CDS stands for Combined Defence Services. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts this exam twice a year to recruit candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). The full form of CDS is Combined Defence Services Examination. However, it is worth noting that CDS can also refer to the Chief of Defence Staff, a rank given to the head of the Indian Armed Forces
Frequency- half-yearly
Mode- Pen and Paper
Exam Pattern
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) outlines the exam pattern for the CDS written exam and SSB Interview. This exam is a prime pathway for candidates aspiring to become commissioned officers in the Indian Defence Forces. Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is crucial for candidates aiming to qualify for the CDS exam.
The exam patterns for the INA, AFA, and IMA are similar, while the OTA exam pattern has slight differences. The CDS exam consists of two stages: the written exam and the SSB interview, both conducted offline in a pen-and-paper format. The marking scheme, negative marking, total marks, exam timing, and paper pattern for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA are detailed below.
Exam Mode: Offline
Number of Sections:
Total Marks:
Question Type: Objective
Question Paper Language: Hindi and English
Test Duration: Two hours per section
Candidates appearing for the CDS exam for INA, IMA, and AFA should familiarize themselves with the exam pattern to better understand the test structure.
Written Exam Sections:
Total Duration: Six hours (two hours per section)
Total Marks: 300 marks
Mode of Exam: Offline
Number of Subjects: Three
Subjects: English, General Awareness, Mathematics
Total Marks: 300 marks
Time Duration: Six hours
Type of Exam: Objective
Medium of Exam: Bilingual (Hindi and English)
The exam pattern for the OTA is different from that of the IMA, INA, and AFA exams.
Written Exam Sections:
Total Duration: Four hours (two hours per section)
Total Marks: 200 marks
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be aged 20 to 24 and hold a graduate degree to be eligible for CDS. Additional physical and medical standards set by UPSC must also be met. Various criteria such as age, educational qualifications, nationality, and marital status are detailed in the table provided.
Important Points
Candidates should verify the detailed eligibility criteria before applying. The CDS exam, conducted twice a year by UPSC, selects candidates for Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Both men and women can apply. The main requirements include:
Female candidates must fulfill all specified requirements to apply for the CDS exam. Any discrepancies in eligibility will result in disqualification. Summary of criteria for women:
Eligible candidates must be:
Candidates under the second, third, fourth, and fifth categories must provide proof from the Indian Government. Gorkha subjects of Nepal are exempt from needing a certificate.
Eligibility varies by age and marital status. Female candidates can only apply for OTA, while males can apply for any post if they meet other conditions. Age limits and marital status requirements are:
Important points:
Candidates must have graduated or be in their final year. Each branch has specific educational requirements:
Candidates in the final year must provide proof of passing their degree at the time of joining.
Candidates must meet prescribed physical and medical standards. Minimum height requirements and conditions for weight are specified for different categories and branches. Male candidates' standards for Army, Navy, and Air Force, and female candidates' standards for OTA, are detailed.
Candidates must be free from diseases or disabilities and meet visual and hearing standards. Conditions like overweight/underweight, undersized chest, piles, ear wax, deviated nasal septum, and others can lead to disqualification.
Different branches have specific visual standards. For instance, IMA and OTA require uncorrected vision of 6/60, while the Air Force has stricter requirements including no habitual spectacles.
Candidates must pass speech and audiometric tests, with strict criteria for conditions like tympanoplasty, perforation, and others.
History of spinal disease or injury, and certain spinal conditions, disqualify candidates.
Candidates must not have progressive or recurrent jaw conditions, significant discrepancies between upper and lower jaws, and other dental issues.
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