UPSC CDS 2023 exam is an important gateway for candidates who aspire to serve their country in the Indian Armed Forces. UPSC has released CDS-1 Admit Card 2023 on 24/03/2023 for all the candidates who have successfully submitted their application for CDS (I) 2023.

In this article, I will provide in-depth guide to UPSC CDS 2023 exam, including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, selection procedure, and preparation tips. Whether you’re a first-time candidate or a seasoned aspirant, this article will equip you with all the information you need to crack the UPSC CDS 2023 exam and pursue a fulfilling career in the Indian Armed Forces.

Brief information about UPSC CDS 2023

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination twice a year to recruit candidates for various officer-level positions in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The objective of conducting the UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) 2023 exam is to select suitable candidates for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

The UPSC CDS 2023 exam aims to test the candidate’s aptitude and knowledge in areas such as English, general knowledge, mathematics, and analytical ability. It is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to think critically, solve problems, and demonstrate leadership qualities, which are essential for a career in the Indian Armed Forces.

The UPSC CDS 2023 exam provides an opportunity for candidates who aspire to serve their country in the Armed Forces. It offers a challenging and rewarding career with opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a chance to make a positive impact on the nation.

Important dates of UPSC CDS 2023

Application fee for UPSC CDS 2023

You can pay the fees of examination through Challan or online mode by Net Banking, Debit Card and Credit Card.

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Vacancy details of UPSC CDS 2023

What is the eligibility for UPSC CDS 2023 ?

The eligibility criteria for UPSC CDS 2023 exam is as follows:

1. Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India.
2. Age Limit: The age limit for UPSC CDS 2023 exam varies depending on the particular post and the branch of the Armed Forces for which the candidate is applying. The age limit for different posts are as follows:
   • Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2000 and not later than 1st January 2005 are eligible to apply.
   • Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2000 and not later than 1st January 2005 are eligible to apply.
   • Air Force Academy (AFA): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2005 are eligible to apply.
   • Officers Training Academy (OTA) (for Men): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 1999 and not later than 1st January 2005 are eligible to apply.
   • Officers Training Academy (OTA) (for Women): Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible to apply. They must have been born not earlier than 2nd January 1999 and not later than 1st January 2005.
3. Educational Qualification: The educational qualification for different posts are as follows:
   • For Indian Military Academy and Officers Training Academy: The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution.
   • For Indian Naval Academy: The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a recognized university or institution.
   • For Air Force Academy: The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a recognized university or institution, or a bachelor’s degree with physics and mathematics at 10+2 level.
4. Physical Standards: The candidate must meet the prescribed physical standards for the particular post and the branch of the Armed Forces for which the candidate is applying.

Examination Centres

The examination will be conducted almost all over the India. For detailed information of examination Centres, please download official notification for the link given below.

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Syllabus for UPSC CDS 2023

The syllabus for UPSC CDS 2023 exam consists of three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The detailed syllabus for each paper is as follows:

1. English:
   • Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Homonyms, Sentence Correction, and Word Substitution.
   • Grammar: Spotting Errors, Sentence Arrangement, Jumbled Sentences, and Fill in the Blanks.
   • Comprehension: Reading Comprehension and Cloze Test.
2. General Knowledge:
   • General Knowledge: Current Affairs, Indian Economy, Indian Polity, Geography, History, and Science.
   • General Knowledge related to Defence: Defence related Awards, Inventions, Achievements, and Miscellaneous.
3. Elementary Mathematics:
   • Arithmetic: Number System, Decimal Fractions, Ratio and Proportion, Square Roots and Cube Roots, Time and Distance, Time and Work, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Percentage, and Average.
   • Algebra: Basic Operations, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, and Arithmetic Progressions.
   • Geometry: Lines and Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, and Mensuration.
   • Trigonometry: Trigonometric Ratios, Heights and Distances.
   • Statistics: Collection and Tabulation of Statistical Data, Graphical Representation, Measures of Central Tendency, and Dispersion.

Candidates are advised to go through the detailed syllabus and prepare accordingly for the exam. They can refer to various study materials, including books, online resources, and previous years’ question papers, to prepare for the exam.

Selection procedure of UPSC CDS 2023

The selection procedure for UPSC CDS 2023 exam consists of the following stages:

1. Written Examination: The first stage of the selection procedure is the written examination, which consists of three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The duration of each paper is two hours, and the maximum marks for each paper are 100. The written examination is conducted in offline mode.
2. Interview: Candidates who qualify for the written examination will be called for the interview by the Service Selection Board (SSB). The SSB interview is conducted in two stages: Stage I and Stage II. Stage I consists of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Candidates who qualify for Stage I will be eligible to appear for Stage II. Stage II consists of Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference.
3. Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the SSB interview will have to undergo a medical examination to assess their physical fitness for the particular post and the branch of the Armed Forces for which they have applied.
4. Final Merit List: The final merit list will be prepared based on the candidate’s performance in the written examination and SSB interview. Candidates who are placed high in the merit list and clear the medical examination will be selected for the particular post and the branch of the Armed Forces for which they have applied.

Candidates are advised to prepare well for each stage of the selection procedure and maintain their physical and mental fitness throughout the process. They should also keep a check on the official website for updates and notifications regarding the exam and selection procedure.

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Documents required for apply UPSC CDS 2023

The following documents are required for applying for UPSC CDS 2023:

1. Aadhaar card: It is mandatory to have an Aadhaar card to apply for UPSC CDS 2023 exam.
2. Educational qualification certificate: Candidates must have the educational qualification certificate, i.e., degree/diploma certificate, as per the eligibility criteria mentioned in the notification.
3. Age proof certificate: Candidates must have a valid age proof certificate such as a birth certificate, class 10th certificate, or any other equivalent certificate.
4. Passport size photographs: Candidates should keep multiple passport size photographs handy as they need to be uploaded during the application process.
5. Caste certificate (if applicable): Candidates belonging to the reserved category must have a valid caste certificate issued by the competent authority.
6. NOC (if applicable): Candidates working in any government department or organization must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer to appear for the exam.
7. Domicile certificate (if applicable): Candidates who are applying under the reserved category must have a valid domicile certificate issued by the competent authority.

Candidates must keep the above documents ready before filling the application form. They should also keep a scanned copy of all the documents handy, as they need to upload them during the application process.

How to apply for UPSC CDS 2023

Candidates can apply for UPSC CDS 2023 exam through the official website of UPSC. The application process consists of two parts – Part I and Part II. The step-by-step process to apply for UPSC CDS 2023 exam is as follows:

Part-I Registration:

1. Visit the official website of UPSC at www.upsc.gov.in.
2. Click on the “Online Application for Various Examinations” link.
3. Click on the “Click Here for PART-I Registration” link under the CDS 2023 exam section.
4. Read the instructions carefully and click on the “Yes” button.
5. Fill in the required details such as name, father’s name, mother’s name, date of birth, email id, mobile number, and other personal details.
6. After filling in the details, click on the “Continue” button.
7. Upload the scanned copies of the photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size.
8. Make the payment of the application fee online or offline.
9. Take a printout of the application form after submitting Part I Registration.

Part-II Registration:

1. Click on the “Part-II Registration” link under the CDS 2023 exam section.
2. Enter the registration number and date of birth, as generated during Part I Registration.
3. Fill in the required details such as educational qualification, address, and other details.
4. Upload the scanned copies of the required documents.
5. Submit the application form and take a printout of the application form for future reference.

Candidates are advised to fill in the application form carefully and cross-check all the details before submitting it. They should also keep a copy of the application form and the fee payment receipt for future reference.

How to download UPSC CDS Admit Card 2023

UPSC has released CDS-1 Admit Card 2023 on 24/03/2023 for all the candidates who have successfully submitted their application for CDS (I) 2023. Candidates can download the UPSC CDS 2023 Admit Card from the official website of UPSC. The step-by-step process to download the admit card is as follows:

1. Visit the official website of UPSC at www.upsc.gov.in.
2. Click on the “Admit Cards” link available on the homepage.
3. Click on the “e-Admit Cards for Various Examinations of UPSC” link.
4. Click on the “Download” link under the CDS 2023 exam section.
5. Enter the required details such as registration number, date of birth, and captcha code.
6. Click on the “Submit” button.
7. The UPSC CDS 2023 Admit Card will appear on the screen.
8. Download and take a printout of the admit card.

Candidates must check all the details mentioned in the admit card carefully. In case of any discrepancy, they should immediately contact the examination authorities for rectification. Candidates must carry the admit card to the examination hall along with a valid photo ID proof. Without the admit card, candidates will not be allowed to appear for the exam.

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How to prepare for UPSC CDS 2023

Preparing for UPSC CDS 2023 requires dedication, hard work, and consistent efforts. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the exam:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: It is essential to understand the exam pattern and syllabus of UPSC CDS 2023 before starting the preparation. This will help you in planning your study schedule and focusing on the important topics.
2. Create a Study Plan: Make a study plan according to your strengths and weaknesses. Allocate sufficient time to each subject and topic. Follow the study plan strictly to achieve your goals.
3. Study Material: Refer to standard books and study materials recommended by experts. Make notes while studying to revise quickly.
4. Practice Mock Tests: Practicing mock tests and solving previous year’s question papers will help you in understanding the exam pattern, improving your time management skills, and identifying your weak areas.
5. Stay Updated: Stay updated with the current affairs and general knowledge topics. Read newspapers, magazines, and watch news channels regularly.
6. Join a Coaching Institute: If needed, join a coaching institute for proper guidance and preparation. Choose a reputable institute with experienced faculty.
7. Time Management: Time management is crucial for the preparation of UPSC CDS 2023. Plan your schedule in a way that you have sufficient time for preparation, revision, and practice.
8. Positive Attitude: Maintain a positive attitude towards your preparation. Stay motivated and confident throughout the preparation journey.

Remember that consistent efforts, hard work, and dedication are the key to success in UPSC CDS 2023.

Important links OF UPSC CDS 2023

FAQs related to UPSC CDS 2023