Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination
Professional Guide to Becoming a Commissioned Officer
What is the CDS Exam?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is a national-level competitive exam conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is designed to recruit graduates into the Indian Armed Forces through four prestigious academies: the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Successful candidates undergo comprehensive training to lead as Commissioned Officers. The exam is known for its rigorous standards in intellectual ability, physical fitness, and leadership potential.
Academy-Wise Eligibility Overview
| Academy | Educational Qualification | Age Limit (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Degree from a recognized University | 19-24 Years / 19-25 Years |
| INA | Engineering Degree from a recognized University | 19-24 Years |
| AFA | Degree (with Physics/Math at 10+2) or B.E./B.Tech | 20-24 Years |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many times is the CDS exam held?
The exam is conducted twice a year, typically as CDS-I (February) and CDS-II (September).
The exam is conducted twice a year, typically as CDS-I (February) and CDS-II (September).
2. Can female candidates apply?
Yes, women are eligible to apply for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) for Short Service Commission.
Yes, women are eligible to apply for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) for Short Service Commission.
3. Is there negative marking?
Yes, there is a penalty of 1/3rd (0.33) marks for every incorrect objective-type answer.
Yes, there is a penalty of 1/3rd (0.33) marks for every incorrect objective-type answer.
4. What is the selection process?
It involves a Written Examination followed by an Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB Interview).
It involves a Written Examination followed by an Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB Interview).
5. Do I need Mathematics for OTA?
No, candidates applying only for OTA need to appear for English and General Knowledge papers only.
No, candidates applying only for OTA need to appear for English and General Knowledge papers only.
6. Are final-year students eligible?
Yes, final-year degree students can apply provided they can submit proof of passing by the specified date in the notice.
Yes, final-year degree students can apply provided they can submit proof of passing by the specified date in the notice.
7. What is the age limit for IMA?
Unmarried male candidates between 19 and 24 years of age are typically eligible.
Unmarried male candidates between 19 and 24 years of age are typically eligible.
8. What are the subjects for IMA/INA/AFA?
Written papers include English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
Written papers include English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
9. Is the SSB interview mandatory?
Yes, clearing the SSB interview is a mandatory stage for final merit selection.
Yes, clearing the SSB interview is a mandatory stage for final merit selection.
10. Can I apply for both NDA and CDS?
Yes, provided you meet the respective educational and age criteria for both exams.
Yes, provided you meet the respective educational and age criteria for both exams.
11. How long is each written paper?
Each subject paper is conducted for a duration of 2 hours.
Each subject paper is conducted for a duration of 2 hours.
12. Is the CDS exam conducted online?
No, the CDS written exam is an offline, pen-and-paper based (OMR) examination.
No, the CDS written exam is an offline, pen-and-paper based (OMR) examination.
13. How long does the SSB interview last?
The SSB is a comprehensive 5-day process involving psychological and group tasks.
The SSB is a comprehensive 5-day process involving psychological and group tasks.
14. Is there caste-based reservation?
There is no caste-based reservation in the selection process of the Indian Armed Forces.
There is no caste-based reservation in the selection process of the Indian Armed Forces.
15. Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted online only via the UPSC official portal: upsconline.nic.in.
Applications are submitted online only via the UPSC official portal: upsconline.nic.in.