UPSC CDS Selection Process: The CDS selection process consists of two stages: the written test and the SSB interview cycle. In the first stage (written test), candidates need to appear for three papers for getting hired in IMA, INA, and AFA, while OTA candidates need to appear for two papers. In the second selection stage, they must participate in an interview to test their intelligence, personality, and psychological skills. Read the article for having complete details of the UPSC CDS Selection Process.
UPSC CDS Selection Process: Stage 1
- The first step in the CDS 2021 selection process is a written test, which includes three subjects: English, general knowledge and basic mathematics for admission to the Indian Air Force, Navy and Military Academy.
- To be admitted to the Officer Training Academy, candidates only need to apply for two positions: English and General Knowledge. The CDS written objective and each task consists of 2 hours. For the second stage of CDS that is Interview.
UPSC CDS Selection Process: Stage 2
- The second step in the CDS selection process is the SSB interview. The CDS 2021 interview is a five-day process that includes a comprehensive screening of candidates, covering all important aspects of the overall personality.
- Applicants are also assessed physically, mentally, and psychologically; however, candidates must take the first stage test before they can take the second stage test. Intelligence officer qualifications and PPDT are a one-day program. Test the applicant’s verbal and non-verbal skills.
Officer Intelligence Rating
The officer intelligence ability test is the first part of the second round selection of the CDS 2021 interview. The test is divided into two parts: verbal thinking and non-verbal thinking. For this test, candidates must answer 55 to 60 questions in both parts at the same time.
Verbal Reasoning Section : The total number of questions in the language thinking part of the OIR test is 50. Applicants have 30 minutes to complete the test and then enter the nonverbal thinking section.
Non Verbal Reasoning Section : In this part of the CDS second phase interview, candidates need to answer 50 questions within 25-30 minutes. After completing this test, the applicant will receive a second round of testing. I. Image Perception and Description Test (PPDT).
Picture Perception and Description Test
This part of the CDS Level 1 interview is very challenging because it examines the candidate’s memory and situational awareness skills. This screening test is interesting because candidates only have 30 seconds to see the blurred image and display it within 3 seconds. Within this limited time frame, applicants should focus on seven key dimensions :
- Age
- Sex
- Mood
- Character
- Past
- Present
- Future
UPSC CDS Selection Process 2021: What after CDS Interview 2021?
- After the CDS interview process is completed in 2021, candidate screening will be completed, which also includes document screening. Applicants who are eligible for the interview must submit the required original documents and 2 self-signed copies to the SSC (Service Selection Center) after the interview. Below you will find a list of documents that must be brought with you during the selection process.
- The original certificate will be returned after verification. UPSC Never accepts certified copies of real certificates or Photostat certificates. Eligibility Proof Identity Proof (Pan Card, Aadhar Card, Voter ID, etc.) Birth certificate Passport size Photo category Retention category Applicant’s certificate Residence certificate.
- Medical Examination is the last but very important step. This step is held to verify that selected aspirant is physically fit for the officer cadre or not. This verification is must. For final recruitment, you have to clear all the verification formalities.
UPSC CDS Selection Process 2021: Disqualification Criteria
- Candidates admitted to the Air Force Academy, Indian Military Academy, National Defense Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Chennai Officer Training Academy but expelled for misconduct will not be considered for admission to the Indian Air Force Academy. Academy, Indian Naval Academy or Army Short-term Service Committee.
- Candidates who drop out of the Indian Military Academy due to lack of officer qualifications (OLQ) will not be accepted by the Indian Military Academy.
- Candidates who were previously selected as special purpose naval cadets but left the National Defense Academy or Naval Academy due to lack of officer qualifications will not be eligible to enter the Indian Naval Academy.
- Candidates who leave the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officer Training Academy (OTA), NCC and graduate school due to lack of officer qualifications will not be considered for the Army Short-term Service Commission Award.
Must-Check: CDS Exam Pattern 2021
| Mode of Exam | Offline only (Pen and paper mode) |
| Number of Questions asked | 300 MCQ Type |
| Number of questions in OTA | 200 MCQ Type |
| Maximum Marks | 300 and 200 (OTA) |
| Duration of Exam | 2 hours (120 minutes) for each paper |
| Medium | Hindi or English |
| Negative Marking | One-third mark deducted for every incorrect response |
Other Important Links:
UPSC CDS Result and Score Card
UPSC CDS Salary and Job Profile
We have covered complete details on UPSC CDS Selection Process 2021. If you have any queries related to the UPSC CDS Exam, feel free to comment below.
FAQs on UPSC CDS Selection Process 2021:
What is the UPSC CDS selection process?
Basically, the UPSC CDS selection process consists of 2 stages: Written Test and SSB interview.
Can one clear UPSC CDS Exam in first attempt?
Yes, he/she can clear the UPSC CDS exam by solving sample papers and by referring to the best books
How many candidates clear the UPSC CDS (1) 2021 exam?
6552 candidates cleared the UPSC CDS(1) 2021 Exam.
How many candidates clear the UPSC CDS (2) 2020 exam?
6727 candidates cleared the UPSC CDS(2) 2020 Exam.