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Written by Mumtaj Khan

Oct 28, 2025

CDS for Students: How to Join the Indian Army, Navy & Air Force After Graduation

CDS Exam

The CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam is one of India’s most prestigious national-level examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It offers young graduates the opportunity to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as commissioned officers. The CDS exam is the gateway to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). For students who dream of serving the nation with pride and leadership, CDS is the perfect start to a rewarding defence career.

What is CDS (Combined Defence Services)?

The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is conducted twice a year by UPSC to recruit officers into the Indian Armed Forces. Both male and female graduates can apply for the exam. Candidates who qualify go through rigorous training before joining one of the elite academies of the Indian Armed Forces.

It’s a golden opportunity for students who have completed graduation or are in their final year to begin their journey toward becoming an officer.

CDS Exam Overview

The CDS exam tests a candidate’s academic knowledge, logical reasoning, and physical fitness. It’s designed to identify future leaders capable of commanding troops and ensuring national security.

The exam is conducted in two stages:

Written Examination

SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview

Successful candidates then undergo medical fitness and are trained at their respective defence academies.

Branches You Can Join Through CDS

Through the CDS exam, candidates can join any of the following branches:

Indian Military Academy (IMA) – For permanent commission in the Indian Army (only men).

Indian Naval Academy (INA) – For permanent commission in the Indian Navy (only men).

Air Force Academy (AFA) – For flying and ground duty branches (men).

Officers Training Academy (OTA) – For short service commission in the Army (both men and women).

Each academy trains its cadets to become disciplined, skilled, and courageous leaders.

Eligibility Criteria for CDS Exam

To apply for the CDS exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.

Age Limit:

IMA: 19–24 years

INA: 19–22 years

AFA: 20–24 years

OTA: 19–25 years

Educational Qualification:

IMA & OTA: Graduation in any discipline.

INA: Engineering degree.

AFA: Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a B.E./B.Tech degree.

Marital Status:

IMA, INA, AFA – Unmarried males only.

OTA – Unmarried males and females.

CDS Exam Pattern

The CDS exam consists of a written test followed by an SSB interview.

For IMA, INA & AFA:

English – 100 Marks

General Knowledge – 100 Marks

Elementary Mathematics – 100 Marks
(Total: 300 Marks)

For OTA:

English – 100 Marks

General Knowledge – 100 Marks
(Total: 200 Marks)

CDS Syllabus

The syllabus covers topics that test a candidate’s general aptitude and reasoning ability.

English: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence correction.

General Knowledge: Current events, Indian history, geography, polity, economy, science, and defense-related news.

Mathematics: Algebra, arithmetic, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration, and statistics.

How to Prepare for CDS Exam

To succeed in CDS, students need a focused study plan and physical training routine.

Understand the Exam Pattern: Analyze previous year papers to know question trends.

Stay Updated: Read newspapers daily to strengthen general knowledge.

Improve English Skills: Practice grammar and comprehension regularly.

Mathematics Practice: Revise NCERT concepts and practice problem-solving.

Physical Fitness: Regular exercise, running, and stamina-building for SSB tasks.

Mock Tests: Attempt weekly mock tests for time management and accuracy.

Best Books for CDS Preparation

Some recommended books for CDS aspirants include:

Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant Publications

Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi

Manorama Yearbook

NCERT Maths (6th–10th)

Lucent’s General Knowledge

SSB Interview Process

After clearing the written test, shortlisted candidates are invited for the SSB Interview, which is a five-day assessment conducted by the Service Selection Board.

It includes:

Screening Test (verbal and non-verbal reasoning)

Psychological Testing

Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO)

Personal Interview

Conference Round

The SSB evaluates candidates’ leadership, teamwork, communication, and decision-making skills.

Training at Defence Academies

Once selected, candidates are sent for training at the respective academies:

IMA, Dehradun – 18 months of rigorous training for Army.

INA, Ezhimala – 22 weeks of naval training.

AFA, Dundigal – 74 weeks of flying and technical training.

OTA, Chennai – 49 weeks of short service training.

During training, cadets learn physical endurance, military tactics, ethics, and weapon handling.

CDS Officer Salary and Benefits

A CDS officer receives a starting salary between ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month. Along with the salary, officers enjoy free accommodation, rations, medical facilities, leave travel concessions, uniforms, insurance, and pension.

The life of a defence officer is filled with respect, adventure, and lifelong learning.

Career Growth After CDS

Candidates who join through CDS can rise through various ranks in their respective forces, such as Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier, and General in the Army. Promotions are based on experience, performance, and time in service.

Officers can also serve on UN peacekeeping missions, join special forces, or work in strategic defense organizations.

Why Students Should Choose CDS as a Career

For students, CDS offers not just a job but a purpose-driven career that combines adventure, patriotism, and leadership. Joining the defence services means contributing directly to national security while developing discipline, confidence, and lifelong skills.

It’s the perfect career choice for those who value honor, teamwork, and service to the nation.

Conclusion

The CDS Exam is one of the finest opportunities for students to begin a prestigious defence career right after graduation. It opens doors to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, offering pride, stability, and immense personal growth. With determination, consistent preparation, and physical fitness, you can transform your ambition into a successful career in uniform.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam is conducted by UPSC to recruit officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Graduates or final-year students from any recognized university can apply for CDS, provided they meet age and physical standards.

UPSC conducts the CDS exam twice a year, usually in April and September.

Yes, female candidates can apply for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) through CDS.

Yes, candidates must clear the SSB Interview, which includes physical and psychological assessments.

A newly commissioned officer earns approximately ₹56,100 per month, along with several allowances.

Yes, final-year students are eligible to apply for the CDS exam if they can produce proof of graduation before joining training.

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