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About Defence Exam
Competitive exams for defence are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and other defence authorities for recruitment to various departments of the Indian Armed Forces.
Candidates are tested on their aptitude in general knowledge, reasoning, English, and mathematics. Besides these, candidates are also evaluated on their physical fitness level.
Entering the armed forces is fiercely competitive and challenging. But the right resources and guidance are the means to fulfilling your dreams of getting into the armed forces.
Different Types of Defence Exam
Some of the most prestigious defence exams are National Defence Academy (NDA), Chief of Defence Staff of Indian Armed Forces (CDS), Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Intelligence Bureau (IB), among others.
The following table provides a comprehensive overview of different defence exams:
|
Exam |
Exam Structure |
Duration |
Mode of Exam |
|
Negative Marking |
|
2 Papers: Maths + GAT |
2.5 hrs |
Offline (Pen and Paper) |
900 |
Yes (⅓ marks deducted) |
|
|
2–3 Papers: English, GK, Maths |
2 hrs each |
Offline |
300 (IMA/INA/AFA), 200 (OTA) |
Yes (⅓ marks deducted) |
|
|
2 Papers: Objective + Descriptive |
Paper I: 2 hrs Paper II: 3 hrs |
Offline |
450 |
Yes (Paper I only) |
|
|
1 Paper: GK, Reasoning, English, Maths |
2 hrs |
Online (CBT) |
300 |
Yes (−1 per wrong) |
|
|
Tier I: General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English Language Tier II: Essay & Precis Writing |
Tier I: 1 hr Tier II: 2 hr |
Online |
200 + 50 |
Yes (Tier I only) |
|
|
GK, General Science, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning |
Approx. 1 hr |
Online |
~100 |
Yes |
|
|
General Intelligence & Reasoning, GK, Elementary Mathematics, English/Hindi |
2 hrs |
online/offline |
100 |
No |
|
|
|
General Intelligence & Reasoning, Numerical Aptitude, General English, General Awareness |
2 hrs |
Online (CBT) |
100 |
Yes |
|
General Knowledge, Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, General Hindi/English (varies by state) |
1-2 hrs |
Mostly Offline/Online (state-wise) |
100-300 |
Yes/No (Varies by State) |
Packed with errorless solution-based mock tests and Previous Year Questions (PYQs), Disha Publication offers the best NDA/NA study materials that not only help you achieve desirable scores in exams but also fulfil your ambitions of serving the nation
Boost your preparation for defence exams with the top-quality Defence study materials only by Disha Publication.
FAQs
Q1. What are the most important defence exams in India conducted by UPSC and other authorities?
Ans. The most prominent defence exams include the National Defence Academy Exam (NDA), Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS), Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), Intelligence Bureau ACIO Exam (IB ACIO) and Central Armed Police Forces Exam (CAPF). These exams are conducted for recruitment into various branches of the Indian Armed Forces and security agencies.
Q2. What subjects should candidates prepare for defence exams like NDA, CDS, and AFCAT?
Ans. Candidates must focus on mathematics, reasoning, general knowledge and English, as these form the core of most defence exams. Additionally, physical fitness and medical conditions are crucial selection criteria for final recruitment.
Q3. Do defence exams have negative marking, and what is the exam pattern?
Ans. Yes, most defence exams such as NDA, CDS, and AFCAT include negative marking for incorrect answers (usually a ⅓ or fixed deduction). The exam pattern typically includes objective-type questions, with some exams like CAPF and IB ACIO also containing descriptive papers.
Q4. How can candidates effectively prepare for defence exams and improve their scores?
Ans. Effective preparation requires concept clarity, consistent practice, and regular mock tests. Solving Previous Year Questions (PYQs) and using structured study materials—such as those offered by Disha Publication—can significantly improve accuracy, time management, and overall performance.