Are you interested in recruitment to join defence forces? Then, one of your ways is the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam. This guide details all you need to know about applying for and passing CDS. Get to know about the terms for being eligible, the exam syllabus, the test format, and tips to prepare.
What is the Combined Defence Services Examination?
Twice a year, the Indian Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts an exam called Combined Defence Services. People from all around the nation can sit for this exam. The goal is to recruit eligible and skilled job seekers into an academy that offers training for defence services. These are:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Air Force Academy (IAFA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Officer Training Academy (OTA)
At the end of each year, the UPSC reveals the dates for the CDS 1 exam and CDS 2 exam. If you want to serve your country by going into defense services, then this is a great first step.
While there are other ways you can consider for the defence system, this is a practical approach. You and everyone else gets an equal chance at entry, no matter what their cast or education are. That means hard work and skill alone get you through the Combined Defence Services Exam. As a result, you may earn the respect of your peers and seniors.
If you want to take this exam, read on to learn if you are eligible on these grounds.
Basic Eligibility Criteria for Combined Defence Services:
Do you want to sit for a future CDS Exam? You have to meet certain criteria. These come under the groups of nationality, age, gender, marital status, education, and medical/physical factors. Let’s start with what personal terms you have to fulfill.
– Nationality for CDS
To be an eligible candidate, you have to be a citizen of India. But, you can also apply if you’re a native of Nepal or Bhutan. Also, refugees who came from Tibet before 1962 (with the intent to settle permanently) can also apply for Combined Defence Services.
– CDS Age Limit
The age limit to go for an exam for defense service is roughly the same for each academy. That said, it matters if you do not fall into the certain ranges. To get into the IMA (Military), you have to be 19 to 24 years of age. On the other hand, INA (Naval) requires that you are 19 to 22 years old. For Air Force Academy, the age limits are 19 to 23 years.
– Gender & Marital Status
Only unmarried males can apply for the Military and the Naval Academy. In contrast, the Indian Air Force Academy accepts males who are married as well as those who are not married. But, those who are training cannot get married during their term. In the case of the Officer Training Academy, they allow both males and females who are not married.
Educational and Physical Standards for CDS Eligibility:
The terms of education level for the CDS Exam are quite simple. To apply for the IMA and Officer’s Training Academy, you need a bachelor’s degree from a known university. For the Naval Academy, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
Finally, the Air Force Academy will allow you to hold a bachelor’s degree (if you fulfill all other factors). You need to have a level of 10 and above in Physics and Math or have an engineering degree (Bachelor).
– Physical and Mental Fitness Standards
It is crucial to match both physical and mental fitness factors set by the UPSC. It is vital to mention here that many skilled people fail the terms to be eligible due to medical issues.
Thus, you need to get a full checkup (including a mental health checkup) a little before you apply for the CDS Exam. You can get a full list of medical issues the CDS examiner will check for from the UPSC website and other sources. Also, note that having tattoos may disqualify you.
Personal life and physical and mental health play a massive role in shaping a person’s ability to make decisions. Thus, you need to know how to qualify earlier and prepare for the aspects you can change and improve.
What is the Current Exam Syllabus for Combined Defence Services
Exam:
Do you know the details of the syllabus that UPSC uses to design the exam? It can be broken down into three parts (as it has been for the prior exams). Your exam’s content will feature:
- English: This section will test vocabulary, grammar, and general know-how of the text in this language.
- Elementary Math: You will be tested on basic math, algebra, trig, and geometry.
- General Knowledge: The economics, history, current affairs (this includes politics), and geography of India are all covered in this part of your exam.
If you want to enroll in the OTA, then you are exempt from having to prepare for the Math section of the Combined Defence Services Examination. You can access the syllabus for CDS on the official website of UPSC, which has all the subjects of the exam in detail.
A Brief Breakdown of the CDS Application Form:
Applicants from every part of the current CDS Exam have to pay a fee of Rs. 200/- (only SC/ST/Females are exempt from paying this fee). You can pay your fee online via debit or credit card, or bank transfer. You can also fulfill the sum offline by going to any SBI Bank branch to deposit the cash.
Next, how do you register for the exam? You can get the official CDS 2025 Exam Registration Form on the official website of UPSC. Browse the main page to come across the Active Exam section and select the option for Online Application for the CDS that is coming up (1 or 2).
Once you fill out the form, you pay your fee online or in person. You also get the choice to select your exam center from the list of official centers. Finalize the form when you upload vital files and submit it. Make sure you save a copy of this form for use in the future!
– CDS Admit Card
You should download your admit cards well in advance of the exam to avoid any hassle at the last minute. Also, you need to bring a printed copy of their admit card to the exam center. Make sure you check all the info on the admit card to confirm that it is free of errors. Inspect each section, from your name and applicant number to the code and address of the exam center.
What is the Pattern of the Combined Defence Services Exam?
The UPSC breaks down the pattern of this exam into two parts: the Theory part (written) and Personality/Intelligence testing. It is vital to note that while the basic elements are there for each academy, the exam pattern differs.
- IMA, INA, and AFA consist of three subjects each, and the exam is worth a total of 300 marks. You must finish this part of the exam within 6 hours.
- OTA includes two subjects. The total marks are 200, and you need to complete the exam within 4 hours.
You must pass the written exam of the CDS, which includes multiple-choice questions, to be eligible for the interview round. An incorrect answer in your MCQ exam will lead to a loss of one-third of a mark. Each part of the exam lasts for 2 hours each.
The question papers for GN and Math are offered in both English and Hindi. As for the subjects, the English section is at the graduate level, while the Math questions are for Matric-level.
– What To Expect from the Interview Part of the Exam
The final part of the exam for Combined Defence Services is the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, in which the examiners will assess your personality and intelligence. This follows the INA, IMA, and OTA written tests, and the interview spans five days. If you do not qualify on the first day, you do not proceed and will leave the center.
Note: You need to sign up on the recruiting directorate’s website. This is how you receive info about your SSB interview if you select the Army (IMA/OTA) as your top choice. Taking this step helps you pass your written exam. About website
Some Facts to Keep in Mind About the Day of the CDS Exam:
Like any exam, there are some rules you need to follow for CDS as well. First, check your booklet carefully in case any part is missing, or the answer sheet lacks a number. Moreover, check for any torn or unprinted pages. Let your invigilator know right away to get another sheet.
Don’t write your name or any other info on the CDS answer sheet, booklet, or rough work sheet. Next, follow these guidelines:
- Use only a black ballpoint pen for writing. Write your center, subject, and test booklet series (A, B, C, or D) at the top of the answer sheet.
- Fill in the circles for the booklet series, roll number, and subject code as shown on the answer sheet.
- Avoid mistakes when completing the OMR answer sheet, especially with your roll number and test booklet code.
Lastly, do not mark, fold, or damage the answer sheet for your exam in any way. Moreover, do not write at the back of the sheet. Errors in any of the terms above and other mishaps errors lead to the
rejection of your answer sheet.
CDS Selection Process and Results:
The UPSC will release the results of candidates who pass the interview stage after the written exam. Visit the official UPSC website and search for your roll number in the Written Result section. There, you will see your pass/fail status. You need to get at least 20% marks in each subject to move forward to selection.
Here’s is a brief lowdown of the current selection process for the Combined Defence Services Examination:
- You must first pass the written test, which leads to the SSB Interview consisting of Stage I and Stage II.
- You go on to Stage II only when you pass in Stage I. Also, all your required documents will be checked during this part.
- If you end up on the shortlist, you will undergo a medical exam to prove your fitness level.
- The members of the Board of Service Medical Officers chosen by SSB conduct the medical exam.
- Finally, if you pass all the stages, congratulations!
You will be informed about joining the academy, which includes the location and other details, and the course start date.
Bottom Line: Are You Ready to Take Your Exam?
Hard work, skill, and careful steps during each stage—these are your bases for passing Combined Defence Services. Start with a study plan that divides your time and focus on each subject properly. Clear and compact notes and flashcards are your best bet at scoring well in each subject. Plus, you can carry these around to study when you have free time.
Of course, past exam papers and advice also help you fortify your knowledge. You can reach out to online resources, as well as get help from friends and teachers. Don’t forget to rest every once in a whil —not of push to a burnout. The key is to balance your time as you come close to the date of the exam.
When you sit for the written exam, focus well and divide your time smartly between all questions. Remember that you get ample time to study for CDS, as the UPSC conducts it twice a year.
All in all, taking the CDS exam is all about your decorum when you study. Moreover, how you conduct yourself on the day of your exam matters. After all, these qualities are what make you a great candidate once you pass as well.