CDS Exam Pattern 2024, Marking Scheme IMA, INA, AFA and OTA

Introduction

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts Combined Defence Services exam or the CDS Exam twice a year. This exam acts as an entrance test for admission into the various military academies. These academies are Indian Military Academy(IMA), Indian Naval Academy(INA), Air Force Academy(AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy(OTA).

To create a preparation strategy, all the candidates at first must be aware of the CDS Exam Pattern and the syllabus. This article will cover all the details about the CDS Exam Pattern 2024.

This blog will help candidates to understand other details like marking scheme for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA (negative marks for every incorrect answer), duration of each exam and much more.

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern Overview 2024
Exam Mode	Offline
Sections	Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA)- Three Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)- Two
Language of exam	Hindi and English
Exam Duration	Two hours for each section of the test
Total Marks	IMA, INA and AFA- 300 OTA- 200(It consists of 2 exam)
Exam Type	MCQ (Multiple Choice question)

CDS Exam Pattern 2024 - Written Test

CDS Exam Pattern 2024 is not same for all military academics. The exam conducted for the Officers’ Training Academy(OTA) is slightly different in terms of total number of sections. However, the questions in both papers will be objective type only. The exam will be in both English and Hindi language. Details of the exam are as follows:

CDS Exam Pattern For Indian Naval Academy (INA), Indian Military Academy(IMA), and Air Force Academy(AFA)

There will be three sections in the exam English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Each section will carry 100 marks and the duration will be 2 hours and for every incorrect answer one third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. Maths and GK question paper will be in both English and Hindi language.

Subjects	Exam Duration	Total Questions	Marks
English	2 hours	120	100
General Knowledge	2 hours	120	100
Elementary Mathematics	2 hours	100	100

CDS Exam Pattern for Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)

Elementary Mathematics section is not included in this exam. All other aspects like duration, exam language and total marks, negative marking scheme are same for this exam.

Subject	Exam Duration	Total Questions	Marks
English	2 hours	120	100
General Knowledge	2 hours	120	100

Marking Scheme For CDS Exam 2024

CDS written exam is in MCQ format and there will be four options for each question and for every wrong answer, every incorrect answer one third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted

If for a single question two or more choices have been marked as answers, it will be considered as wrong answer and as of penalty one third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted same as mentioned above.

There will be no penalty for unattempted questions

CDS Exam Details	Mathematics	English Exam	General Knowledge
Total marks	100	100	100
Marks for Negative marking	-0.33 marks for each wrong answer	-0.33 marks for each wrong answer	-0.33 marks for each wrong answer

CDS Syllabus 2024

Now you are aware of the exam pattern and marking scheme, have a look at the basic overview of the CDS exam Syllabus.

English

This section will evaluates candidates’ understanding of English. The level of English will be such as may be expected of a graduate of an Indian University.

Reading Comprehension.
Spotting the Error
Synonyms & Antonyms.
Idioms and Phrases.
Sentence Arrangement or Jumbled.
Ordering of words in Sentence.
Sentence Improvement or Sentence Correction

General Knowledge

Current affairs
Indian History
Political Science
Economics
Geography
Environment

Elementary Mathematics

Arithmetic
Geometry
Algebra
Trigonometry
Mensuration
Statistics

CDS exam Syllabus for OTA

Topics covered in CDS OTA examination are GK and English and the syllabus is same as for INA, IMA, and AFA. The only difference is that OTA exam doesn’t include mathematics.

FAQ

Yes, for every wrong answer one third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.

No, the exam pattern for OTA is slightly different from IMA, INA, and AFA because these 3 have three sections in exam (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics), while OTA has only two (English and General Knowledge) but the syllabus is same for all.

General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics exam is in both Hindi and English language.

No, Maths is not included in OTA exam.

Bachelor's degree is necessary from a UGC(University Grants Commission) recognized university.

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It is important to understand the CDS Exam Pattern 2024 for all the candidates who are aiming to join Indian armed force, this will help them to prepare for the exam. For IMA, INA, and AFA, there will be three exams: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, 100 marks each and. Syllabus for OTA candidates is same, the only difference is that they don’t have to give Maths exam. So, create your study schedule based on the exam syllabus, and prepare for your CDS Exam 2024.

If you need help for the CDS exam, Cadets Defence Academy, Best CDS Coaching in Dehradun will help you do so. With our experts guidance and comprehensive study materials, you will have all the skills and knowledge required to prepare for CDS exam.

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How To Avoid Negative Marking In NDA Exam: Smart Tips to Maximize Your Score

How To Avoid Negative Marking In NDA Exam: Smart Tips to Maximize Your Score Table of Contents “One mark can decide your destiny.” Yeah, sounds a bit dramatic—but, when it comes to competitive exams like NDA, it’s super real. Okay, here’s the deal. You can study hard, get the formulas down, know your current affairs inside out, and still not hit the top rank… why? Negative marking. That little minus you didn’t pay attention to? It can cost you big-time. And that’s why learning how to avoid negative marking in NDA exam isn’t just helpful—it’s crucial. In a paper where every correct answer counts and every wrong one costs you a fraction of your score, smart strategy beats blind confidence. Let’s look into, what common mistakes to avoid, and how to train your brain to dodge those negative marking like a pro. Understanding the NDA Exam Pattern Let’s start with the basics. 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Space it out. Revise important stuff multiple times with gaps in between. Error Logs Keep a notebook where you note

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CDS Exam Pattern 2024, Marking Scheme IMA, INA, AFA and OTA

Table of Contents

Introduction

CDS Exam Pattern 2024 - Written Test

CDS Exam Pattern For Indian Naval Academy (INA), Indian Military Academy(IMA), and Air Force Academy(AFA)

CDS Exam Pattern for Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)

Marking Scheme For CDS Exam 2024

CDS Syllabus 2024

English

General Knowledge

Elementary Mathematics

CDS exam Syllabus for OTA

FAQ

Contact Us

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Launching NDA 2 Officers Batch 2025 For NDA 2 2025 By Cadets Defence Academy

How To Avoid Negative Marking In NDA Exam: Smart Tips to Maximize Your Score

Airforce Y Group Free Mock Test 2025: Download Now and Prepare to Soar!

CDA - BEST NDA COACHING CENTRE COURSES

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