CDS - Combined Defence Services (Eligibility, Pattern, Selection Process & Salary)

Combined Defence Services (कंबाइंड डिफेंस सर्विसेज) exam is conducted twice in a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The graduate candidates are recruited for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian National Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The candidates have to pass a written exam, 5 day Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview and a medical test. The candidates can choose their preferences for Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force by applying through a single exam of CDS. Women Candidates can apply for a short service commission through OTA situated in Chennai.

• Eligibility: The candidate should be an Indian citizen with the age limit in between 19 to 24 or 25 years depending on academy. Generally, the unmarried candidates for IMA, INA, AFA. However, OTA allows unmarried men and women (as per rules).
• Qualification: The candidate must have completed the graduation degree from a recognised university. Although, the final year graduation candidates can also apply for the exam provided you must submit the proof of passing degree before the specified date as per the official notification of UPSC.
• Selection Process: UPSC conducts a written exam, an SSB Interview or Personality Test and Medical exam.
• Personality Test: The 5 day Service Selection Board (SSB) examines the Officer Like Qualities (OLQs). They conduct psychological tests, group discussions, outdoor activities, and one to one final Interview on the last day. The candidates who are recommended further have to pass a medical test.

• Day 1 (Screening Test): It involves the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests, Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT), and a group discussion. The screened out candidates depart their home towards the end of the day.
• Day 2 (Psychological Test): It examines the personality of the candidate through thematic tests such as Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self Description Test (SDT).
• Day 3 (Group Testing Officer or GTO tasks): It features the physical and group activities such as Group Discussion, Progressive Group Tasks (PGT), Half Group Tasks (HGT), Command Tasks, Snake Race, and extempore speech.
• Day 4 (Personal Interview): It is conducted by an Interviewing Officer to evaluate the personal background, OLQs, general awareness, and decision-making skills.
• Day 5 (Conference): There is an assessment of the candidate's overall performance by the evaluators through a review board meeting. After some time, the final result list of recommended candidates is published.