Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS)

The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is a competitive examination in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The examination is held twice a year and is conducted in two stages: the Written Examination and the Interview/Personality Test.

Eligibility Criteria for the CDS examination are:

Should have completed graduation in any discipline from a recognized university

Should have attained the age limit as specified by the UPSC, which varies depending on the Academy: Indian Military Academy: 19-24 years Indian Naval Academy: 19-22 years Air Force Academy: 19-23 years Officers Training Academy (OTA): 19-25 years

Indian Military Academy: 19-24 years

Indian Naval Academy: 19-22 years

Officers Training Academy (OTA): 19-25 years

The Written Examination is held in Offline (OMR based) mode and includes three papers:

English (100 marks, 2 hours duration)

General Knowledge (100 marks, 2 hours duration)

Elementary Mathematics (100 marks, 2 hours duration)(Only for OTA)

Candidates who qualify the written examination will be called for an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) which is based on Intelligence and Personality Test.

The selection for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy is made on the basis of the aggregate marks obtained in the Written Examination and the Interview/Personality Test. While for Officer Training Academy (OTA) is based on Written examination only.

The CDS examination is considered to be one of the most competitive and challenging examination in India. Successful candidates will get the opportunity to serve the nation as an officer in the Indian Army, Indian Navy or Indian Air Force which is one of the most prestigious and coveted career options for young graduates in India.