Aspirants must have comprehensive details about the exam pattern, and preparation strategy to accelerate their preparations in the right direction. Here is a foolproof guide to the UPSC CDS 2 exam along with preparation strategy and other important details.
UPSC CDS 2: Important Details
Candidates can check all the important details mentioned here to gain in-depth knowledge of this recruitment drive by UPSC.
UPSC CDS 2 2024: Exam Pattern and Shift Timings
The CDS 2 exam, just like CDS 1, is conducted in two distinct phases. The first phase consists of a written test, and the second phase involves an interview. The written test includes multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge and skills.
The written test covers three subjects: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The Officers Training Academy (OTA) exam, however, includes only English and General Knowledge.
The detailed CDS exam pattern 2024 has been provided here.
UPSC CDS 2 exam will be conducted in three shifts on September 1. The CDS Exam 2024 schedule for English, General Knowledge (GK), and Elementary Mathematics is detailed below.
UPSC CDS 2 exam 2024: Marking Scheme
The Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy each have a maximum of 300 marks for the written exam, while the Officers’ Training Academy has a maximum of 200 marks.
The detailed marking scheme for the UPSC CDS 2 exam has been provided here:
- Each question has four answer choices.
- For each incorrect answer, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
- If a candidate selects more than one answer for a question, it will be marked as incorrect, even if one of the selected answers is correct, and the same penalty will apply.
- There will be no negative marking for questions left blank i.e. unanswered.
UPSC CDS 2 SSB Interview: A detailed overview
Candidates who successfully pass the written examination are invited to attend the Service Selection Board (SSB) for an intelligence and personality assessment. The maximum marks allotted in the SSB interview are 300 for IMA, INA, and 200 for the OTA exam.
The assignment to the SSB is based on candidates’ preferences and is determined by the respective service headquarters. The SSB Interview is a comprehensive process spanning five days, conducted in two stages at designated SSB Centers:
- Stage 1: Officer intelligence (OI) rating, picture perception (PP), and description test (DT).
- Stage 2: Psychology test, personal interview, group testing officer tasks, and a final conference.
UPSC CDS 2 vacancies 2024
Take a look at the detailed break up of vacancies that the CDS 2 exam aims to fill.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2024: Check the Complete Syllabus
Check out the detailed syllabus for English, General Knowledge, and mathematics sections in the UPSC CDS 2 exam.
UPSC CDS 2 Preparation 2024: Subject-wise Guideline
Aspirants must follow these tips to streamline their preparation strategy and accelerate toward success.
Tips for English:
- Regularly review grammar rules to enhance your sentence structure and reduce errors.
- Invest in a good dictionary to expand your vocabulary, understand idioms and phrases, and improve word choice, thereby enriching both your speaking and writing skills.
- Read newspapers, magazines, and books daily. Consistent reading enhances your comprehension and aids in better sentence formation.
Tips for Mathematics:
- According to the official notification, the Mathematics section of the CDS exam is set at the Matriculation level. Allocate sufficient time to study and practise this subject.
- Focus on both accuracy and speed to ensure you can complete all questions within the allotted time.
- Compile a list of essential formulas and theorems, and regularly practise arithmetic and algebraic concepts, including area, surface, and the number system.
- Solve previous years’ question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and question types.
Tips for General Knowledge:
- With the vast amount of information available today, staying current with relevant news can be challenging. However, the CDS 2 exam places significant emphasis on General Knowledge, so staying informed about politics, civics, and geography is crucial.
- Analyse past exam papers to identify frequently covered topics, which will help you focus on key areas.
- Keep yourself updated with national and international news, including conferences, summits, and notable world events.
- Utilise online resources and platforms like YouTube to understand general science concepts and regularly review your knowledge.
How to prepare for the CDS SSB Interview?
Various tests are designed to check the officer-like qualities in aspirants. You can follow the tips mentioned here to strengthen your preparation.
- For OIR, PP and DT, you should focus on basic aptitude, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, image recognition, story writing in 4 to 5 mins, narrating stories, articulating the group discussion ability, etc.
- You must get over the fear of speaking. Start practising public speaking. The best way is by contributing to discussions taking place with family and friends. Also, try to interact with people, it will help in boosting confidence. This will help you prepare for the GD rounds.
- You can also stand in front of a mirror and rehearse an interview session. This will aid you in improving body language, expression, and pronunciation. It will contribute to overall personality development.
- Certain questions such as aim in life, determination and family background are frequently asked in the SSB Interviews. Keep answers ready for these questions in the best possible way.
- There are physical activities in the SSB interviews for which candidates need to have a fit body. Maintain your fitness by regularly engaging in physical activities.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Day Guidelines 2024
Candidates must follow the mentioned guidelines to ensure that you face no hassle during the examination process.
- Arrive at the examination venue at least 30 minutes prior to the start of each session. Late arrivals will not be admitted after the entry period closes.
- Keep multiple copies of your admit card with you to prevent any issues on the exam day. You must bring a printed version of your e-Admit Card to the exam venue. Failure to present your e-Admit Card for verification will result in a denial of entry.
- Additionally, carry an original photo ID, such as an Aadhar Card, and a black ballpoint pen. If the photograph on your e-Admit Card is unclear or missing, bring three identical photographs for use in each session.
- Do not bring mobile phones, tablets, laptops, or other electronic devices, as well as valuable items, into the examination hall.
- Ensure you have a black ballpoint pen for the exam. Retain your CDS 2 2024 admit card safely until the entire selection process is complete. Carefully read and follow all instructions provided on the admit card.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Centres
According to the official notification the examination will be held at the following centres.
