, it is important to know the following key points:
- Negative Marking: For each incorrect answer, one-third (0.33) of the marks allotted to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
- Unattempted Questions: There is no penalty for unattempted questions. No marks will be deducted for questions left unanswered.
- Overall Score Calculation: The overall score for each paper is calculated by adding the marks obtained in correct answers and subtracting the penalty for incorrect answers.
- Final Merit List: The final merit list is prepared based on the cumulative scores of all papers and the cutoff determined by the UPSC.
It is important to note that the CDS exam pattern and marking scheme may be subject to change. Therefore, candidates are advised to refer to the official notification and syllabus released by the UPSC for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
To excel in the CDS 2/2023 exam, candidates must have a clear understanding of the syllabus, exam pattern, and marking scheme. By familiarizing themselves with the topics in the syllabus and practicing through mock tests, candidates can enhance their knowledge, time management skills, and problem-solving abilities. It is also essential to stay updated with current affairs and maintain a regular study schedule. With diligent preparation and a thorough understanding of the exam structure, candidates can increase their chances of success in the CDS 2/2023 examination and move closer to their dream of serving the nation as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
