CDS Exam Guide — Eligibility, Syllabus, and Selection Process

What is the CDS Exam?

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted by UPSC twice a year to recruit officers in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). Unlike NDA which is for 10+2 candidates, CDS is for graduates seeking a career in the Indian Armed Forces.

CDS leads to entry into:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun — Army
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala — Navy
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal — Air Force
• Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai — Army (Short Service Commission)

Who is Eligible?

Age Limit

• IMA: 19-24 years
• INA: 19-24 years (as per notification)
• AFA: 19-24 years
• OTA: 19-25 years

Educational Qualification

• IMA & OTA: Graduate from any recognized university
• INA: Engineering degree or BSc with Physics & Mathematics
• AFA: Graduate with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or BE/BTech

Gender

• IMA, INA, AFA: Male candidates only
• OTA: Both male and female candidates

Marital Status

• Must be unmarried (IMA, INA, AFA)
• OTA allows both married and unmarried candidates (with conditions)

CDS Exam Pattern

For IMA, INA, and AFA

For OTA

SSB Interview: 300 marks for IMA/INA/AFA, 200 marks for OTA

Marking Scheme

• Each question carries equal marks
• 1/3 negative marking for wrong answers in MCQs

CDS Syllabus

English

• Comprehension passages
• Sentence arrangement and completion
• Spotting errors and vocabulary
• Synonyms, antonyms, and idioms
• Grammar — tenses, prepositions, articles

General Knowledge

• Current affairs — national and international
• Indian history and freedom movement
• Geography — India and world
• Indian polity and constitution
• Economics — Indian economy basics
• Physics, chemistry, biology — general science
• Defence and security related events

Elementary Mathematics

• Number system, HCF, LCM
• Algebra — basic equations and factorization
• Geometry — lines, angles, triangles, circles
• Mensuration — area and volume
• Trigonometry and statistics
• Class 10 level — not advanced mathematics

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit upsc.gov.in when the CDS notification is published
2. Register on the UPSC portal with valid email and phone
3. Fill in personal, educational, and preference details
4. Upload photograph and signature as per specifications
5. Pay ₹200 application fee (SC/ST/Female exempted)
6. Submit and download the confirmation

Application Fees

Selection Process

Stage 1: Written Examination

• Conducted at UPSC exam centres across India
• Objective-type questions (MCQ)
• Separate cut-offs for each academy (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA)

Stage 2: SSB Interview (5 Days)

• Day 1: Screening — OIR test and PPDT
• Days 2-4: Psychological tests, GTO tasks, personal interview
• Day 5: Conference and results
• Tests leadership, officer-like qualities, and overall personality

Stage 3: Medical Examination

• Detailed medical test at military hospitals
• Vision, hearing, and physical fitness standards must be met

Stage 4: Final Merit List

• UPSC publishes the final merit list based on written + SSB scores

Training and Commission

Important Dates (Annual Cycle)

Important Tips

• English section is easy to score — practice comprehension and grammar regularly
• GK is vast — focus on current affairs (last 12 months) and static GK
• Mathematics is only for IMA/INA/AFA — OTA aspirants can skip this section
• SSB preparation starts now — develop hobbies, read about defence topics, and work on communication skills
• Physical fitness — start running, push-ups, and chin-ups early; SSB has physical tasks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CDS and NDA?

NDA is for 10+2 candidates (age 16.5-19.5), while CDS is for graduates (age 19-24/25). NDA offers 3 years of training; CDS offers 1-1.5 years. See our NDA exam guide for details.

Can female candidates apply for CDS?

Female candidates can apply for OTA (Short Service Commission) entry only. IMA, INA, and AFA entries are currently for male candidates.

How many attempts are allowed?

There is no limit on attempts as long as you meet the age criteria. Most candidates get 6-10 attempts depending on their age.

What is the salary after CDS training?

After commissioning as a Lieutenant, the starting basic pay is ₹56,100 (Level 10) plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500 and other allowances.

Is engineering degree mandatory for Navy entry through CDS?

For INA entry, you need either a BE/BTech degree or BSc with Physics and Mathematics. A general graduation degree is not sufficient for Navy entry.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is not affiliated with UPSC or the Indian Armed Forces. Visit upsc.gov.in for official notifications.