CDS Exam Overview: Eligibility, Application, Syllabus & More

CDS Exam Overview

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It's a national level entrance examination for admission into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy. Here's what you need to know about the CDS exam:

Eligibility Criteria

For admission into any of the following academies through this examination:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried Male candidates.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): Both unmarried male and female candidates can apply. However, women will also be required to appear before a services medical board for suitability assessment.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): Only unmarried candidates can participate.
• Officer’s Training Academy (OTA): All unmarried male and female candidates who have graduated or are studying in final year Degree course may apply. Those male graduates who hold valid commission in Army Medical Corps/Army Dental Corps issued with permanent or short service commission can also apply. Graduates from IMA who have applied for Permanent Commission will receive a call letter from Indian Army HQ for SSB Interview at Bangalore.

Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized University. They must also meet certain physical standards.

Application Process

Applications for the CDS exam are submitted online via UPSC's website. No other mode of application submission like offline is available. Applicants can access the CDS notification and submit their respective applications on the designated websites only i.e., www.upsc.gov.in, indianarmy.nic.in, nausena-bharti.nic.in, and joinindiannavy.gov.in.

Admit Card

Admit cards for the written examination are released approximately one month prior to the commencement of the examinations. Admission certificates for SSB interviews are made available two weeks after the declaration of the result.

Syllabus and Examination Structure

The syllabus includes subjects such as English, general knowledge, elementary mathematics, and aptitude tests. The question papers will be set in both Hindi and English languages.

The structure of the examination consists of three parts:

1. Written Examination

   • Part I – Elementary Mathematics (50 questions)
   • Part II – General Ability Test: Subjective Type Questions (200 marks)

2. Personality & Intelligence Tests (P&I Test)

   • Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT) – To assess picture perception ability, spatial orientation, etc.
   • Group Tasks – To test problem solving, group planning, leadership potential, social cohesion, etc.
   • Psychological Assessment Tests – To evaluate candidate's mental capability, emotional stability, motivation and self-confidence.

3. Personal Interviews

After clearing all these stages, successful candidates are appointed as officers in the Armed Forces.