CDS General Knowledge — Complete Guide 2026

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a premier national-level exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for the Indian Armed Forces. The exam is held twice a year, typically in February and September, and is a gateway for aspiring candidates to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. The CDS exam is of immense importance as it offers a prestigious career opportunity to serve the nation and enjoy a rewarding career with numerous benefits and growth prospects. Candidates who clear the exam are admitted to the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy, depending on their preferences and merit. The CDS exam is a highly competitive exam, and candidates must prepare thoroughly to succeed. With the help of free mock tests and practice questions on inetexam.in, candidates can assess their preparation and improve their chances of clearing the exam.

To be eligible for the CDS exam, candidates must meet certain criteria. The age limit for the exam varies depending on the academy applied for. For the Indian Military Academy, candidates must be between 19 and 24 years old, while for the Naval Academy, candidates must be between 19 and 22 years old. For the Air Force Academy, candidates must be between 19 and 23 years old, and for the Officers Training Academy, candidates must be between 19 and 25 years old. Candidates must also hold a graduate degree from a recognized university or be in the final year of their degree course. Only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply, and they must be citizens of India. There is no restriction on the number of attempts allowed, but candidates must meet the eligibility criteria each time they apply.

The CDS exam consists of three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The English paper is of 100 marks and consists of 120 questions, with a time duration of 2 hours. The General Knowledge paper is of 100 marks and consists of 120 questions, with a time duration of 2 hours. The Elementary Mathematics paper is of 100 marks and consists of 100 questions, with a time duration of 2 hours. The exam has a negative marking scheme, with 1/3 marks deducted for each incorrect answer. Candidates must score a minimum of 20% marks in each paper to qualify for the next stage of the selection process.

The CDS exam syllabus is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics. The English paper tests candidates' knowledge of English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. The General Knowledge paper covers topics such as history, geography, politics, economics, and science. The Elementary Mathematics paper tests candidates' knowledge of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics. Some of the key topics in the General Knowledge paper include Indian history, world history, Indian geography, world geography, Indian politics, and economics. Candidates must also be aware of current events and have a good understanding of general knowledge topics.

The CDS exam calendar typically includes the following dates: notification release date, application start date, application end date, admit card release date, exam date, and result declaration date. Candidates must check the official UPSC website for exact dates, as they may vary from year to year. Typically, the notification is released in October and June, and the exam is held in February and September. Candidates must apply online within the specified timeframe and download their admit cards before the exam.

To prepare for the CDS exam, candidates must develop a comprehensive study plan and stick to it. Here are some actionable preparation tips: (1) Start preparing early, at least 6-8 months before the exam. (2) Focus on building a strong foundation in English, mathematics, and general knowledge. (3) Practice regularly, using mock tests and practice questions to assess your preparation. (4) Use recommended books and study materials, such as NCERT textbooks and Manorama Yearbook. (5) Join a coaching institute or online course to get guidance and support. (6) Develop a time management strategy to ensure you complete the exam on time. (7) Stay motivated and focused, and avoid distractions. (8) Take breaks and practice stress management techniques to avoid burnout. (9) Use online resources, such as inetexam.in, to access free mock tests and practice questions. (10) Review and analyze your performance regularly to identify areas for improvement.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the CDS exam: (1) What is the age limit for the CDS exam? The age limit varies depending on the academy applied for. (2) What is the educational qualification required for the CDS exam? Candidates must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university. (3) Can married candidates apply for the CDS exam? No, only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply. (4) How many attempts are allowed for the CDS exam? There is no restriction on the number of attempts allowed. (5) What is the exam pattern for the CDS exam? The exam consists of three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. (6) What is the syllabus for the CDS exam? The syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including English, mathematics, and general knowledge. (7) How can I prepare for the CDS exam? Candidates must develop a comprehensive study plan and use recommended books and study materials. (8) What is the selection process for the CDS exam? Candidates must clear the written exam, followed by an interview and medical test.