UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025: Types of Questions and Marking Scheme

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025

Candidates preparing for the UPSC CDS 2025 exam should thoroughly review the UPSC CDS exam pattern 2025. UPSC CDS 1 is scheduled for April 13, 2025, and CDS 2 for September 14, 2025, as per the official notification. Understanding the exam pattern and marking scheme is essential for effective preparation and improving the chances of success. A clear grasp of the UPSC CDS 2025 syllabus allows candidates to focus on the most important topics and understand the types of questions likely to appear in the exam. To assist in the preparation for the UPSC CDS examination, CollegeDekho has provided a detailed analysis of the expected exam pattern and marking scheme for the UPSC CDS 2025 exam.

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - Highlights

Here are some highlights of the UPSC CDS exam pattern 2025 that will help the aspirants during their preparatory stages.

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - Written Exam

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

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - IMA/INA/AFA

The candidates who will be taking the exam for IMA/INA/AFA can check out the details related to the UPSC CDS 2025 exam pattern here. The written exam for this category will have three sections, English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Math. For each section, 2 hours will be provided so the total duration of the test will be 6 hours and the total marks allotted to this exam are 300. Check out the other details from the table given below:

UPSC CDS 2025 Exam Pattern for OTA

For OTA, there will be only two sections available in the written exam: English and General Knowledge. The total exam duration is 4 hours. 2 hours will be provided for each section and the total number of marks allotted for this exam is 200. Check out the details of the UPSC CDS exam pattern 2025 from the table given below:

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - SSB Interview Pattern

Those candidates who will pass the written part of the UPSC CDS entrance exam, they will be called up to take part in the SSB interview round. The candidates are suggested to take a quick look at the UPSC CDS 2025 SSB interview pattern:

UPSC CDS Stage 1 of SSB Interview

• The first stage of the UPSC CDS interview round will comprise the following things:
• Description and Picture Perception Test: The candidates will be shown a picture first for a duration of 30 seconds and then they will be given 4 minutes to write about the same. Thereafter, a few 15-member groups will be formed in which the group members will be asked to discuss the picture and come to a conclusion. The interviewers will arrive at a conclusion themselves regarding the intelligence of the candidates. The ratings will decide who will be eligible for the second stage of the SSB interview round.

UPSC CDS Stage 2 of SSB Interview 

• The second stage of the SSB interview round will last 4 days
• In this stage, the candidates will be assessed on the basis of Group Testing Officers Task, Conference, Psychology Tests, etc
• The performance of the candidates will be gauged by three different persons - Group Testing Officer, Interviewing Officer, and Psychologist
• Stage 2 will be divided into - 
• Psychological Test - Thematic Appreciation Test, Word Association Test, Self Description Test, and Situation Reaction Test
• Group Activities - Group Planning Exercise, Group Discussion, Half Group Task, Progressive Group Task, Lecturrette, Group Obstacle Race, Command Task, Individual Obstacles, and Final Group Task

After the completion of both phases, the medical round will be conducted followed by the preparation of the merit list for admission into courses offered at IMA Dehradun, INA Ezhimala, AFA Hyderabad, and OTA Chennai. After the completion of the courses, the candidates will be inducted into the Indian Defense Services as officers.

UPSC CDS 2025 Marking Scheme

There is a negative marking in the UPSC CDS exam so the students must consider the details related to the same when they are filling out their answer sheet. For each incorrect answer, one-third of the marks will be deducted by the organization. If you mark more than one answer then it will be treated as incorrect. If you leave any question answer then you will not be liable for any negative marking. The candidates can check out the significant information about the section-wise marking scheme from the table given below:

How to fill OMR Sheet for UPSC CDS II 2025

OMR stands for  Optical Recognition Technology which is used in various national exams like UPSC CDS in India and across the world. The OMR sheet contains bubble-like diagrams which need to be filled by the candidates in a required manner. 

Details to be Mentioned on the OMR Sheet for UPSC CDS II 2025

Following are the details that are mentioned in the OMR sheet for the UPSC CDS exam. After receiving the OMR sheet, candidates must check the number at the bottom of the sheet. In case the number is not mentioned then the candidate must consult the respective exam invigilator and get the answer sheet replaced. Details to be filled in the OMR sheet by the candidate appearing for the UPSC CDS exam 2025 are as follows:

• Roll Number of the Candidate
• Name of the Candidate
• Test Number
• Exam date
• Darken the answers
• Test booklet number

Instructions to fill the OMR Sheet for UPSC CDS II 2025

• Candidates must write the correct roll number on the OMR sheet as has been mentioned on the admit card. 
• Candidates must use only either a Blue or Black Ball pen to fill the circles in the OMR sheet.
• Fill the circles properly. Do not leave any space in the circle uncolored. 
• Candidates are not allowed to do any corrections with an eraser, marker, or any other material on the OMR sheet. No marks will be given for the question in which such activity is done.
• Candidates must not fold or mutilate the OMR sheet. It will affect the way the OMR sheet is checked and will lead to certain kinds of discrepancies in the OMR sheet checking.
• Candidates should not do any kind of rough work on the OMR sheet. For rough book, space will be provided at the end of the Test Booklet/Question paper