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Exam Pattern Of Combined Defence Services Exam


Written Exam of Combined Defence Services Examination is different for :

1. Admission to Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy

2. Admission to Officers Training Academy (OTA)

The following will be subjects for the written examination - each of 2 hours duration

For admission to Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy (300 Marks)


English (100 Marks) - This paper tests the understanding of the English language.

General Knowledge (100 Marks) - This tests the general knowledge, current events, history of India, geography of nature and other matters of everyday observation.

Elementary Mathematics (100 Marks) - This paper covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics.

For Admission to Officers Training Academy (OTA) (200 Marks)

English (100 Marks) - This paper tests the understanding of the English language.

General Knowledge (100 Marks) - This tests the general knowledge, current events, history of India, geography of nature and other matters of everyday observation.

Marks for SSB Interviews

  • IMA, NA and AFA - 300 marks
  • OTA - 200 Marks

Note: The papers in all subjects will consist of objective-type ( Multiple - Choice questions only ). The question papers will be set in English only.

Standard of Examination:

The standard of the paper in Elementary Mathematics will be of the Matriculation Examination. The standard of papers in other subjects will approximately be expected to the level of under-graduation degree of Indian Universities.

Previous Years Question Paper for Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS)

Application Details Of CDS Examination