Exam guide · Entrance Exams
CDS Exam (Combined Defence Services)
The Combined Defence Services exam is a major route into the armed forces for graduates. Like NDA, selection depends on the written exam, the SSB interview and medical fitness.
- Conducted by
- UPSC, twice a year
- Academies
- IMA, INA, AFA, OTA
- Eligibility
- Graduation; specific degrees for Navy and Air Force
- Stages
- Written exam → SSB → medical
About the exam
Different academies have different education, age and marital-status conditions. The OTA route offers short service commission, including for women. See NDA Exam (National Defence Academy) for the post-Class 12 route.
Who takes this exam
- Graduates and final-year students interested in officer careers
Eligibility (general)
- Graduation from a recognised university
- Engineering degree for the Naval Academy; Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 or an engineering degree for the Air Force Academy
- Age and marital status conditions as notified
Exam pattern
| Feature | In recent years |
|---|---|
| Papers (IMA/INA/AFA) | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
| Papers (OTA) | English and General Knowledge |
| After written | SSB interview and medical examination |
Syllabus overview
English grammar and comprehension, general knowledge and current affairs, and Class 10 level mathematics.
Want help applying this to your own situation? Guidance for College Students on the Career Captain website.
Courses and institutions it leads to
Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Officers Training Academy.
How the process usually works
- ApplyChoose academy preferences.
- Written examObjective papers.
- SSBMulti-day assessment.
- Medical and meritFinal selection.
How to prepare
- Revise school mathsFor IMA/INA/AFA.
- Read newsFor GK.
- Physical fitnessFor SSB and training.
After the result
Officers are commissioned after academy training.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring SSB preparation
- Not checking eligibility for each academy
Alternatives and backup options
Frequently asked questions
Can women apply for CDS?
Women are eligible for certain academies such as OTA, and rules have expanded; check the notification.
Published by Career Captain Global Solutions. This page is general guidance; see the disclaimer below. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.