IND

Trending Now

What is CDS Exam

AFCAT Exam Pattern 2024: Total Marks and Negative Marking.

by Leave a Comment

AFCAT Exam Pattern 2024: Indian Air Force (IAF) officially releases AFCAT exam pattern to help students understand the structure of the exam. Understanding the AFCAT exam pattern enables the students to know the sections from where questions are asked in the exam. By going through the AFCAT exam pattern, candidates will also know the total marks, marking scheme, time duration, and question paper pattern. According to AFCAT exam pattern 2024, candidates are required to solve 100 questions, depending on whether they are trying for a technical or non-technical branch. According to AFCAT Exam Analysis, the overall difficulty level of the exam is moderate. Read below for more details on the exam pattern of AFCAT.

AFCAT Exam Pattern 2024

AFCAT and EKT exams are conducted in computer-based mode. Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) is conducted for candidates who opt for Ground Duty (Technical) branch. The language of the exam is English. A total of 100 questions are asked in the AFCAT exam while EKT carries 50 questions. Candidates get two hours to solve AFCAT paper while 45 minutes for EKT. The test paper of AFCAT comprises questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. EKT comprises questions from Mechanical, Computer Science, and Electrical & Electronics. The difficulty level of AFCAT syllabus is of graduation level. The total marks allotted to AFCAT are 300 while EKT carries 150 marks.

AFCAT exam pattern highlights the overall structure of the exam such as number of sections, weightage of topics, time duration, total marks, marking scheme and many more. Candidates should prepare as per the exam pattern so that they get familar with the exam process.

Also Read:

AFCAT Exam Pattern

Candidates can check below the highlights of the AFCAT exam pattern.

ParametersDetails
Mode of examOnline
Number of sectionsAFCAT: FourEKT: Three
Number of questionsAFCAT: 100EKT: 50
Maximum marksAFCAT: 300EKT: 150
Type of questionsObjective type
AFCAT Paper DurationTwo hours
Language of paperEnglish

AFCAT Exam Pattern for Online Test

AFCAT exam pattern for online test is given below:

  • AFCAT online test is divided into four sections
  • The question paper of AFCAT comprises a total of 100 questions
  • The maximum marks allotted for AFCAT are 300
  • All questions asked in the AFCAT and EKT exams are objective type, having multiple options
  • The question paper is made available in English only
  • Candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks to qualify for the exam

The structure of AFCAT exam pattern is given below.

SubjectExam DurationNo of QuestionsMaximum Marks
General Awareness02 hours100300
Verbal Ability in English
Numerical Ability
Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test

How Many Papers are in AFCAT?

There are total of four papers in AFCAT according to AFCAT Exam Pattern which includes General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test. AFCAT paper duration is 150 minutes i.e two hours. Candidates need to score between 140 to 190 marks out of 300 in AFCAT exam.

Which Subjects are included in AFCAT exam?

According to AFCAT exam pattern, the subjects included in the exam are General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning, and Military Aptitude Test.

AFCAT Exam Pattern for EKT

The EKT exam is conducted for 45 minutes. The test paper carries questions from subjects such as Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, and Electrical & Electronics Engineering. EKT paper carries a total of 50 questions. The maximum marks allotted for EKT exam are 150

The structure of EKT exam pattern is given below.

SubjectTimeNo. of QuestionsMaximum Marks
Mechanical 45 minutes50150
Computer Science
Electrical & Electronics

AFCAT Exam Pattern for Technical Branch

The structure of AFCAT exam pattern for Technical branch is given below.

SectionQuestionsMarksTime
Reasoning and military aptitude test351052 Hours
Verbal ability in English3090
Numerical ability1545
General awareness2060
Mechanics/ Computer science/ Electrical and electronics5015045 min

AFCAT Exam Pattern for Non-Technical Branch

Candidates who apply for ground duty (non-technical branches) should be aware of the AFCAT exam pattern for non-technical branch. The structure of the non-technical branch is given below.

SectionQuestionsMarksTime
Reasoning and military aptitude test351052 Hours
Verbal ability in English3090
Numerical ability1545
General awareness2060

AFCAT Exam Time

The online test of AFCAT is conducted for two hours. EKT is held for 45 minutes. AFCAT exam timings are given below:

Activity Shift 1Shift 2
Reporting time7.30 am12.30 pm
Verification of admit card & ID Proof, Biometrics, Photo/ Thumb Impression/ Sign on Attendance Sheet & candidate seating in exam hall 7.30 am to 9.30 am 12.30 am to 2 pm 
Reading of instructions by candidates9.30 am to 9.45 am 2 pm to 2.15 pm
AFCAT exam 9.45 am to 11.45 am 2.15 pm to 4.15 pm 

AFCAT Marking Scheme

The marking scheme of the AFCAT exam is given below:

  • For correct answers, candidates score three marks. The score of candidates is calculated after deducting AFCAT negative marking
  • There is AFCAT negative marking. One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer
  • No marks are allotted to unattempted questions

AFCAT Exam Pattern: Normalisation Process

AFCAT normalisation of marks is done to adjust the difficulty level of the question paper held across various sessions. This is done to ensure transparency in the calculation of scores.In order to rationalise the marks scored by candidates appearing in different shifts objectively through a statistical method, normalisation scheme is
being implemented as per the following formula:

AFCAT Normalisation

AFSB SSB Exam Pattern

Candidates qualifying the online test of AFCAT are called for AFSB interview. The AFSB interview is conducted in three stages at different centres-Dehradun, Varanasi, Gandhinagar and Mysuru. At AFSB, candidates need to undergo the following tests inorder to ascertain their suitability and gauge your potential as an Officer in the Indian Air Force.

Stage-I

Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with Picture Perception and discussion test is conducted on the first day. Stage-I test is a screening test and only those who qualify are called for subsequent testing. All Stage-I qualified candidates are subjected to document check to ascertain their eligibility for the branches applied for. Candidates who either do not qualify in Stage-I or do not meet the required eligibility criteria are sent back on the first day itself. 

Stage-II

All Stage 1 qualified candidates need to undergo tests as part of their Stage 2 testing during four to five days. Fifth day is for CPSS testing (Flying branch). The following tests are conducted in Stage 2:

  • Psychological Tests are written tests that are conducted by a Psychologist
  • Group Tests are interactive indoor and outdoor activities which are a combination of mental and physical work
  • Interview involves a personal conversation with an Interviewing Officer
  • Candidates who have applied for flying branch and have been recommended, will also have to undergo Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test

For Flying branch

Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) will be administered to recommended candidates only. This is once in a lifetime test. Candidates who failed the CPSS/ PABT in an earlier attempt or a Flight Cadet suspended from flying training at Air Force Academy are not eligible.

Medical Test

Candidates recommended by the Selection Board, are sent for the medical examination either at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi or Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru.

AFCAT Syllabus

AFCAT syllabus is given below.

SubjectsTopics
EnglishComprehension, Error Detection, Antonyms and Testing of Vocabulary, Idioms and Phrases, Synonyms
General KnowledgeHistory, Civics, Geography, Politics, Art, Culture, Sports, Defence, Basic Science, Environment, Current Affairs
Reasoning and Military AptitudeSpatial Ability, Verbal Ability, Simple Interest Time and Distance, Ratio and Proportion, etc.
Numerical AbilityTime and Work, Decimal Fraction, Profit and Loss, Percentage, etc.

There are some notable modifications in the AFCAT Exam Pattern for 2024, especially with regard to negative marking and the distribution of total scores. These changes reflect a deliberate effort to improve the evaluation procedure by striking a balance between precision and accuracy when gauging candidates’ skills and knowledge. While the change in total scores provides a more accurate picture of candidates’ abilities, the addition of negative grading promotes careful planning and critical thought. As candidates are ready to manoeuvre through this revised pattern, it emphasises the value of careful planning, a calculated approach, and flexibility. The ultimate goal of the AFCAT Exam Pattern for 2024 is to promote a more open and merit-based hiring procedure, which will make it easier to find the best applicants to join the esteemed Indian Air Force.

CDS Exam Pattern 2024: Check CDS 1 & 2 Paper Pattern

by Leave a Comment

CDS exam pattern 2024: The Union Public Service Commission specifies the CDS exam pattern for the written exam and SSB Interview. UPSC lays the best career option for candidates who want to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Defence Forces. The candidate who wants to qualify for the CDS exam must go through the exam pattern and syllabus of the CDS exam.

CDS exam patterns for the INA, AFA, and IMA are similar but the CDS OTA exam pattern is slightly different from the other three. The CDS exam is conducted in two stages, the written exam and the SSB interview. The CDS exam is an offline exam conducted in pen paper-based format. The CDS marking scheme, negative marking, total marks, exam timing, and the paper pattern for the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA are available below for the CDS exam.

Also Read What Is CDS Exam (Combined Defence Services Examination)

CDS Exam Pattern 2024

Candidates can check below, in brief, the exam pattern of the CDS exam.

ParametersDetails
Mode of examOffline
Number of sectionsIndian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA)-ThreeOfficers’ Training Academy (OTA)-Two
Total marks of the testIMA, INA, and AFA-300OTA-200
Nature of questionsObjective type
Language of question paperHindi and English
Duration of the testTwo hours for each section of the test

CDS Exam Pattern for INA, AFA, IMA

The candidates appearing for the CDS exam to become defence personnel through INA, IMA and AFA must know the exam pattern. The candidates can understand the exam with a better perspective if they know the exam pattern. The UPSC CDS exam pattern has been given below for INA, IMA, and AFA:

  • The written exam for IMA, INA, and AFA comprises three sections: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics
  • The total exam duration for IMA, INA, and AFA is six hours (each section is for two hours)
  • The total marks of the test for IMA, INA, and AFA are 300

CDS Exam Pattern for Written Test

The candidate can check the CDS written test exam pattern in the table below:

CDS Exam Pattern 
Mode of Exam Offline
Number of Subjects 3
Name of Subjects English, General Awareness, and Maths
Total Marks300 marks
Time Duration6 hours
Type of examObjective 
Medium of ExamBilingual (Hindi and English)

Also Read NDA Exam Pattern 2024: Marking Scheme, Question Distribution & Syllabus.

CDS Exam Pattern OTA

OTA (Officers Training Academy) has a different exam pattern as compared to the IMA, INA, and AFA exams. The exam pattern for the UPSC CDS OTA exam has been given below for the candidates to know the intricate pattern of the exam easily:

  • The written exam for OTA comprises two sections: English and General Knowledge
  • The total exam duration for OTA is four hours (each section is for two hours)
  • The total marks of the test for OTA are 200

Structure of CDS Question Paper

The structure of the CDS question paper for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA is as follows: 

IMA, INA, AFA
SubjectDuration (In hours)Maximum Marks
English2 100
General Knowledge2 100
Elementary Mathematics2 100
OTA
SubjectDuration (In hours)Maximum Marks
English2 100
General Knowledge2 100

CDS Negative Marking

For a better understanding of the marking system of the CDS exam, the marking scheme of the CDS exam is given below. The candidates can go through the points to understand the exam marking scheme. The section-wise marking scheme has also been given for the candidate’s ease on the page below.

  • For the incorrect answer, 1/3 mark is deducted
  • Candidates marking more than one option are treated as incorrect 
  • If a question is left unanswered, there will be no negative marking 

Section Wise Marking Scheme

The section-wise marking scheme of the CDS exam has been given below for the candidates. The section-wise marking scheme will help the aspirants to understand the complex structure of the marking scheme: 

Specifications English GK Mathematics 
Maximum marks100100100
Marks for the correct answer+1 mark for each correct option+1 mark for each correct option+1 mark for each correct option
Negative marking-0.33 marks for each wrong answer-0.33 marks for each wrong answer-0.33 marks for each wrong answer

CDS Exam Pattern 2024 for SSB Interview

The SSB Interview for IMA, INA, and AFA is for 300 marks each while for OTA, it is 200. The SSB Interview procedure consists of two stages: I and II. Only those candidates who qualify the stage I are permitted to appear in stage II. The details of both stages are given below: 

  • Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT)
  • Stage II comprises Interviews, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conferences. These tests are conducted over days
Download CURRENT AFFAIRS Guide –Click Here 

CDS Previous Years’ Paper Analysis

The previous years’ paper analysis for the CDS exam is given below. This analysis will help candidates to know the types of questions asked in the exam.

English

The English question paper is designed to test the candidates’ understanding of the English language. 

EnglishNo. of Questions
Cloze Test10
Preposition & Determinants10
Completion of Sentence10
Antonyms10
Part of Speech10
Spotting Error10
Ordering of Word in a Sentence10
Fill in the Blanks10
Synonyms10
Idioms & Phrases10
Ordering of Sentences10
Total120

Elementary Maths

The distribution of questions in this subject is given below.

TopicNo. of Questions
Mensuration14
Geometry20
Algebra7
Number system20
Trigonometry14
Average/Statistics4
Time and Work3
Speed & Distance6
Simple Interest and Compound Interest5
Percentage2
Clock2
Profit and Loss1
Mixture and allegation1
Set Theory1
Total100

General Awareness

The distribution of questions in GK paper is given below.

SubjectsNo. Of Questions
Geography16
History24
Economy11
Polity17
Physics11
Chemistry17
Biology7
Current Affairs18
Static/Misc.2
Total120

Instructions to fill CDS Answer Sheet

The candidates appearing for the CDS  exam must know the instructions to fill out the CDS exam answer sheet so that they do not make any mistakes while filling out the OMR answer sheet. The instructions to fill out the answer sheet are given below.

  • As soon as the candidate receives the answer sheet, they should check that it is numbered at the bottom. If it is found un-numbered they should at once get it replaced by a numbered one
  • Candidates should write with a black ball pen the name of the centre and subject in English or Hindi
  • The test booklet series is indicated by Alphabets A, B, C, or D at the top right-hand corner of the booklet
  • Write roll numbers exactly as it is in your e-Admission Certificate with a black ball pen in the boxes provided for this purpose. Do not omit any zero(s) which may be there
    The next step is to find out the appropriate subject code from the Time Table
  • Encode the Test Booklet Series, Subject Code, and Roll Number in the circles provided for this purpose. Do the encoding with a black ball pen. The name of the Centre need not be encoded
    Writing and encoding of the Test Booklet Series is to be done after receiving the Test Booklet and confirming the Booklet Series from the same

CDS Syllabus 2024

The standard of the papers in Elementary Mathematics is of Matriculation level. The standard of papers in other subjects is approximately such as may be expected of a graduate of an Indian University. The question paper is designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workmanlike use of words. General Knowledge includes knowledge of current events and such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not made a special study of any scientific subject. The paper also includes questions on the History of India and the Geography of nature which the candidate should be able to answer without special study. Candidates can check the topics included in the CDS syllabus.

Subjects Topics 
English The question paper is designed to test the candidates’ understanding of
English and Grammar
General Knowledge Economics, Physics, General Awareness, Politics, History, Geography, Sociology, etc. 
Elementary Mathematics Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics, etc.

CDS Best Preparation

The candidates preparing for the CDS exam must go through the CDS best books for the preparation. The list of the CDS books been given below for the candidates in the table :

Name of BooksSubjectAuthor/Publications
Objective General EnglishEnglishS.P Bakshi (Arihant Publications)
Manorama Year BookGeneral AwarenessPhilip Mathew
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exam Quantitative AptitudeR.S Aggarwal

Other Defence Exam Patterns

NDA exam patternAFCAT exam patternUPSC CAPF exam pattern

The CDS Exam Pattern for 2024 is a demanding framework that evaluates candidates’ readiness for service in the Indian Armed Forces. It covers both CDS 1 and 2. The complex combination of courses, which range from Elementary Mathematics to General Knowledge and English, together with the various patterns for each academy guarantees a thorough assessment of the abilities and knowledge of applicants. Candidates for officer positions should become well-versed in the required course material and testing structure in order to maximise their readiness and raise their likelihood of passing. Candidates can successfully manage the obstacles of the CDS Exam Pattern by using smart study methods, discipline, and dedication. This will ultimately pave the way for a rewarding career serving the country with honour and distinction.

What Is CDS Exam (Combined Defence Services Examination)

by Leave a Comment

Discover the CDS Exam, which becomes an opening to membership in the Indian Military. Crucial information to launch your defence profession.

What is CDS Exam?

  • It is written test conducted by UPSC two times every year for entries into these academies. CDS written exam has three different tests namely English, General Knowledge and Mathematics.
  • Notification Month of this Exam: March (CDS II) and August (CDS I)
  • Examination Conducted in the months of February (CDS I) and August (CDS II).

Also Read CDS 2 2024: Application (Out), Notification, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus & More

Age Limit for CDS Examination

  • 19-24 Years of age for Indian Military Academy
  • 19-22 Years of age for Naval Academy
  • 19-23 Years of age for Air Force Academy
  • 19-25 Years of age for Officers’ Training Academy

Educational Qualification for CDS Examination

  • Degree of a recognized University or equivalent for IMA and OTA
  • B.Sc. with Physics & Mathematics or Bachelor of Engg. for Naval Academy
  • B.Sc. with Physics and/or Mathematics or Bachelor of Engg. for Air Force Academy

Also Read UPSC CDS 2024: Application (Out), Alert, Time, Schedule, Qualifications, Courses, and Up-to-Date Information.

The Indian Military Academy (IMA)

  • An officer-training academy of the Indian Army in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
  • It was established in 1932 following a recommendation by a military committee set up under the chairmanship of Field Marshal Philip Chetwode.
  • Cadets undergo a training course varying between 3 and 16 months depending on entry criteria.
  • Colours of IMA: Blood Red and Steel Grey.
  • Motto of IMA: “Veerta aur Vivek” “वीरता और विवेक”
  • Mission of IMA: To train future military leaders of the Indian Army, goes hand in hand with the character building enshrined in the IMA honour code, warrior code and motto.
  • Cadets take part in a variety of sports, adventure activities, physical training, drills, weapons training, and leadership development activities.

The Indian Naval Academy (INA)

  • Initial Officer Training Academy of Indian Navy
  • Location: Ezhimala, Kannur, Kerala
  • INA conducts basic training for all officers inducted into the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.
  • INA is the largest Naval Academy in Asia.
  • Inaugurated on 8th January 2009
  • Motto in Sanskrit: “Vidyayaa Amrutam Ashnute” “विद्ययाऽमृतमश्नुते“

Mission of INA: To develop the trainees morally, mentally, physically and to imbibe in them the high ideals of loyalty, valour and patriotism in order to provide the service with officers who are dedicated to a career of Naval Service and have potential for future development to assume the highest responsibility of leadership.

The Air Force Academy (AFA)

  • Located in Medchal-Malkajgiri district 43 km from Hyderabad, in Telangana.
  • It imparts training to the flying, technical and ground duty branches of IAF as well as officers of the Indian Navy & the Indian Coast Guard.
  • Period of training: 1 year.
  • Women cadets are being inducted since June 1993.
  • Motto: “Shram se Siddhi” “श्रम से सिद्धि”
  • Mission of AFA: To inspire and transform outstanding young men and women into courageous, dynamic, intellectual and cultured young Air Warriors; motivated to lead one of the leading aerospace forces of the world in service to the nation.
  • The training at the Air Force Academy is designed to inculcate moral values, leadership qualities, sense of honour and duty, mental and physical prowess, a spirit of adventure and the will to win, in the Flight Cadets.

Also Read NDA Exam Date 2024 Out: UPSC NDA 2 Exam Schedule.

The Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)

  • Training establishment of the Indian Army that train officers for the Short Service Commission (SSC).
  • Course duration: 49 weeks course
  • OTA prepares graduates for all branches of the Army, except for the Army Medical Corps (AMC).
  • Motto of OTA: “Serve With Honour”
  • The SSC Short Service commission officer’s tenure is 10+4 years (i.e. a compulsory 10 years of service and 4 years as extension).
  • After the completion of this tenure the officers can either opt for a Permanent commission (which will be given only based upon the performance seen by confidential reports, etc.) or can opt out of the Indian Army.
  • The ex NDA and CTW officers have a slight edge over their SSC counterparts in courses owing to the fact that they have trained three years more than the SSC entries.
  • You can convert from a short service commission to a permanent commission, however the vice versa is not possible.

Todaysheadlinesnews is your news, entertainment, music fashion website. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the entertainment industry.

POPULAR POSTS

RECENT POSTS
Todaysheadlinesnews is your news, entertainment, music fashion website. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the entertainment industry.

FOLLOW US:

Copyright © 2024 ·  TodaysHeadlines.News