top of page
Search

What is the CDS Exam? Complete Guide for First-Time Aspirants

  • Writer: Surinder Chhabra
    Surinder Chhabra
  • Apr 18
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 21

CDS Coaching

Are you dreaming of wearing the uniform and serving the nation as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces? The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam is one of the most prestigious gateways to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force after graduation. If you're a first-time aspirant, this complete guide will help you understand everything about the CDS exam—from eligibility to selection process, and how you can start your preparation with India’s #1 Defence Coaching Institute — Cavalier Delhi (Since 2001).


🛡️ What is the CDS Exam?

The CDS (Combined Defence Services) Examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It recruits eligible candidates into the following academies:

  • Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun

  • Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men & Women)

  • Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala

  • Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad

CDS is your chance to join the defence forces as a Commissioned Officer after graduation, and is one of the top choices for graduates looking for a challenging and respected career.


📅 CDS Exam: Important Dates

UPSC releases the official notification for CDS I (around December) and CDS II (around May) every year. Key stages include:

  • Notification Release

  • Online Application Submission

  • Written Exam

  • SSB Interview

  • Medical Examination

  • Final Merit List

👉 Stay updated with official dates via the UPSC website or connect with Cavalier Delhi for alerts.


📝 CDS Exam Pattern & Syllabus

✍️ For IMA, INA, AFA:

Paper

Duration

Marks

English

2 hrs

100

General Knowledge

2 hrs

100

Elementary Mathematics

2 hrs

100

✍️ For OTA (Men & Women):

Paper

Duration

Marks

English

2 hrs

100

General Knowledge

2 hrs

100

Important Notes:

  • All papers are Objective Type.

  • Negative marking is applicable.

  • Paper is conducted in offline mode (pen & paper based).


🧠 CDS Syllabus Overview

Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll face in each subject:

  • English: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence correction, spotting errors.

  • General Knowledge: Current affairs, Indian history, polity, geography, economics, science & defence-related news.

  • Mathematics: Class 10 level topics – algebra, trigonometry, geometry, statistics, number system, etc.


🪖 After the Written Exam – SSB Interview

Clearing the written exam is just the first step. Next comes the SSB Interview, a 5-day comprehensive personality and aptitude assessment. It includes:

  • Screening Test (OIR + PPDT)

  • Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT)

  • GTO Tasks (Group Discussion, Group Planning, Outdoor Tasks)

  • Personal Interview

  • Conference & Medicals

👉 Start preparing for SSB right after your written exam! At Cavalier Delhi(Since 2001), we provide expert-led SSB training by Ex-SSB Officers to help you crack the next stage confidently.


🎯 Why Choose Cavalier Delhi for CDS Coaching?

Since 2001, Cavalier Delhi has been the most trusted name for defence exam preparation. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • ✅ Experienced Faculty from Defence Background

  • ✅ Comprehensive Classroom Coaching for CDS Written Exam

  • ✅ Regular Mock Tests & Personalized Feedback

  • ✅ Updated Study Material & Test Series

  • ✅ Separate Batch for OTA Aspirants

📍 Our students have consistently cleared the CDS exam and made it to IMA, OTA, INA & AFA with top ranks.


📚 Pro Tips for First-Time CDS Aspirants

  1. Start Early – Ideally 6 months before the exam.

  2. Make a Study Plan – Cover all subjects weekly.

  3. Stay Updated with Current Affairs – Read newspapers daily.

  4. Solve Previous Year Papers – Understand the pattern.

  5. Take Mock Tests – To build speed & accuracy.

  6. Join a Trusted Coaching Institute – Like Cavalier Delhi for expert guidance.


📝 Final Words

The CDS Exam is not just a test—it's the first step towards your dream career as a defence officer. With the right preparation, discipline, and guidance from experts at Cavalier Delhi, success is within your reach.


📞 Ready to Begin Your CDS Journey?

🎯 Join Our CDS Coaching Batch – Enroll Now! 

📱 Call: 8766375168 

📍 C-73, Shardapuri (Marble Mkt), Rajouri Garden, New Delhi - 110015

🔥 Cavalier Delhi – Where Defence Aspirants Become Officers!


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page