Understand the exam
Exam overview
UPSC recruitment examination for eligible graduate entries to notified defence academies.
CDS
Recruitment
Professional
National
Combined Defence Services Examination
Last updated · Confirm dates, fees and eligibility on the official website before you apply.
UPSC recruitment examination for eligible graduate entries to notified defence academies.
Who can appear
Eligibility to appear
Graduation
A recognised degree; engineering and Class 12 science requirements apply to specified academy routes. Age, sex, marital status, degree discipline, physical and medical standards vary by IMA, INA, AFA and OTA entry.
Eligibility to appear is not the same as eligibility to be admitted. Individual institutions add their own criteria on top of the exam's rules.
Overview
What this exam is
The UPSC written examination for graduates entering the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy as commissioned officers. Clearing the written paper is only the first stage - selection is decided at the Services Selection Board that follows.
Subjects
What the paper tests
English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics for the academy entries; the OTA paper omits mathematics. The questions are objective and the standard is broad rather than deep. The Services Selection Board that follows runs over several days and assesses officer-like qualities through psychological tests, group tasks and an interview.
PreparationPlan
How to prepare
The written paper rewards speed and accuracy on familiar ground - school-level mathematics and steady current affairs - so practice papers matter more than new material. The Board is where most candidates are screened out and it cannot be crammed for; it responds to genuine confidence, physical fitness and the ability to work with a group. Start the fitness work months before, not after the written result.
AdmissionProcess
Who can take it, and how it runs
Who can appear. Bachelor's degree; engineering degree for technical entries.
How often. Twice a year.
Format. Pen and paper plus SSB interview.
Conducted by. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Dates, eligibility and the paper pattern change from year to year. Check the current official notification before you plan around any of this.
Where the score is used
Courses connected to this exam
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Does clearing the written exam mean I am selected?
No. The written paper only qualifies you for the Services Selection Board, which runs over several days and is where most candidates are screened out. The Board assesses officer-like qualities and cannot be prepared for by studying.
What is the difference between the academy entries?
The Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy lead to permanent commissions and require Mathematics and Physics for the technical entries. The Officers Training Academy leads to a short service commission and its paper omits Mathematics.
Can women apply?
Yes, though eligible entries differ by academy and have expanded over recent years. Because this has changed several times, check the entries open to women in the current notification rather than relying on older guidance.
How should I prepare for the Services Selection Board?
Fitness first, months in advance. Beyond that the Board responds to genuine confidence, clear communication and the ability to work with a group rather than dominate it. Rehearsed answers are visible and count against you.
What is Combined Defence Services Examination used for?
Officer entry to IMA, INA, AFA and OTA after graduation.
Who is eligible to appear for Combined Defence Services Examination?
Bachelor's degree; engineering degree for technical entries. Confirm this against the current official notification, because eligibility rules are revised between sessions.
How often is Combined Defence Services Examination held, and in what format?
Twice a year. Pen and paper plus SSB interview.
Who conducts Combined Defence Services Examination?
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).