CDS

Combined Defence Services Examination · Defence — Graduate entry

CDS recruits graduates for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. The written exam has English, GK and (for IMA/INA/AFA) Elementary Mathematics, followed by the SSB.

Conducted by
UPSC
Level
National
Frequency
Twice a year
Mode
Pen and paper + SSB interview

Eligibility

  • Graduate (engineering for INA/AFA; any for IMA/OTA)
  • Age 19–24 for IMA, up to 25 for OTA
  • Unmarried for IMA/INA/AFA

Exam pattern

English100 marks, 2 hours
General Knowledge100 marks, 2 hours
Elementary Mathematics100 marks, 2 hours (not for OTA)
MarkingNegative marking of 1/3

Syllabus highlights

  • English: grammar, vocabulary, comprehension
  • GK: current affairs, history, geography, science
  • Maths: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics

Coaching for CDS

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