CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam Overview
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). This exam is held twice a year, usually in February and November, and is open to graduates who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, a subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement.
- Age Limit:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19-24 years
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19-22 years
- Air Force Academy (AFA): 19-23 years
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): 19-25 years
- Educational Qualification:
- IMA and OTA: A degree from a recognized university.
- INA: A degree in Engineering.
- AFA: A degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.
Exam Pattern for CDS:
The CDS examination comprises a written exam followed by an Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
| Academy | Subject | Marks | Duration | Type of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA, AFA | English | 100 | 2 hours | Objective (Multiple Choice) |
| General Knowledge (GK) | 100 | 2 hours | Objective (Multiple Choice) | |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hours | Objective (Multiple Choice) | |
| OTA | English | 100 | 2 hours | Objective (Multiple Choice) |
| General Knowledge (GK) | 100 | 2 hours | Objective (Multiple Choice) |
- Total Marks for IMA, INA, AFA: 300 (100 marks per subject)
- Total Marks for OTA: 200 (100 marks per subject)
Key Points About CDS Exam Pattern:
- English and General Knowledge are mandatory for all academies.
- Elementary Mathematics is only required for IMA, INA, and AFA, not for OTA.
- Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of 1/3rd marks for each incorrect answer.
- Qualifying Marks: Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks separately in each paper to qualify for the SSB interview.
SSB Interview Process:
The SSB interview is a two-stage process spread over 4-5 days:
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II: Comprises the Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. This stage assesses a candidate’s overall personality and suitability for a career in the armed forces.
Final Selection:
- Based on the marks obtained in the written exam and the SSB interview, a merit list is prepared.
- Candidates who make it to the merit list undergo a medical examination before final selection.
- The final allotment is made based on vacancies and preferences submitted by the candidates.
NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam Overview
The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam is conducted by UPSC for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). The exam is held twice a year, typically in April and September. It is aimed at young candidates who have completed or are appearing in their 12th-grade exams and are interested in a career in the Indian Armed Forces.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, a subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently.
- Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
- Educational Qualification:
- For Army Wing of NDA: 12th Class pass from a recognized board.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized board.
Exam Pattern for NDA:
The NDA examination consists of a written exam followed by an SSB interview.
| Subject | Marks | Duration | Type of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours | Objective (Multiple Choice) |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 hours | Objective (Multiple Choice) |
- Total Marks for Written Exam: 900
Key Points About NDA Exam Pattern:
- General Ability Test (GAT) is further divided into two parts:
- Part A: English (200 marks)
- Part B: General Knowledge (400 marks) – includes Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events.
- Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of 1/3rd marks for each incorrect answer.
- Qualifying Marks: Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in both papers separately to be eligible for the SSB interview.
SSB Interview Process:
The SSB interview for NDA is similar to that of CDS and is divided into two stages:
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II: Comprises the Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference.
Final Selection:
- Candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in the written exam and SSB interview.
- The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in both the written exam and SSB.
- Selected candidates undergo a comprehensive medical examination.
Medical Standards for CDS/NDA:
- Both exams require candidates to meet specific physical and medical standards, including height, weight, vision, and overall health.
- The standards differ slightly for different academies and wings but generally include requirements for fitness and physical capabilities suitable for military training and duties.
Conclusion:
Both the CDS and NDA exams are prestigious gateways to joining the Indian Armed Forces. They require rigorous preparation, a strong understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern, and a disciplined approach to training for the SSB interview. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian military services should thoroughly prepare for both the written exam and the SSB process, focusing on both academic knowledge and personality development.
