Combined Defence Exam

 
The "Combined Defense Services" Examination or the CDS Exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy. Only unmarried graduates are eligible to write the exam. Successful Candidates are admitted into the respective Academies after an interview conducted by SSB (service selection board).
 
Exam Schedule
 
Notification of Examination - August and March
Conduct of Examination - February and August
 
Age Limits
 
19-24 Years - Indian Military Academy
19-22 Years - Naval Academy
19-23 Years - Air Force Academy
19-25 Years - Officers’ Training Academy
 
Educational Qualification
 
(i) IMA & OTA - Degree of a recognized University or equivalent
(ii) Naval Academy - B.Sc. with Physics & Mathematics or Bachelor of Engg
(iii) Air Force Academy - B.Sc. with Physics and/or Mathematics or Bachelor of Engg
 
Candidates appearing at the degree or equivalent examination also eligible to compete. Such candidates will be required to submit the proof of passing the requisite qualifying examination by a date to be specified in the Commission’s Notice for the Examination.
 
Scheme of Examination
 
(a) For Indian Military Academy Naval Academy and Air Force Academy
English (Objective type) - 100 Marks
General Knowledge Objective type) - 100 Marks
Elementary Mathematics (Objective type) - 100 Marks
(b) For Officers’ Training Academy
English (Objective type) - 100 Marks 
General Knowledge (Objective type) - 100 Marks