UPSC CDS 2018 - Important Dates, Exam Centers and Exam Conducting Authority

About UPSC CDS 2018

UPSC CDS (II) will be organised on 18th November, 2018 to fill 414 posts in defence services. The examination is organised twice a year, in the month of February and November. UPSC CDS is a three-phase examination consisting of written examination, personal interview round followed by a medical examination.

Total Number of Vacancies: 414

Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – 100

Officers Training Academy, Chennai (For Women) - 12

Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – 32

Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – 45

Officers Training Academy, Chennai (For Men) – 225

UPSC CDS 2018 Eligibility Criteria

Nationality:

Be an Indian citizen or

A subject of Nepal, or Bhutan, or he/she has a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 01 January, 1962 for the purpose of permanent settling in India.

A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Srilanka, Malawi, Zaire, East African, Burma, countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the purpose of permanently settling in India.

Age Criteria:

Indian Military Academy	18-23 Years
Naval Academy	18-23 Years
Air Force Academy	20-24 Years
Officers’ Training Academy	18-24 Years

Gender and Marital Status:

IMA and For Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates who are born not earlier than January 2, 1995 and not later than January 1, 2000 will be eligible.

Air Force Academy: Candidates should be between the age group of 20 and 24 years as on January 1, 2019 i.e. the candidate who are born not earlier than January 02nd, 1995 and not later from 1st January, 1999 (Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. the candidates who are born not earlier than January 2, 1993 and not later than January 1, 1999 will be eligible.

For Officers' Training Academy (SSC Course for men): Male candidates who are (unmarried or married) born not earlier than January 2, 1994 and not later than January 1st, 2000 will be eligible.

For Officers' Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course): Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than January 2, 1994 and not later than January 1, 2000.

Educational Qualifications:

I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy: Candidates should have a graduate degree from any recognised University or equivalent.

Indian Naval Academy: Candidates should have a Graduate Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution.

Air Force Academy: Candidates should have a Graduate Degree from any recognised University (having Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

Graduates with first choice as Navy/Army/Air Force must submit the proof of graduation on the date of commencement of the SSB Interview at the SSB.

Candidates who are pursuing their final year/semester of Degree and are yet to pass the final year degree exams can also apply.

Candidates who are carrying professional and technical qualifications, which are recognised by government as equivalent to professional and technical degrees, would also be eligible for the examination. They are required to submit passing proof of the degree exams by the prescribed date.

UPSC CDS 2018 Exam Pattern

The UPSC CDS examination comprises of:

Written examination

Interview for intelligence and personality test

The subjects of the written examination, the time allowed and the maximum marks allotted to each subject are as follows:

Subject

Maximum Marks

Duration

(a) For Admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy:

1. English

2. General Knowledge

3. Elementary Mathematics

100

2 Hours

(b) For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy:

1. English

2. General Knowledge

100

2 Hours

UPSC CDS 2018 Marking Scheme:

Every correct answer will be awarded as 1 Mark.

For Every incorrect answer, 1/3 of the marks will be deducted.

Important Points:

The maximum marks allotted to the written examination and to the interviews will be equal for each course i.e. the maximum marks allotted to the written examination and to the interviews will be 300, 300, 300 and 200 each for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers’ Training Academy respectively.

All the subjects in the question paper will consist of only objective type questions. The question papers (Test Booklets) of Elementary Mathematics and General Knowledge will be set bilingually in English as well as Hindi.

Candidates must write the papers in their own handwriting. In no circumstances will they be allowed the help of a scribe to write answers for them.

The candidates are not allowed to use the calculator for answering objective type papers.

The papers of Elementary Mathematics will be of the 10th standard level. The level of papers in other subjects will approximately be such as may be expected of a graduate of an Indian University.

UPSC CDS 2018 Syllabus

English: The question paper will be based on understanding of English and use of words.

General Knowledge:

Knowledge of current events

matters of everyday observation

experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not made a special study of any scientific subject.

Questions based on History of India and Geography of nature.

Elementary Mathematics

Arithmatic: Number System, Natural numbers, Rational and Real numbers, Integers, Square roots, Decimal fractions, Fundamental operations, addition, substraction, multiplication, division. Unitary method, time and distance, ratio and proportion, variation, time and work, percentages, applications to simple and compound interest, profit and loss.

Elementary Number Theory: Division algorithm. Prime and composite numbers, Euclidean algorithm, Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11, Multiples and factors, Factorisation Theorem. H.C.F. and L.C.M. Logarithms to base 10, use of logarithmic tables, laws of logarithms.

Algebra: Basic Operations, H.C.F., L.C.M., simple factors, Remainder Theorem, Theory of polynomials, Laws of indices, solutions of quadratic equations, relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered). Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutions. Rational expressions and conditional identities, Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions. Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable & their solutions. Set language and set notation.

Trignometry
- cosine ×, Sine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90° Values of sin ×, for × = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°, cos × and tan ×.
- Simple cases of heights and distances
- Use of trigonometric tables
- Simple trigonometric identities
Geometry: Lines and angles, Plane and plane figures, Congruency of triangles, Theorems on Properties of angles at a point, Properties of angles, Parallel lines, Sides and angles of a triangle, Similar triangles, sides and diagonals of a parallelogram, rectangle and square, Concurrence of medians and altitudes, Loci, Circles and its properties including tangents and normals.

Mensuration: Areas of squares, rectangles, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, triangle and circle, parallelograms. Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book), Surface area and volume of cuboids, surface area and volume of spheres.

Statistics: Collection and tabulation of statistical data, histograms, bar charts, Graphical representation frequency polygons, pie charts etc. Measures of central tendency.

How to Prepare for UPSC CDS 2018

Preparation Tips for English

To prepare for English, one can develop the habit of reading the newspaper regularly. Reading the newspaper improves not only one's vocabulary but also one's knowledge of the subject.

One can refer to basic grammar books to clear the concepts.

Try to learn a couple of new words on a daily basis. By doing this, a candidate will soon find that he/she is developing a good hold on the language.

When a candidate starts learning the new words, he/she should also try to learn their antonyms and synonyms and also how to use the words in sentences. Try solving previous year's question papers so that candidate has an idea of what to expect.

Preparation Tips for General Knowledge

Read newspapers regularly and watch television for the latest happenings in and around the world.

Read magazines that cover varied topics ranging from economy to business to trade policies to the latest awardees in the fields of sports, art, literature. In short, just be aware of all the topics because questions can come from anywhere.

Refer to past question papers and see the pattern of occurrence of the questions. That will give an idea as to which topics to concentrate on.

Preparation Tips for Elementary Mathematics

Revise all the topics thoroughly.

First, the candidate must choose those topics in which they are strong. Later, they can move on to the difficult ones and try to practice as much as possible.

Concentrate on having a clear concept of all the topics.

Preparation Tips for Personal interview: Intelligence and Personality test

Concentrate and develop reasoning ability, written and oral expressions, self-confidence, courage, a positive and a cheerful attitude.

Train your mind to think clearly, rationally and logically.

Try to improve the way you can influence people through logical arguments.

Improve your communication skills.

Try to have a very strong hold on English.

Train yourself to respect your seniors and juniors.

Develop a cooperative and responsible attitude, which will help in successfully carrying out teamwork.

Improve your general awareness regarding national and international issues.

Begin to think and behave like an officer.

UPSC CDS II 2018 Result

The final result of UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II) 2017 has been announced. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has declared the result on its official website at upsc.gov.in.

The UPSC CDS II examination 2017 had been conducted for admission to the (i) Officers Training Academy, Chennai, for 108th Short Service Commission Course NT (for Men) and (ii) Officers Training Academy, Chennai, 22nd Short Service Commission Women (Non-Technical) Course, commencing in October 2018.

The list of qualified candidates has been prepared based on the CDS examination (II), 2017 held by the UPSC and Interviews conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). The result has the names of 227 (168+59) successful candidates in order of merit.

The UPSC notification has stated that, "The list of 108th Short Service Commission Course (for Men) also includes the names of the candidates who were recommended earlier on the basis of the result of the same examination for admission to Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala and Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course(s).

"The number of vacancies as intimated by the Government, for (i) 108th Short Service Commission Course (for Men) is 225 and for (ii) 22nd Short Service Commission Women (NonTechnical) Course is 12."

While preparing the lists, the results of the medical examination were not considered. The successful candidates' verification of date of birth and educational qualifications is also underway. Therefore, the candidature of all these candidates is provisional.

Check UPSC CDS II 2017 Final Result Now!

UPSC CDS (I) 2018 Result

Meanwhile, the result for the written part of the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination-(I), 2018 has been announced on 27th March 2018 on the official website of UPSC. Candidates can download CDS-(I) 2018 written exam results directly from the official website of UPSC by entering their name, guardian’s name, and roll number. The list of candidates who have qualified the examination has been uploaded as a PDF file.

The candidates whose roll numbers are displayed in the CDS 2018 Result list will be called for the further selection process, i.e. CDS SSB. The dates for SSB Interview will be notified later and the final result will be out few days after the completion of this 5-days procedure.

Check Your UPSC CDS-(I) Result 2018 Now!

How to Check UPSC CDS-(I) 2018 Result

Visit the official website of UPSC.

Scroll down to see 'Written Results' given on the right-hand side of the page.

Click on the tab and a new page will open where the written exam result of CDS-I 2018 is provided in a PDF format.

Click on the PDF, and CDS-I 2018 Result will be displayed on your computer screen.

Download the result and take a printout of the same for future use.

UPSC CDS Selection Process 2018

The candidates who clear CDS written exam are called for interview by Service Selection Board (SSB) and the successful candidates are appointed by respective training academies.

Candidates' selection will be based on these steps:
- Written Test
- Interview (Intelligence and Personality Test)
CDS 2018 written test is the very 1st step of CDS 2018 selection procedure. The written exam consists of the 3 paper of 2 hours each. Candidates will have to attempt only English and General Knowledge. Candidates appearing for INA (Indian Naval Academy), IMA (Indian Maritime Academy) and IAA (Indian Air Force Academy) will have to clear all the 3 papers - English, GK and Elementary Mathematics.

The second step in the CDS 2017 selection procedure is the personality test or personal interview. The SSB procedure consists of two-stage selection Process-Stage I and Stage II. Only those candidates who clear the stage I are permitted to appear for Stage II.
- Stage I comprises of Officers Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are Picture Perception Description Test (P&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on combination of performance in QIR Test and PP and DT.
- Stage II comprises of Interview, Group Testing Officers Tasks, Psychology Tests and the conference. These tests will be organised over 4 days.
The personality of the candidate is assessed by the interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO) and the Psychologist.

Document Verification will organised only after the candidate has qualified for Interview/Personality Test. Following is the list of documents to be submitted for verification:

Birth Certificate

Academic Degrees (HSC, SSC, Graduation etc)

Certificate of Eligibility for certain candidates

Passport size photograph

Identity proof

Residence proof etc.

Category or caste certificate (SC, ST, OBC, PH etc)

Medical Examination:

The medical examination of all the shortlisted candidates will be done to check whether they are medically fit or not. The candidates recommended by the Services Selection Board undergo a medical examination by a Board of Service Medical Officers. Women candidates undergo Medical Examination by a Medical Board comprising of male/ female doctors/ specialists/ Gynaecologist. There is a Lady Medical Officer as the member of Board. Only those candidates will be admitted to the Academy who are declared fit by the Medical Board.
For final recruitment, candidates have to clear all the verification formalities.

UPSC CDS 2018 Admit Card

The UPSC CDS(II) 2018 admit card has been released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), on 25th October 2018 and is available online. CDS II 2018 admit card has only been issued to the candidates whose application form have been accepted by the UPSC. Candidates can download the UPSC CDS admit card online, by entering the roll number/ registration ID and date of birth on the official website.

CDS (II) 2018 written exam is to be held on 18th November 2018. The UPSC CDS examination is held twice a year. CDS (I) is conducted in February whereas CDS (II) is conducted in November. The UPSC CDS Admit Card 2018 includes all the exam related details like candidate’s name, father’s name, date of birth, photo, signature, name and address of the exam centre, and time of the exam. Candidates should check all the information on the CDS 2018 admit card and report in case of any discrepancy for correction.

Note: On the day of the examination, candidates must carry the hard copy of their UPSC CDS admit card along with a valid photo ID proof.

Important Dates Related to CDS II Admit Card 2018

Events	Dates
CDS II 2018 Admit Card/ Hall Ticket release date	25th October 2018
CDS(II) 2018 Written Exam date	18th November 2018
SSB Interview Dates	To be notified
SSB Call Letter Date	To be notified

How to Download CDS Admit Card 2018

CDS admit cards are available on the official website of Union Public Service Commission. Applicants should download their hall tickets now in order to avoid any last minute panic. Here’s a list of few simple steps that applicants can follow to download their CDS (I) hall ticket.

Step 1: You have to select one of the following two options to download CDS hall ticket 2018.

Step 2: You can either choose Roll Number or Registration ID to obtain the CDS (I) admit card.

Step 3: After choosing one of the two options, you have to enter Roll Number/ Registration ID, date of birth and captcha code.

Step 4: After that, click on the ‘Submit’ tab.

Step 5: Download the CDS admit card, and print the same for further use. Also, don’t forget to check all the details mentioned on the admit card before downloading it.

Important Instructions Before Printing UPSC CDS (II) Admit Card 2018

Before printing the CDS (II) Admit Card 2018, applicants must cross-check all the details and follow the important instructions given below:

CDS (II) 2018 admit card is an important document for the candidates taking the exam.
CDS admit card is most suitable for the latest versions of Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome browsers.
It is advised not to use mobiles for downloading the CDS (II) admit card.
In case you are blocked by the server for repetitive downloading the hall ticket, please contact UPSC administrator.
You must cross-check all the details mentioned in the CDS (II) admit card 2018. If you notice any discrepancy in the admit card, you must contact the UPSC administrator for the correction.
You must carry a valid photo ID proof and 3 identical photographs.

Important Information Mentioned on CDS (II) 2018 Admit Card

Name
Photo
Signature
Registration ID
Roll Number
Exam Centre Allotted, Address
Exam Time & Date

ID Proofs Required for CDS (II) 2018 Admit Card

To appear for the CDS (II) 2018 written exam, you must carry valid photo ID proofs along with your CDS 2018 admit card to appear for the exam. In case, your photography is not visible/available on the admit card, then you must carry three identical photographs with a valid photo ID proof.

Aadhaar Card
Passport
PAN Card
College ID Card
Employee ID Card
Voter’s ID
Driving License

Steps to Retrieve CDS (II) 2018 Password

Step 1: Once you have carefully read all the instructions, you will be redirected to the login page.

Step 2: In case, you don’t remember your Registration ID (RID) click on the tab ‘ Forgot RID’.

Step 3: After that, you will be asked to enter your personal details like your name, father’s name, mother’s name and date of birth.

Step 4: Click on ‘submit’ and your RID will be sent to your registered mobile number and email.

FAQS on CDS (II) Admit Card 2018

1. How will I get my CDS (II) admit card?

You can download the CDS (II) admit card 2018 online on the official UPSC website.

Note: You will not receive the CDS (II) admit card by post or any other medium.

2. Which important documents should I carry along with the CDS (II) admit card?

You must carry your valid photo ID proofs such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving License, Employee ID Card, College ID Card along with your CDS admit card.

Note: In case your photo is not available on the admit card, you must carry three identical photographs along with the admit card.

3. Till when should I keep the CDS (II) admit card?

You must retain the CDS admit card till the completion of CDS calls letter date.

4. Can I change my exam centre once the admit card is issued?

You cannot the change the exam centres once they are allocated. Any request related to this will not be entertained by UPSC administrator.

5. Can I bring the soft copy of CDS 2018 admit card in mobile phone/laptop?

No, you cannot carry a soft copy of CDS 2018 admit card to the exam centre. Only the hard copy of hall ticket is allowed inside the exam hall.

How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2018

Before applying for the examination, the candidates should ensure that they fulfill all the following eligibility conditions:

Candidates need to apply online using the UPSC CDS link for registration. Candidates are advised to submit the only single application.

Candidate will have to fill his/her application form with all the mandatory details like Personal details, Educational details, Identification details, Address details and exam centre, etc.

A candidate should have his/her scanned picture and signature in the .jpg format The uploading file should not exceed 40 KB and must not be less than 3 KB in size for the picture and 1 KB for signature.

Candidates can view the uploaded images by clicking on ‘Preview’ and can confirm it once they are satisfied with the quality of images.

They will then have to select the exam centres from the drop-down menu for appearing in the CDS I 2018 Examination. All the exam centres will be allotted on first come first serve basis.

After all the above steps are completed, a confirmation page will be generated. Candidates should take a print out of this page for future correspondence

Payment of Fees:

The application fees for CDS 2018 exam can be paid by cash, card or net banking.

Pay by Cash

On selecting this option, a system generated bank challan of State Bank of India will appear on the screen.

Candidates should take a print out of this challan and submit the requisite fees by cash at any branch of the bank.

They should save the copy of the challan as proof of payment.

Pay by Debit/Credit Card or Net banking

Candidates can pay the fees through Debit/Credit card or through the Net Banking facility of State Bank of India/State Bank of Patiala/ State Bank of Travancore/ State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur/State Bank of Hyderabad/ State Bank of Mysore.

Enter the required payment details on the bank page and save the receipt of the transaction.

Application Fees:

General (Male Candidates)	INR 200
OBC-NCL	INR 200
Female Candidates	Exempted
SC/ ST	Exempted

Note:

Candidates are advised to regularly check their e-mails.

At the time of filling the CDS Application Form, candidates must ensure that the E-mail IDs they are providing are active and valid as the Commission may use electronic mode of communication while contacting the candidates at different stages of the examination process.

UPSC CDS 2018 Answer Key

The UPSC CDS 2018 Answer Key is released by conducting authority for candidates who take the entrance exam. Candidates who appear for the UPSC CDS 2018 examination would be able to download the UPSC CDS Answer Key from here. Those who've taken the exam wait eagerly for the UPSC CDS Answer Key and the official date on which the result is declared. Through the Answer Key, students get a chance to evaluate their performance well before the announcement of the result. Follow the steps given below to download UPSC CDS Answer Key 2018.

Download UPSC CDS Final Answer Key 2018

Go to the official site of UPSC.

Click on the tab which says 'CDS Answer Key 2018'.

There will be separate answer keys, and the candidates need to choose their question paper.

After downloading, candidates can compare their answers.

Candidates must calculate their probable scores keeping the marking scheme of the entrance exam in mind.

By comparing their responses with the ones given in the Answer Key, candidates get a general idea of their performance in the exam.

UPSC CDS Conducting Body

The Union Public Service Commission is responsible for conducting the Combined Defence Services Examination. UPSC is India's central recruiting agency that takes care of appointments to and examinations for All India services and group A & group B of Central services. The Commission conducts various examinations including the popular Civil Services Exam, NDA & NA Exam, etc.