The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Defense Services (CDS) Exam is one of the most sought after exams for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Conducted twice a year, the CDS exam is not only popular but also comes across as a challenging one. However, understanding the pattern and syllabus can help candidates devise a strategic plan to crack the exam. Here is a complete guide to help you demystify the UPSC CDS exam.
Pattern of the UPSC CDS Exam:
The UPSC CDS Exam consists of a written test and the Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview. The written test comprises three papers, namely, English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The maximum marks for each paper are 100, making a total of 300 marks. The minimum qualifying marks are set by the commission and vary every year. The SSB Interview takes place for 5-6 days and includes psychological tests, group discussions, personal interviews, and physical tests.
Syllabus of the UPSC CDS Exam:
The syllabus for each paper of the UPSC CDS Exam is as follows:
English Language:
The English Language paper aims to test the candidate’s understanding of the English language and its usage. The topics covered in this paper include:
– Reading comprehension
– Jumbled sentences
– Idioms and phrases
– Vocabulary
– Parts of speech
– Sentence correction
General Knowledge:
The General Knowledge paper tests the candidate’s general knowledge and awareness of current events. This paper covers topics such as:
– History of India
– Geography
– Indian polity and Economy
– Science and Technology
– Current affairs
Elementary Mathematics:
The Elementary Mathematics paper assesses the candidate’s mathematical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. The topics covered in this paper are:
– Arithmetic
– Algebra
– Geometry
– Trigonometry
– Mensuration
Tips to prepare for the UPSC CDS Exam:
Here are a few tips that can help candidates prepare effectively for the UPSC CDS Exam:
– Study the Syllabus: It is imperative to understand the syllabus thoroughly and make a study plan accordingly.
– Practice regularly: Regular practice is crucial to master the concepts and improve performance. Practice mock tests, previous year question papers, and sample papers regularly.
– Stay updated with current events: Staying abreast with the current events, developments and happenings in the country and around the world is crucial for scoring well in the general knowledge paper.
– Be Thorough with Mathematical Concepts: Be thorough with the mathematical concepts and formulas. Mathematics can be tricky, and it is advisable to solve as many problems as possible.
– Revise and Recall: Revision is as important as studying. Revise regularly, make notes, and recall information multiple times to remember it better.
– Stay Calm and Confident: Stay calm, composed, and confident during the exam. Manage time effectively and prioritize answering the questions as per your strengths.
