The CDS stands for Combined Defence Services. It is an exam performed through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India for recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces, inclusive of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The CDS examination is held two times a yr and is designed for applicants searching for to sign up for the Officers Training Academy, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, or the Indian Air Force Academy. The choice method includes a written exam observed through an SSB interview, specializing in applicants` aptitude, intelligence, and bodily fitness, making sure they meet the rigorous needs of navy service.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizens; subjects of Nepal/Bhutan; Tibetan refugees; persons of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, East African countries, etc. |
| Age Limit | Varies by course: – IMA: 19 to 24 years – INA: 19 to 22 years – AFA: 19 to 23 years – OTA: 19 to 25 years |
| Educational Qualification | – IMA: Graduation from a recognized university – INA: Engineering degree from a recognized university – AFA: Graduation with Physics and Mathematics or Engineering degree – OTA: Graduation from a recognized university |
| Physical Standards | Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards set by the Indian Armed Forces. |
| Marital Status | Unmarried male/female candidates can apply for IMA, INA, and AFA; unmarried male candidates for OTA. |
| Examination | Candidates must clear the CDS Full Form written exam and subsequent SSB interview for selection. |
| Event | Details | Tentative Dates (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| CDS Exam Notification Release | Official announcement of the exam | October 2024 |
| Application Form Release | Start of the online application process | October 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | Deadline for submitting the application form | November 2024 |
| Admit Card Release | Availability of admit cards for download | December 2024 |
| CDS Exam Date | Date of the written examination | January 2025 |
| Result Announcement | Release of the written exam results | February 2025 |
| SSB Interview Dates | Scheduled dates for the Service Selection Board interview | March – April 2025 |
| Final Results Announcement | Declaration of final results after SSB | May 2025 |
| Joining Dates | Dates for candidates to join training academies | June 2025 |
| Subject | Total Marks | Duration | Type of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hours | Objective (Multiple Choice) |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours | Objective (Multiple Choice) |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hours | Objective (Multiple Choice) |
| Total | 300 | 6 hours (combined) | Objective (Multiple Choice) |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Admit Card Availability | The admit card can be downloaded from the official UPSC website about two weeks before the exam. |
| Documents Required | Bring a printed copy of the admit card and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.). |
| Exam Venue | Check the exam venue mentioned on the admit card. Reach the venue well in advance to avoid delays. |
| Reporting Time | Arrive at the examination center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. |
| Prohibited Items | Do not bring electronic devices (mobile phones, smartwatches), study materials, or any other unauthorized items. |
| Personal Items | Carry only essential items such as stationery (pencil, eraser, transparent water bottle). |
| Dress Code | Wear comfortable, formal attire. Avoid clothes with large buttons, pockets, or any metallic items. |
| Instructions on the Paper | Read all instructions carefully before starting the exam. Follow the marking scheme and avoid guesswork. |
| Use of Calculator | Personal calculators are not allowed. All CDS Full Form calculations should be done manually. |
| Emergency Procedures | In case of any emergency or health issue, inform the invigilator immediately for assistance. |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Result Announcement | Results are typically declared within a month after the exam on the official UPSC website. |
| Result Format | Results are published in the form of a merit list containing roll numbers of qualified candidates. |
| Cut-Off Marks | Cut-off marks are the minimum scores required to qualify for the next stage (SSB interview). |
| Determining Factors | Cut-off marks vary each year based on factors such as exam difficulty, number of candidates, and vacancies. |
| Previous Year Cut-Off | Previous year cut-off marks can provide a benchmark for current candidates. For example, for CDS Full Form II 2023, the cut-off for IMA was 100 marks. |
| SSB Interview Qualification | Candidates who score above the cut-off will be shortlisted for the SSB interview. |
| Final Selection | Final selection is based on the combined scores from the written exam and SSB interview. |
| Cut-Off Publication | UPSC usually publishes the cut-off marks along with the final result on their website. |
| Category-wise Cut-Off | Cut-off marks are often released for different categories (General, OBC, SC, ST) based on reservation policies. |
| Preparation for Interviews | Candidates should begin preparation for the SSB interview soon after the written exam results are announced. |
The full form of CDS Full Form is Combined Defence Services.
The CDS Full Form Exam is a national-level exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Candidates must be graduates (or in their final year of graduation) to be eligible for the CDS Exam. Specific qualifications vary depending on the academy:
Yes, there is negative marking for wrong answers in the CDS Exam. 1/3rd of the marks for each wrong answer are deducted.
Candidates can apply online through the UPSC website during the application window. The application involves registering, filling out the form, and paying the exam fee.