Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination – Complete Guide

CDS · Complete Guide | tranquilizer014
Defence Home

CDS
Complete Entry Guide

Combined Defence Services Examination — conducted twice a year by UPSC. Entry to IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA (men & women). Selected candidates undergo training at their respective academies after SSB recommendation.

19‑24/25Age (years)
2Exams/Year
300/200Marks (IMA/OTA)

Eligibility

  • IMA / OTA: Bachelor’s degree
  • INA: B.E./B.Tech
  • AFA: Bachelor’s with PCM at 10+2 or B.E.
  • Final year students can apply
Nationality: Indian Unmarried (except OTA women)

Age: IMA/INA/AFA 19‑24, OTA 19‑25

Written Exam

IMA/INA/AFA English(100) + GK(100) + Maths(100)

OTA only English(100) + GK(100) (No Maths)

Marking: +1 / -0.33 all papers

SSB Interview · 5 Days

Day 1

Screening

OIR + PPDT
Day 2

Psychological

TAT, WAT, SRT, Self‑Description
Day 3-4

GTO Tasks

GD, PGT, Command, Obstacles
Day 5

Conference

Board Interaction

Final merit = Written + SSB marks. Medical after recommendation.

Medical Criteria (At a Glance)

Min Height
Army/Navy 157cm · AF 162.5/157cm
Vision
Army 6/6,6/9 correctable; Navy/AF: no colour blindness
Chest Exp. 5cm · Hearing whisper @610cm

🔍 Service-wise Official Links

Dental: 28‑32 teeth · No knock knees / flat feet · No major surgery last 12 months

Community & Help

Connect with Fellow Aspirants

Discussions, updates, and peer support.

r/CDSTards Discord

r/CDSTards

Join Subreddit

DM u/tranquilizer014

If you have any question, feel free to DM me on Reddit. Please mention that you are messaging after reading my blog so I can respond accordingly.

If you have any suggestion for improvement of this page, please contact

Reddit Profile r/CDSTards
© tranquilizer014

Medical standards may change; always refer to official notification.

Comments

Post a Comment