The UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025 includes a written examination followed by the SSB Interview for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. Understanding the pattern helps candidates plan preparation, focus on high-weight areas and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
.png "<link href=\"https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Poppins:wght@600;700;800&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\"> <style> /* RESET SAFE */ *{box-sizing:border-box} /* COLOR SYSTEM – HIGH CONTRAST */ :root{ --blue:#1d4ed8; --green:#047857; --red:#b91c1c; --orange:#c2410c; --dark:#000000; --light:#ffffff; --border:#000000; } /* WRAPPER */ .cds-wrap{ max-width:1100px; margin:auto; padding:16px; font-family:'Poppins',sans-serif; background:#ffffff; color:#000000; } /* BUTTON HEADINGS */ .cds-heading{ display:block; background:var(--blue); color:#ffffff; padding:14px 18px; font-size:22px; font-weight:800; border-radius:10px; margin:35px 0 18px; text-decoration:none; } /* CONTENT CARD */ .cds-card{ background:#ffffff; border:2px solid #000000; border-radius:14px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:24px; animation:fade .4s ease; } @keyframes fade{ from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(10px)} to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)} } .cds-card p{ font-size:15px; line-height:1.7; color:#000000; } /* TABLE */ .cds-table{ width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; } .cds-table th{ background:#fde047; color:#000000; font-weight:800; border:2px solid #000000; padding:12px; } .cds-table td{ background:#ffffff; color:#000000; border:2px solid #000000; padding:12px; text-align:center; font-size:14px; } /* YOU MAY LIKE */ .like-grid{ display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(260px,1fr)); gap:16px; } .like-card{ background:#ffffff; border:2px solid #000000; padding:18px; border-radius:12px; text-decoration:none; color:#000000; transition:.3s; } .like-card:hover{ background:#e0f2fe; } .like-card h4{ font-size:16px; font-weight:800; } .like-card p{ font-size:14px; } /* FAQ */ details{ background:#ffffff; border:2px solid #000000; padding:16px; border-radius:12px; margin-bottom:12px; } summary{ font-weight:800; cursor:pointer; color:#000000; } details p{ margin-top:8px; font-size:14px; color:#000000; } /* MOBILE */ @media(max-width:600px){ .cds-heading{font-size:18px} } </style> <div class=\"cds-wrap\"> <a class=\"cds-heading\">UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025 – CDS 1 & CDS 2</a> <div class=\"cds-card\"> <p> The UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025 includes a written examination followed by the SSB Interview for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. Understanding the pattern helps candidates plan preparation, focus on high-weight areas and avoid unnecessary mistakes. </p> </div> <a class=\"cds-heading\">UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025 – Highlights</a> <div class=\"cds-card\"> <table class=\"cds-table\"> <tr><th>Feature</th><th>Details</th></tr> <tr><td>Conducting Body</td><td>Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)</td></tr> <tr><td>Mode of Exam</td><td>Offline (Pen & Paper)</td></tr> <tr><td>Question Type</td><td>Objective (MCQs)</td></tr> <tr><td>Negative Marking</td><td>1/3rd mark deducted</td></tr> </table> </div> <a class=\"cds-heading\">Exam Pattern for IMA, INA & AFA</a> <div class=\"cds-card\"> <table class=\"cds-table\"> <tr><th>Subject</th><th>Duration</th><th>Marks</th></tr> <tr><td>English</td><td>2 Hours</td><td>100</td></tr> <tr><td>General Knowledge</td><td>2 Hours</td><td>100</td></tr> <tr><td>Mathematics</td><td>2 Hours</td><td>100</td></tr> <tr><th>Total</th><th>-</th><th>300</th></tr> </table> </div> <a class=\"cds-heading\">Exam Pattern for OTA</a> <div class=\"cds-card\"> <table class=\"cds-table\"> <tr><th>Subject</th><th>Duration</th><th>Marks</th></tr> <tr><td>English</td><td>2 Hours</td><td>100</td></tr> <tr><td>General Knowledge</td><td>2 Hours</td><td>100</td></tr> <tr><th>Total</th><th>-</th><th>200</th></tr> </table> </div> <a class=\"cds-heading\">You Might Also Like</a> <div class=\"like-grid\"> <a class=\"like-card\" href=\"https://thelegalwritbyaltaz.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-final-lap-upsc-2026-prelims-best.html\"> <h4>Final Lap – UPSC 2026 Prelims Strategy</h4> <p>Last-phase revision and exam-day approach.</p> </a> <a class=\"like-card\" href=\"https://thelegalwritbyaltaz.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-7-5-3-rule-in-upsc-answer-writing.html\"> <h4>7-5-3 Rule in UPSC Answer Writing</h4> <p>Structure answers for maximum marks.</p> </a> </div> <a class=\"cds-heading\">SSB Interview Pattern</a> <div class=\"cds-card\"> <p> After clearing the written exam, candidates face the SSB Interview carrying 300 marks for IMA, INA and AFA, and 200 marks for OTA. </p> <p> <b>Stage I:</b> OIR Test and PP&DT <br><b>Stage II:</b> Interview, Psychology Tests, GTO Tasks and Conference </p> </div> <a class=\"cds-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions</a> <details> <summary>How many papers are there in the CDS exam?</summary> <p>There are three papers for IMA, INA and AFA, and two papers for OTA.</p> </details> <details> <summary>Is there negative marking in CDS?</summary> <p>Yes, 1/3rd mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.</p> </details> <details> <summary>What is the duration of each CDS paper?</summary> <p>Each paper is conducted for 2 hours.</p> </details> </div>")
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Question Type | Objective (MCQs) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd mark deducted |
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | - | 300 |
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | - | 200 |
Final Lap – UPSC 2026 Prelims Strategy
Last-phase revision and exam-day approach.
7-5-3 Rule in UPSC Answer Writing
Structure answers for maximum marks.
After clearing the written exam, candidates face the SSB Interview carrying 300 marks for IMA, INA and AFA, and 200 marks for OTA.
Stage I: OIR Test and PP&DT
Stage II: Interview, Psychology Tests, GTO Tasks and Conference
Why Choose CDS?
1. Opportunity to Serve the Nation
CDS offers a direct path to serve the country as a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Officers are entrusted with the responsibility of national security, leadership of troops, and protection of sovereignty. Unlike most civilian jobs, CDS provides a strong sense of purpose, pride, and contribution to something larger than oneself.
2. Leadership from a Young Age
CDS officers are trained to lead men and resources under challenging conditions. From the very beginning, officers command troops, make strategic decisions, and manage high-pressure situations. This early leadership exposure builds confidence, discipline, and decision-making skills unmatched in other professions.
3. Structured and Transparent Career Growth
The Armed Forces follow a well-defined promotion system based on time-scale, merit, and selection. Officers know their career progression clearly, reducing uncertainty common in many civilian jobs.
4. Job Security and Stability
A CDS career provides long-term job security, fixed promotions, assured income, and post-retirement benefits. Even during economic slowdowns or crises, defence services remain stable and secure.
5. Respect and Social Prestige
Uniformed officers command immense respect in society. The dignity attached to the Armed Forces is lifelong and extends beyond active service into retirement.
Salary Structure of CDS Officers
The salary of CDS officers is governed by the 7th Pay Commission and is uniform across Army, Navy, and Air Force (with flying allowances for Air Force officers).
(Higher ranks like General are paid at fixed apex scales.)
Military Service Pay (MSP)
- ₹15,500 per month (up to the rank of Colonel in Army)
- Compensates for the unique challenges of military life
Allowances (Based on Posting)
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- HRA or Field Area Allowance
- Siachen Allowance
- Island Allowance
- High Altitude Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Flying Allowance (Air Force officers)
With allowances, monthly in-hand salary can range from ₹75,000 to over ₹2,00,000, depending on rank and posting.
Perks and Benefits of CDS Officers
1. Free Accommodation
Officers are provided with government accommodation or field housing. This significantly reduces living expenses and ensures safety and comfort.
2. Medical Facilities
- Free and cashless medical treatment for officers and dependents
- Access to military hospitals and specialised care
- Lifetime medical benefits after retirement (ECHS)
3. Leave and Travel Benefits
- Annual Leave, Casual Leave, Study Leave
- Leave Travel Concessions (LTC)
- Free or subsidised travel by train and air for official and personal purposes
4. Education Benefits for Children
- Army/Navy/Air Force schools across India
- Fee concessions and scholarships
- Hostel facilities in reputed military institutions
5. Canteen and Subsidised Goods
- Access to CSD canteens offering goods at subsidised rates
- Vehicles, electronics, groceries, and household items at lower cost
6. Adventure and Lifestyle Exposure
- Adventure sports like mountaineering, skydiving, sailing, scuba diving
- Foreign training programs and international exercises
- Exposure to diverse cultures and regions
Overall Career Structure Through CDS
Entry Academies
Based on CDS selection, candidates join:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) – Permanent Commission
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) – Permanent Commission
- Air Force Academy (AFA) – Permanent Commission
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Short Service Commission (SSC)
Training Phase
- Intensive physical, academic, and leadership training
- Development of discipline, ethics, and command abilities
- On successful completion, candidates are commissioned as officers
Promotion Structure
Army (Indicative):
- Lieutenant → Captain (2 years)
- Captain → Major (6 years)
- Major → Lieutenant Colonel (13 years)
- Higher ranks through selection boards
Navy & Air Force:
- Similar time-scale and merit-based promotion systems
- Technical specialisation options
Permanent vs Short Service Commission
- Permanent Commission (IMA/INA/AFA): Career till retirement age
- Short Service Commission (OTA): Initially 10 years, extendable to 14 years (with exit benefits)
Post-Retirement Benefits and Second Careers
CDS officers retire at an early age compared to civilian jobs, offering a strong second-career advantage.
Retirement Benefits
- Pension
- Gratuity
- ECHS medical facilities
- Canteen privileges
Civilian Opportunities After Service
- Corporate leadership roles
- Security and risk management
- Civil services, PSU roles
- Defence consultancy
- Entrepreneurship
- Teaching and training roles
The leadership, discipline, and crisis-management skills gained in service make ex-officers highly employable.
Conclusion
Choosing CDS means choosing a life of honour, leadership, financial stability, and purpose. It is not just a job but a complete career ecosystem offering respect, adventure, structured growth, and lifelong benefits. From a competitive salary and unmatched perks to early leadership and post-retirement opportunities, CDS stands apart from conventional career options. For aspirants who seek meaning beyond material success, CDS remains one of the most rewarding and respected career paths in India.
See Also : UPSC SOCIOLOGY MICROTHEMES