CDS

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) is the top-notch exam to get into defence services in the country. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the entrance test twice a year.

The following defence academies consider the CDS score for the admissions, along with other eligibility criteria.

1. Air Force Academy, Hyderabad
2. Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
3. Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
4. Officers Training Academy (SSC Men), Chennai
5. Officers Training Academy (SSC Women), Chennai

For CDS I, the notification will be usually released in the last week of October and for the CDS II, in the first week of August.

 CDS Exam Highlights

Take a look at the following table for the highlights of the CDS exam. Because of the pandemic, some of the particulars are likely to be changed. Hence, the candidates are advised to check this site/the official UPSC site for updates.

CDS Exam Dates

Since the CDS exam is conducted twice a year, the dates of the CDS exam is updated according to its session.

CDS I Exam Dates

CDS II Exam 2020 Dates

Because of the pandemic, the dates will be updated according to the official site. The candidates are advised to keep a note of this.

 CDS Exam Eligibility

The CDS exam has various eligibility criteria, as shown in the table below. Even the candidates have to conform to the physical fitness according to the physical standards of the defence wing.

CDS Exam Pattern

In the written exam, the test mostly covers the topics from English, Elementary Mathematics, and General Knowledge for the IMA, INA, and AFA. For the OTA, there are only two sections – English and General Knowledge.

Marking Scheme:

1. The marking scheme is section-wise; for each correct attempt and incorrect attempt, you get 0.83 and -0.27 marks from English and General Knowledge respectively.
2. For the mathematics section, you score on 1 mark for the correct answer, and -0.33 mark is deducted for an incorrect attempt.

For IMA, INA and AFA:

For OTA:

CDS Selection

The selection process involves three stages. Those who reach the third stage are trained at the defence institute specific to his selection.

The three stages include:

1. Written Test
2. SSB Interview which again has two stages – Psychological and Intelligence Test. Those who qualify in the first test will be called for the second.
3. Final Selection. The selected candidates through the first two stages will be trained at the defence facilities.

CDS Exam FAQs

1. Is there any limit on the number of attempts for the CDS exam?

A: No, there is not. You can take as many attempts as possible provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

2. Are girls eligible to sit for the CDS exam?

A: Of course, there are but only for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) under non-technical cadre.

3. Can I write the CDS after my 10+2?

A: No, you cannot. You need a degree to sit for this exam.

4. Is the CDS exam conducted twice in a year?

A: Yes, it is.

5. Is the CDS exam conducted in my regional language also?

A: No, it is not. The exam is conducted only in Hindi and English.