Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam

Defence services are for those young and courageous individuals who nurture a patriotic sentiment and who have wish dedicate their lives for defending their country and its people. A candidate with the above sentiments can join the nation’s defence services after taking the Combined Defence Services Examination.

Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) New Delhi twice every year in the months of February and September for recruitment to officer cadre of the Army, Navy and Air force.

The finally selected candidates are sent to one of the following institutes for training:

(a) Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
(b) Naval Academy, Goa
(c) Air Force Academy, Begumpet, Hyderabad
(d) Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai

Candidates selected in the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy get permanent commission, however cadets passing out of Officers Training Academy get short service commission.

Eligibility Criteria

Attribute	Indian Military Academy	Naval Academy	Air Force Academy	Officers Training Academy
Age	19-24 Years	19-22 Years	19-23 Years	19-25 Years
Marital Status	Unmarried	Unmarried	Unmarried	Married / Unmarried
Gender	Male	Male	Male	Male
Educational Qualification	Degree from a recognized University	B.Sc. with Physics & Mathematics OR Bachelor of Engineering	Degree from a recognized university (with physics & mathematics at10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering	Degree from a recognized University

Candidates appearing in the degree or equivalent examination are also eligible to compete for the Combined Defence Service (CDS) but would be required to submit the proof of passing the requisite qualifying examination by the date specified in the Commission’s Notification for the Examination.

Physical Standards - Candidates must be physically fit according to the Regulations specified in the UPSC's Notification for Examination.