The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is your gateway to prestigious academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
The CDS Exam is held twice a year — in April and September — to recruit officers for the Indian defence services. It is one of India’s most sought-after competitive exams for graduates who aspire to serve the nation.
Start Your CDS Journey Now!
If your goal is to serve the nation as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces, Star Mock Test is here to guide your every step. Take your CDS Mock Test, analyze your performance, and move closer to success!
👉 Join the All India CDS Mock Test at Star Mock Test – Your Pathway to Defence Dreams!
📅 Conducting Body:
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Academies Covered:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
- Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
CDS Exam Eligibility Criteria (Overview)
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Citizen |
| Age Limit | 19–24 years (varies by academy) |
| Qualification | Graduate in any stream (Engineering for Navy, Physics/Maths for Air Force) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried candidates only (for IMA, INA, AFA) |
CDS Exam Pattern 2025
The exam consists of three papers for IMA, INA, AFA, and two papers for OTA.
| Academy | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA, AFA | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics | 300 | 2 hours each |
| OTA | English, General Knowledge | 200 | 2 hours each |
✏️ Key Points:
- Objective-type (MCQs) questions
- Negative marking for wrong answers
- Conducted in offline mode
Leave a Reply