UPSC CDS Exam Day Guidelines 2025: Important Instructions & Dress Code!

UPSC CDS Exam Day Guidelines 2025 helps candidates prepare last minute and avoid any hassle. Explore complete UPSC CDS Exam Day Guidelines 2025 here.

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April 04, 2025

UPSC CDS Exam Day Guidelines 2025: Important Instructions & Dress Code!

UPSC CDS Exam Day Guidelines 2025: UPSC CDS is scheduled to be held on April 13, 2025. Candidates appearing for UPSC CDS (I) 2025 must explore rules and regulations to avoid any last-minute hassle. It is necessary to adhere to reporting time, answer sheet instructions, and conduct rules to avoid disqualification.

The CDS exam will be conducted in three shifts: English (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM), General Knowledge (12:30 PM – 2:30 PM), and Elementary Mathematics (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM). Candidates must reach the CDS exam centre at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Learn more about UPSC Exam Day Guidelines 2025 here.

UPSC CDS Exam Guidelines 2025

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2025 follows strict rules and regulations to ensure a fair and smooth conduct of the exam. Candidates appearing for the exam must adhere to the following guidelines to avoid any issues on the exam day.

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1. Reporting Time

  • Candidates must arrive at the exam venue at least 30 minutes before the start of each session.
  • Late entry is strictly prohibited, and no candidate will be allowed to enter once the exam starts.
Also Read: CDS Selection Process 2025

2. Prohibited Items

Candidates must not carry the following items inside the examination hall:

  • Electronic devices: Mobile phones (even if switched off), pagers, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, cameras, and pen drives.
  • Programmable calculators or storage devices.
  • Study material, notes, rough papers, or any unauthorized reference materials.
  • The exam venue will not provide any safe-keeping arrangements for prohibited items.

CDS Exam Day Guidelines 2025

3. Photograph Requirements for Application

Candidates must follow these rules when uploading their photograph for the exam application:

  • The photo must not be older than 10 days from the start date of the application process.
  • The candidate’s name and date must be mentioned on the photograph.
  • The face should occupy 3/4th of the frame, ensuring a clear view.
  • The appearance in the photo must match the candidate’s actual look on exam day (e.g., beard, spectacles).

4. Answer Sheet Instructions

  • Candidates must use only a black ball pen to fill in the OMR sheet and mark answers.
  • Any mistake in Roll Number or Booklet Series encoding will lead to rejection of the answer sheet.

5. Negative Marking

  • 1/3rd mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer in objective-type questions.
  • No marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.

6. Unfair Means

Candidates found engaging in the following will face strict disqualification and debarment from future UPSC exams:

  • Copying, exchanging answers, or seeking external help.
  • Possessing unauthorized materials during the exam.
  • Using unfair means or impersonation in the examination.

7. Conduct in the Examination Hall

  • Candidates must maintain discipline inside the exam hall.
  • Any misconduct, disruption, or harassment of exam staff will lead to strict action.
  • Failure to follow the invigilator’s instructions may result in cancellation of the candidate’s paper.

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Exam Timings for CDS (I) 2025

The Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025 will be held on 13th April 2025. The exam will take place in three sessions, covering different subjects at specific time slots. Candidates must carefully note the timings to ensure timely arrival at the exam center.

CDS (I) 2025 Exam Schedule

Session Subject Timing
Morning Session English 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Afternoon Session General Knowledge 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Evening Session Elementary Mathematics (For IMA, INA, AFA) 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Do’s and Don’ts for UPSC CDS Exam Day

To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience on exam day, candidates must follow certain essential guidelines. Below is a list of important Do’s and Don’ts that will help you avoid unnecessary mistakes and ensure compliance with exam regulations.

Do’s Don’ts
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to avoid last-minute stress. Do not bring mobile phones, smartwatches, or electronic gadgets to the exam hall.
Carry your admit card, valid ID proof, and necessary documents as required. Avoid talking, whispering, or disturbing others during the exam.
Use only a black ballpoint pen to mark answers on the OMR sheet. Do not attempt to copy, cheat, or help others, as it will lead to disqualification.
Listen to and follow all instructions given by the invigilators carefully. Do not leave any important details blank on the answer sheet, especially Roll Number and Booklet Series.
Remain calm and focused to complete your paper efficiently. Avoid bringing any unauthorized materials like notes or books inside the exam hall.

Following these guidelines will help candidates avoid disqualification and ensure a smooth exam experience. 

Ready to boost your UPSC CDS 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC CDS online course today!

 

UPSC CDS Exam Guidelines 2025 FAQs

Late entry is strictly prohibited. Candidates must arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam starts.

Candidates must use a black ballpoint pen as instructed. Some exam centers may provide pens.

Yes, 1/3rd of the marks will be deducted for each wrong answer in objective-type papers.

Avoid errors while filling the Roll Number or Booklet Series, as mistakes may lead to disqualification. No corrections or overwriting are allowed.

No, there will be no safe-keeping arrangements at the exam center. Candidates should not bring prohibited items to the venue.

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