Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination – Complete Guide

Short Information

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Candidates who clear the exam undergo training at the following academies:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (for both men and women)

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Educational Qualification

• Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA):

  • Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or equivalent.

• Indian Naval Academy (INA):

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from a recognized university.

• Air Force Academy (AFA):

  • Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.

Note: Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation can also apply.

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Selection Process & SSB Interview

1. CDS Written Exam

• Conducted by: UPSC
• Subjects & Marks:
  • IMA, INA, AFA: English (100), General Knowledge (100), Mathematics (100)
  • OTA: English (100), General Knowledge (100) (Mathematics is not required for OTA applicants)
• Negative Marking: Yes
• Candidates scoring above the cutoff qualify for the SSB Interview.

2. SSB Interview (5 Days)

Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview, which includes:

Day 1: Screening Test

• OIR Test (Officer Intelligence Rating): Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
• PPDT (Picture Perception & Description Test): Candidates narrate and discuss a story

Day 2: Psychological Tests

• TAT (Thematic Apperception Test): Story writing on pictures
• WAT (Word Association Test): Quick response writing
• SRT (Situation Reaction Test): Response to given situations
• Self-Description Test

Day 3 & 4: Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

• Group Discussion (GD)
• Progressive Group Task (PGT)
• Command Task
• Individual Obstacles
• Group Planning Exercise

Day 5: Conference

• Candidates interact with the SSB Board
• Final selection decision is made

3. Medical Examination

Candidates recommended by SSB must pass the medical test, assessing both physical and mental fitness.

• If found unfit, candidates can appeal for a re-medical within a given time.

4. Final Merit List & Joining Academies

• UPSC prepares a final merit list based on Written Exam + SSB Marks.
• Selected candidates receive joining instructions for their respective academies.

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CDS Exam Syllabus & Marking Scheme

Mathematics (100 Marks – Only for IMA, INA, AFA)

• Algebra
• Matrices & Determinants
• Trigonometry
• Analytical Geometry
• Differential & Integral Calculus
• Probability & Statistics
• Vector Algebra

General Knowledge (100 Marks)

• Physics: Motion, Thermodynamics, Optics
• Chemistry: Elements, Acids, Bases, Organic Chemistry
• Biology: Human Body, Diseases, Nutrition
• History: Indian Freedom Movement, World History
• Geography: Climate, Resources, Indian Geography
• Current Affairs: National & International Events

English (100 Marks)

• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Comprehension

Marking Scheme:

• Mathematics: +1 for correct, -0.33 for wrong.
• English & General Knowledge: +1 for correct, -0.33 for wrong.

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Age Limit & Date of Birth Criteria

Candidates must meet the age criteria as per the entry they are applying for:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19 to 24 years
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19 to 24 years
• Air Force Academy (AFA): 19 to 24 years
• Officers' Training Academy (OTA): 19 to 25 years

CHECK ELIGIBILITY

Exact dates are mentioned in the UPSC notification.

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Medical Criteria for CDS

General Medical Standards

• Height (Minimum Required):

  • Army & Navy: 157 cm (Men), 152 cm (Women)
  • Air Force: 162.5 cm (Flying Branch), 157 cm (Ground Duty)
  • Relaxation for Gorkhas, North Eastern candidates, and Ladakh region.

• Weight: Proportionate to height and age as per standard charts.

Eyesight:

• Army: 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other (Correctable with glasses up to ±2.5D)
• Navy & Air Force: No color blindness, no night blindness

Hearing:

• No severe ear infections
• Must be able to hear a whisper from 610 cm

Chest Expansion:

• Minimum 5 cm expansion required

Dental Health:

• Must have a good set of 28-32 teeth
• No severe cavities or gum disease

Past Medical History Considerations:

• No history of asthma, epilepsy, severe fractures, or mental illness

Knock Knees & Flat Feet:

• Not allowed as they affect running ability

Surgical History:

• No major surgeries in the last 12 months

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Medical Standards for Specific Forces

Indian Air Force (Official Notification)

• Minimum Height:
  • Flying Branch: 162.5 cm
  • Ground Duty Branches: 157.5 cm
• Vision Standards:
  • Flying Branch: 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other (Correctable)
  • Ground Duty: Myopia up to -3.5D is allowed.

Indian Army (Official Notification)

• Chest Measurements:
  • Male: Minimum expansion of 5 cm
• Vision Standards:
  • Uncorrected: 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other
  • Corrected: 6/6 in both eyes with glasses
  • Color Vision: CP-III (Defective Safe)

Indian Navy (Official Notification)

• Vision Standards:
  • Uncorrected: 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other
  • Corrected: 6/6 in both eyes with glasses
  • Color Vision: CP-II
• General Health:
  • Candidates must be in good physical and mental health.

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