What to Carry and What Not to Carry for CDS 2025 Exam?

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is one of the most respected competitive exams in India. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice every year, it gives candidates the opportunity to join the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. For many aspirants, clearing this exam is the first step towards a career in the defence forces, which makes it a highly competitive and serious test.

Most candidates spend months studying with reliable cds books, solving mock tests, and practicing questions from the best book for cds previous year papers. But exam preparation is not just about books and revision. A small but very important part of success is knowing what to carry with you on exam day and what to leave at home. Forgetting one document or bringing a restricted item can cost you your attempt.

In this blog, we will go through the list of items you should carry, the things you should avoid, and some practical exam-day tips to help you feel confident and stress-free on the big day.

Why Carrying the Right Things Matters?

Imagine preparing for months, practicing with a cds pyq book topic-wise, revising all the major chapters, and still being stopped at the exam center because you forgot your admit card. This has happened to many students in the past, and it is completely avoidable. Carrying the right items saves you from unnecessary stress and ensures a smooth entry into the exam hall.

It also helps you stay comfortable during the test. Simple things like carrying an extra pen or a water bottle can make a big difference to your focus. On the other hand, bringing prohibited items like mobile phones or notes can get you disqualified, no matter how well you have prepared. That is why planning what to carry is as important as your last few days of revision.

Read More: CDS 2025 Exam Day Dos and Don'ts for Candidates

What You Must Carry for CDS 2025?

There are a few essential items that every candidate must take to the exam hall. The first and most important is the admit card, which should be downloaded from the UPSC website and printed clearly. Along with this, you must carry a valid photo ID such as Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, driving license, or PAN card. The name on your ID should match the name on your admit card, otherwise you may face problems during entry.

It is also a good idea to carry a couple of passport-size photographs. They may not always be required, but at some centers, the staff may ask for them. For writing, only a black ballpoint pen is allowed. Carry at least two pens so that you don’t run into trouble if one stops working.

Time management is important in this exam, so you can wear a simple analog wristwatch. Digital watches and smartwatches are not allowed. If you like to carry water, make sure it is in a transparent bottle. Depending on the rules in place at the time of CDS 2025, you may also be required to carry a face mask and a small sanitizer bottle for safety.

What You Should Not Carry?

UPSC is very strict about the items that are not allowed in the exam hall. The most common mistake candidates make is bringing electronic devices. Mobile phones, calculators, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, or anything similar are strictly prohibited. Even if you switch them off, carrying them inside can lead to disqualification.

You should also avoid bringing books, notes, or any kind of written material. Rough work will be done on sheets provided by the invigilators, so there is no need to carry your own. Wallets, bags, or handbags are also not recommended because most centers do not provide storage. Wearing heavy jewelry or metallic accessories can delay you at the frisking point, so it is better to avoid them.

In short, travel light. Carry only the essential documents and items you need for the test.

Quick Checklist for CDS 2025

To make things easier, here is a quick comparison of what you can carry and what you cannot:

This checklist can be used the night before the exam to make sure you are not forgetting anything important.

Preparing Smartly Along with Exam-Day Planning

Exam-day planning is only half the battle. The other half is smart preparation in the weeks and months leading up to the exam. Many students rely on multiple sources, but it is always better to stick with a few standard cds books that cover the syllabus thoroughly. These will give you a strong foundation in all three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.

One of the best ways to practice is by solving past year question papers. This is why aspirants often look for the best book for cds previous year papers. Such books not only provide solved papers but also explain the solutions in detail, which helps you understand the approach. Practicing with these papers builds confidence and shows you the kind of questions UPSC repeats.

If you want to target specific chapters, a cds pyq book topic-wise is very useful. Since the questions are arranged by subject and topic, you can focus directly on your weak areas. For example, if you struggle with trigonometry, you can practice only the trigonometry questions from past exams. This makes your preparation more efficient and saves valuable time.

Final Thoughts

Clearing CDS 2025 requires a balance of knowledge, discipline, and smart planning. Your preparation with good cds books, focused revision from a cds pyq book topic-wise, and consistent practice with the best book for cds previous year papers will sharpen your academic skills. But on exam day, carrying the right items and avoiding the wrong ones is equally important.

Forgetfulness or carelessness should not ruin months of hard work. A simple checklist the night before, along with a calm and confident approach, will ensure that nothing stops you from giving your best in the exam hall. Travel light, follow the rules, and focus on your performance.

FAQs 

Q1. Can I carry a digital watch to the CDS exam hall?
No, digital watches are not allowed inside. You should only wear a plain analog wristwatch to keep track of time.

Q2. Are rough sheets provided inside the exam hall?
Yes, the invigilators will hand out rough sheets for your use. You don’t have to carry or bring your own.

Q3. Is it compulsory to carry a photograph along with the admit card?
It is not always checked, but it’s safer to keep a passport-size photograph with you. At some centers, it may be asked for during verification.

Q4. Which pen should I use in the CDS exam?
The exam strictly allows only a black ballpoint pen. Other pens like gel pens or pencils will not be accepted on the OMR sheet.

Q5. Can I carry books or notes for revision to the exam center?
 No, books, notes, or written material are not allowed. It’s better to finish your revision at home and travel light to the center.