The "Combined Defence Services" Examination (CDS) 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).
Eligibility Criteria[1]
For Indian Military Academy/Officers' Training Academy: Degree from a recognized university or equivalent For Naval Academy: Bachelor of Engineering For Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognized University with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering
Bachelor of Technology
Age Limit
Indian Military Academy 19-24 years[2]
Air Force Academy 19-23 Years[3]
Naval Academy 19-22 years [4]
Officers’ Training Academy 19-25 years (not before 2 June)
Scheme of Examination
Indian Military Academy / Air Force Academy / Naval Academy
All the papers are of objective type.
Subject Marks
English 100
General Knowledge 100
Elementary Mathematics 100
Total 300
Officers' Training Academy
All the papers are of objective type.
Subject Marks
English 100
General Knowledge 100
Total 200
Candidates successful in the written exam are then called for an interview by a Services Selection Board which evaluates a candidate's suitability for a career in the Indian Armed Forces. The SSB interview lasts for approximately a week, during which a candidate undergoes various physical and psychological tests to ascertain whether or not he is officer material. Apart from SSB interview, Air Force academy candidates are tested for