​The "Combined Defence Services" (CDS) Examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy.

The Notification for the examination is usually released in the months of October and June, and the examinations are conducted in February and November respectively. Only unmarried graduates are eligible to sit for the exam. Successful candidates are admitted into the respective Academies after an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted twice every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun

• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala

• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad

• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai

The CDS exam offers one of the most prestigious opportunities for young graduates to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

CDS Exam Schedule

Notification ReleasedExamination Conducted

JuneNovember

OctoberFebruary

Only unmarried graduates are eligible to apply for this examination. Candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for an SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview, followed by a medical examination before final selection.

Age Limit

Academy Age Limit

Indian Military Academy (IMA)19          24 years

Indian Naval Academy (INA)19              24 years

Air Force Academy (AFA)19                   24 years

Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)19      25 years

Scheme of Examination

For IMA, INA & AFA

All papers are objective type (multiple-choice questions).

Subject                                        Marks

English                                         100

General Knowledge                     100

Elementary Mathematics             100

Total                                            300

For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)

Each paper consists of objective type questions.

Subject                                       Marks

English                                        100

General Knowledge                    100

Total                                           200

CDS Exam Pattern & Syllabus

PAPER – I : English

This paper tests candidates’ understanding of the English language and grammar.

Topics Covered:

1. Synonyms

2. Antonyms

3. Ordering of Words

4. Ordering of Sentences

5. Comprehension

6. Spotting Errors

PAPER – II : General Knowledge

This paper assesses candidates’ awareness of current events and general knowledge in various subjects.

Topics Covered:

1. History

2. Civics

3. Geography

4. Physics

5. Chemistry

6. Biology

7. Current Affairs

8. Economics

PAPER – III : Elementary Mathematics

This paper checks candidates’ basic mathematical concepts and problem-solving ability.

Topics Covered:

1. Algebra

2. Trigonometry

3. Statistics

4. Arithmetic

5. Mensuration

6. Geometry

Why Choose Indus Rangers Defence Academy for CDS Preparation?

• Expert faculty with defence background

• Regular mock tests & previous year paper analysis

• Comprehensive notes for all subjects

• Personality development & SSB interview training

• Discipline-focused environment to build leadership qualities

Join Indus Rangers Defence Academy Today

Prepare with the best defence mentors to achieve your dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces through the CDS Examination.

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📞 Contact: 9936404655
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