UPSC — Combined Defence Services (CDS) I 2025

• Notification uploaded: 11 Dec 2024 (UPSC Notice PDF). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Application window: See official notice (online on UPSC portal). UPSC Calendar lists application deadlines & exam dates. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Exam date (CDS I 2025): CDS I was conducted on 13 April 2025 (written exam). Confirm admit card for your centre & session. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Selection stages: Written Papers (Objective) → SSB Interviews (Service Selection Board) → Medical & final merit. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Who conducts CDS?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services Examination twice a year for recruitment to IMA, INA, AFA and OTA (Men & Women — check service-specific rules in the notification). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Written Exam — Pattern

CDS written test is a pen-and-paper objective exam. Paper composition depends on the academy applied to:

Note: IMA / INA / AFA require all three papers; OTA (Men & Women) usually do not require Mathematics paper — check the notification for exact paper combinations per academy. Full syllabus topics (topic lists) are in the official UPSC notice PDF. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

• Notification uploaded: 11 Dec 2024 (UPSC Notice PDF). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Last date to apply / application window: See UPSC Notice & Calendar for the concrete window (dates vary; check link above). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Written exam (CDS I 2025): 13 April 2025 (UPSC timetable/admit-card press note). Check your admit card for centre/shifts. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• SSB Interview / Service Selection Board: Shortlisted candidates will be called for SSB; SSB scheduling is by service boards after written results. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

UPSC sometimes extends deadlines or opens correction windows — follow UPSC notices for changes. Example: reports indicated an extension / correction instructions in the 2025 cycle. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Designed for aspirants starting 3 months before the exam. Adjust daily hours depending on baseline (2–6 hrs/day if working; 6–10 hrs/day if full-time).

Weeks 1–4 — Foundation

• Daily: 1.5 hrs English (reading & grammar), 1.5 hrs GK/current affairs, 1.5 hrs Maths basics/practice.
• Start a current-affairs notebook (daily 20-minute summary of news relevant to defence & international affairs).
• Weekends: one timed sectional test (2 hours), review mistakes immediately.

Weeks 5–8 — Consolidation

• Increase mock cadence: 1 full mock every 4–5 days. Focus on speed & accuracy—time per question and elimination techniques.
• Mental maths drills and formula sheet for quick revisions.

Weeks 9–12 — Mock Marathon & Polish

• 2 full papers/week, simulate exam day (wake time, travel, exam center rules).
• Final 10 days: light revision, error log corrections, sleep & nutrition prep.

SSB preparation: after written results, start personality & group-task practice — mock SSB sessions, communication skills, confidence building and officer-like appearance. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

1. English: Choose the correct sentence — "He insisted on (to go / going) alone." — Answer: "going".
2. GK: Which treaty established the World Trade Organization? — Answer: The Marrakesh Agreement (1994).
3. Maths: If cosθ = 3/5 and θ in first quadrant, find tanθ. — Solution: sinθ = 4/5 ⇒ tanθ = (4/5)/(3/5) = 4/3.

Do 200–400 past MCQs (timed) before your first full-length mock to build section familiarity.

Cutoffs depend on vacancies, exam difficulty and service-wise demand. Practical approach: aim for previous-year cutoff + comfortable margin (10–15%) in mocks, maintain sectional balance and highest accuracy in GK/English to maximize merit.