The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is one of India’s most respected and competitive defence recruitment exams. Conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the CDS exam selects candidates for officer-level training in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. Those who clear the exam and interview join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), or Air Force Academy (AFA). These academies train candidates to become commissioned officers who lead troops, handle high-pressure situations, and take responsibility for national defence.
CDS is considered a gateway to a prestigious career. The selection process is not just an exam; it’s a full leadership assessment. It tests intellect, communication skills, confidence, physical strength, teamwork, and decision-making ability. Because of the respect associated with a defence career, lakhs of graduates across India apply for CDS every year.
Academies You Can Join Through CDS
The academy you join depends on your preference, eligibility, and performance.
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Trains officers for permanent commission in the Army.
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Trains officers for short service commission (men and women).
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Trains officers for flying and ground duty roles in the Indian Air Force.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Trains officers for executive and technical roles in the Indian Navy.
Each academy has a different age limit, qualification requirement, and training duration, but the selection route—CDS followed by SSB—is the same.
Why CDS Is Popular
Candidates choose CDS because it offers:
• A respected officer rank
• Opportunities to serve the nation
• A challenging and adventurous life
• Leadership roles from a young age
• High-quality training
• Salary, allowances, and facilities
• Clear growth opportunities
• Honour and recognition
The defence forces offer a lifestyle filled with discipline, learning, and pride. For many, this makes CDS not just a job exam but a dream pathway.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility depends on the academy you apply for.
Educational Qualification
IMA and OTA:
Graduation in any discipline.
AFA:
Graduation with Physics and Maths at 10+2 or a degree in engineering.
INA:
Engineering degree.
Age Limit
• IMA: 19–24 years
• INA: 19–24 years
• AFA: 19–24 years
• OTA: 19–25 years
Gender Eligibility
• IMA, INA, AFA: Only male candidates
• OTA: Both men and women
Marital Status
• IMA, INA, AFA: Unmarried
• OTA: Married candidates allowed only in some conditions
CDS Exam Pattern
The written exam varies by academy.
For IMA, AFA, INA
Three papers of 100 marks each:
• English
• General Knowledge
• Elementary Mathematics
For OTA
Two papers of 100 marks each:
• English
• General Knowledge
There is negative marking for wrong answers. The exam tests conceptual understanding instead of rote memorization.
CDS Written Exam Syllabus
English Paper
Covers grammar, comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, sentence correction, error spotting, idioms, active-passive voice, and vocabulary. The paper checks clarity, accuracy, and communication skills.
General Knowledge
Includes current affairs, Indian polity, history, geography, economics, science, defence-related news, and international affairs. This section demands daily reading and general awareness.
Elementary Mathematics
Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, statistics, and number systems. The level is similar to Class 10 maths.
After Clearing the Written Exam: SSB Interview
The SSB interview is the toughest part of CDS and decides the suitability of the candidate as an officer. It’s a five-day assessment conducted by the Service Selection Board.
The SSB includes:
Screening Test
• Picture perception
• Story writing
• Verbal and non-verbal reasoning
Psychological Tests
• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
• Word Association Test (WAT)
• Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
• Self-description test
Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
• Group discussions
• Group planning
• Progressive group tasks
• Obstacle courses
• Command tasks
• Lecturette
Personal Interview
Questions about academics, family, hobbies, strengths, weaknesses, and general knowledge.
The goal is to check attitude, leadership qualities, presence of mind, courage, teamwork, and confidence.
Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a medical exam. It checks:
• Physical fitness
• Eye and ear health
• Overall medical standards
• Absence of chronic diseases
Medical standards are strict because officers undergo physically demanding training.
Final Merit List
The final merit is based on:
• Written exam marks
• SSB performance
• Medical fitness
Candidates who make it into the merit list join their respective academies for training.
Life After Selection
Training at IMA, OTA, INA, and AFA is intense and designed to build discipline, mental strength, and leadership qualities. Trainees learn:
• Weapon handling
• Physical fitness
• Drill and parade
• Military tactics
• Decision-making
• Survival techniques
• Communication and leadership
After successful training, candidates are commissioned as officers.
Salary and Benefits
Defence officers receive:
• Good basic salary
• MSP (Military Service Pay)
• Uniform allowance
• High-quality accommodation
• Medical facilities for family
• Travel concessions
• Retirement benefits
• Risk and hardship allowances (depending on posting)
Officers also enjoy respect, authority, and a structured career path.
Career Growth
Career progression is fast and structured:
Lieutenant → Captain → Major → Lieutenant Colonel → Colonel → Brigadier → Major General → Lieutenant General → General
Promotions are based on service years, exams, and performance.
How to Prepare for CDS
A strong preparation plan includes:
• Reading newspapers daily
• Covering NCERTs for history, polity, geography, and science
• Practicing previous year papers
• Strengthening English grammar
• Solving maths problems regularly
• Improving physical fitness for SSB
• Following defence news closely
• Taking mock tests for time management
SSB preparation requires confidence, clarity, communication skills, and a positive attitude.
Conclusion
The CDS exam is a powerful opportunity for young graduates to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers. It tests intellect, confidence, and leadership potential. With disciplined preparation and the right mindset, clearing CDS is completely achievable. The path may be challenging, but the reward is a career filled with pride, purpose, and lifelong respect.