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UPSC CDS Exam

The CDS exam, or Combined Defence Services Examination, is a national-level competitive exam by India's Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit commissioned officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

It is held twice a year and is aimed at selecting candidates for the following prestigious academies:

  • Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun 
  • Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala 
  • Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad 
  • Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai

Why UPSC CDSE?


Respected Career & Service

Join the prestigious Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force, serving the nation with honor and pride.


Job Security

The armed forces offer a stable and secure career path

Adventure & Challenge

The job involves unique experiences and challenges, providing an adventurous and dynamic lifestyle.


Professional Development

Receive intensive training at academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), or Air Force Academy (AFA).


Why is it important to prepare?


Wide Syllabus

The CDS exam covers English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics. Without preparation, it’s tough to manage such a wide range.


Identify Weak Areas

Helps you spot the topics you struggle with so you can focus more on improving them.

Conducted by UPSC

Lakhs of aspirants apply every year, but only a few succeed. Rigorous preparation gives you the edge



Time Management & Speed

The exam is time-bound. Practicing in advance helps you solve quickly and accurately.


Gateway to a Career in Defence

Clearing the CDS written exam is the first and most crucial step toward joining the Armed Forces as an officer

Eligibility

Both male and female candidates are allowed to apply for UPSC CDSE exam. While Females can apply only for Army (OTA). Males have the option to select their preference from Army (IMA & OTA), Navy (INA) and Air-Force (AFA) based on their eligibility.

 Age Limit

  • Indian Military Academy (IMA) - 24 Years
  • Indian Naval Academy (INA) - 24 Years
  • Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) - 24 Years
  • Officers' Training Academy (OTA) - 25 Years

 Educational Qualification

 IMA (Indian Military Academy) - Candidates should have a Graduation from a recognised University or equivalent.
 INA (Indian Naval Academy) - Candidates should have a degree in Engineering from a recognised University or Institution.
 AFA (Air Force Academy) - Candidates should have a degree from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.
 OTA (Officer's Training Academy) - Candidates should have a Graduation from a recognised University or equivalent..
.

Training

Successful candidates receive training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers' Training Academy (OTA), 

Salary, Ranks and Promotion

This may change as per the latest Pay Commission. Please check the official website for updates

An NDA (National Defence Academy) candidate receives a monthly stipend of INR 56,100 during the training period, after which they start as a Lieutenant with a basic pay ranging from INR 56,100 to INR 1,77,500 per month (Pay level -10).

Learn with NeutronARMY

 LIEUTENANT

 CAPTAIN

 MAJOR

 LIEUTENANT COLONEL

 COLONEL

 BRIGADIER

 MAJOR GENERAL

 LIEUTENANT GENERAL

 GENERAL

Learn with NeutronNAVY

 SUB LIEUTENANT

 LIEUTENANT

 Lt COMMANDER

 COMMANDER

 CAPTAIN

 COMMODORE

 REAR ADMIRAL

 VICE ADMIRAL

 ADMIRAL


Learn with NeutronAIR FORCE

 FLYING OFFICER

 FLIGHT LIEUTENANT

 SQUADRON LEADER

 WING COMMANDER

 GROUP CAPTAIN

 AIR COMMODORE

 AIR VICE MARSHAL

 AIR MARSHAL

 AIR CHIEF MARSHAL

SELECTION PROCEDURE

1

UPSC CDS EXAMINATION

The first stage of the UPSC CDS selection procedure is the Written Examination, which tests knowledge in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA) or English and General Knowledge (for OTA).

2

SSB Interview

A 5-day process including screening, psychology tests, group tasks, personal interview, and conference to assess Officer Like Qualities. One need to get recommended by SSB which is the second step.

3

Medical Examination

Comprehensive health check in military hospitals covering eyesight, hearing, fitness standards, and absence of diseases or deformities. 

4

Final Merit List

Prepared by UPSC on the basis of written Exam score and SSB marks. Only medically fit candidates are considered for admission to NDA.

Watch the video to know more about NDA


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Toughest Exam

Unlock the secrets to acing India's most prestigious and
challenging exam - the UPSC CDS EXAM

Why do our students love Aspire Defence

SIDHARTH K

10+2 CADET ENTRY SCHEME

INDIAN NAVAL ACADEMY

Aspire Defence has been a pool of opportunities for me. It provided platforms to showcase my abilities and trained me in officer-like skills essential for Defence exams—SSB interview, communication, time management, and more. I sincerely thank the faculty for their constant guidance and motivation

THEJUS A

UPSC NDA

I got recommended in my SSB Interview and now I’m at the National Defence Academy. Aspire Defence guided me, trained me, and always motivated me. I’m really thankful for their support in my journey.

SRIRAJ S

UPSC NDA

I feel proud to have cleared the UPSC NDA Exam, got recommended in my SSB Interview, and secured my place at the National Defence Academy. Aspire Defence gave me the right guidance, training, and motivation to achieve this goal

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ASPIRE DEFENCE is a completely online initiative to help students prepare for Indian Defence Services Exams and Service Selection Board Interviews through coaching led by Subject Experts and Ex-Defence officials. We conduct online classes for Defence exams, SSB Interview preparation, current affairs, and free awareness programs on opportunities in the Indian Defence Services, along with guidance for physical tests.

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