COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES

What is CDS?

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for officer-level positions in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Successful candidates undergo training at prestigious academies: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

• Established: 1948 (IMA), 2008 (INA), 1971 (AFA), 1963 (OTA)
• Motto: Varies by academy (e.g., IMA: Valour and Wisdom)
• Key Features:
  • Training for leadership roles in the Indian Armed Forces.
  • Combines academic education with military and physical training.
  • Graduates serve as commissioned officers.

Why Choose CDS?

• Leadership Roles: Direct entry as officers in Army, Navy, or Air Force.
• Professional Training: Develops strategic, tactical, and leadership skills.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for promotions to senior ranks like General, Admiral, or Air Marshal.
• National Service: Serve the nation with pride and global exposure.

CDS Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the CDS exam, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality:
  • Indian citizens, or subjects of Bhutan/Nepal, or Tibetan refugees settled in India before January 1, 1962, or persons of Indian origin from specified countries with permanent settlement intent.
• Age Limit:
  • IMA & INA: 19–24 years (born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2006, for 2025).
  • AFA: 20–24 years (born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2005).
  • OTA: 19–25 years (born between July 2, 2000, and July 1, 2006).
• Educational Qualification:
  • IMA & OTA:
    • Requirement: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
    • What it is: IMA trains candidates for permanent commission in the Indian Army, while OTA offers short service commission (SSC) for both men and women.
    • Activities Involved:
      • Training in infantry tactics, weapon handling, and field operations.
      • Leadership development through command tasks and war games.
      • Physical fitness training, including obstacle courses and endurance exercises.
    • Positions (Min to Max):
      • Minimum: Lieutenant (entry-level officer rank).
      • Maximum: General (IMA) or limited to Major/Colonel (OTA, SSC).
  • INA:
    • Requirement: B.E./B.Tech degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
    • What it is: Trains candidates for permanent commission in the Indian Navy, focusing on maritime operations and technical roles.
    • Activities Involved:
      • Training in navigation, seamanship, and maritime warfare.
      • Technical education in marine engineering and electronics.
      • Swimming, diving, and sea-based endurance training.
    • Positions (Min to Max):
      • Minimum: Sub-Lieutenant.
      • Maximum: Admiral.
  • AFA:
    • Requirement: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or B.E./B.Tech.
    • What it is: Prepares candidates for permanent commission as pilots or technical officers in the Indian Air Force.
    • Activities Involved:
      • Flight training with simulators and aircraft.
      • Technical education in aerodynamics and avionics.
      • Physical conditioning for high-altitude operations.
    • Positions (Min to Max):
      • Minimum: Flying Officer.
      • Maximum: Air Chief Marshal.
• Marital Status:
  • IMA, INA, AFA: Unmarried male candidates.
  • OTA: Unmarried male and female candidates (widows/widowers with children ineligible).
• Physical Standards:
  • Minimum height: 157 cm (162.5 cm for AFA).
  • Good physical and mental health, free from disabilities affecting military duties.
  • Vision standards: 6/6 in better eye, 6/9 in worse eye (correctable for AFA).

Note: Female candidates are eligible only for OTA (Short Service Commission).

CDS Admission Process

The CDS admission process is a two-step selection conducted by UPSC:

Step 1: CDS Written Exam

• Conducted: Twice a year (CDS I: February,CDS II: September).
• Registration: Apply online at upsc.gov.in (October for CDS I, May for CDS II).
• Papers:
  • IMA, INA, AFA:
    • English (100 marks, 2 hours): Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension.
    • General Knowledge (100 marks, 2 hours): History, Geography, Science, Current Affairs.
    • Elementary Mathematics (100 marks, 2 hours): Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics.
  • OTA:
    • English (100 marks, 2 hours).
    • General Knowledge (100 marks, 2 hours).
• Total Marks: 300 (IMA, INA, AFA), 200 (OTA).
• Mode: Pen-and-paper.
• Languages: English and Hindi.

Step 2: SSB Interview

• Duration: 5 days.
• Conducted By: Services Selection Board (SSB).
• Stages:
  • Stage 1:
    • Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests.
    • Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT).
  • Stage 2 (for Stage 1 qualifiers):
    • Psychological Tests: Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT).
    • Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks: Group discussions, obstacle courses, command tasks.
    • Personal Interview.
• Total Marks: 300 (IMA, INA, AFA), 200 (OTA).
• Focus: Assesses leadership, personality, and suitability for defence services.

Step 3: Final Selection

• Merit List: Based on written exam + SSB interview scores.
• Medical Examination: Ensures physical and mental fitness.
• Training:
  • IMA: 18 months (permanent commission).
  • INA: 18 months (permanent commission).
  • AFA: 18 months (permanent commission).
  • OTA: 49 weeks (short service commission).

Note: Approximately 2,00,000 candidates apply annually, with 400–500 selected.

Courses Offered at CDS Academies

CDS candidates undergo professional military training at respective academies, with no academic degrees awarded during training:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA):
  • Focus: Leadership and combat training for Army officers.
  • Duration: 18 months.
  • Outcome: Permanent Commission as Lieutenant.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA):
  • Focus: Naval operations and technical training.
  • Duration: 18 months.
  • Outcome: Permanent Commission as Sub-Lieutenant.
• Air Force Academy (AFA):
  • Focus: Flight training and aerospace technology.
  • Duration: 18 months.
  • Outcome: Permanent Commission as Flying Officer.
• Officers Training Academy (OTA):
  • Focus: Leadership training for short service commission.
  • Duration: 49 weeks.
  • Outcome: Short Service Commission as Lieutenant.

Additional Training:

• Physical fitness, drills, and tactical exercises.
• Leadership and teamwork development through group tasks.

CDS Exam Key Highlights

Career Path After CDS

• Training Completion:
  • Graduates commissioned as officers (Lieutenant, Sub-Lieutenant, or Flying Officer).
  • Starting salary: ~₹56,100 (Level 10, 7th Pay Commission).
• Postings:
  • IMA: Army units for permanent commission.
  • INA: Naval ships or shore establishments.
  • AFA: Air Force squadrons or technical units.
  • OTA: Army units for short service commission (5–14 years).
• Opportunities:
  • Lead troops, specialize in technical roles, or join elite units.
  • Promotions to ranks like Major, Colonel, General (IMA, INA, AFA) or limited ranks (OTA).
  • Global exposure through joint exercises or UN missions.

Tips for CDS Aspirants

• Preparation:
  • Study NCERT books for History, Geography, and Science (Class 10–12).
  • Practice mock tests and previous years’ question papers.
  • Improve English through reading newspapers and grammar exercises.
• Physical Fitness:
  • Regular exercise (running, push-ups, sit-ups) to meet standards.
  • Practice for SSB obstacle courses and group tasks.
• SSB Interview:
  • Develop clear communication and leadership skills.
  • Be honest and confident in psychological tests and interviews.
• Resources:
  • Official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) for syllabus and notifications.
  • Coaching institutes or online platforms like Major Kalshi Classes for guidance.