About CDS (Combined Defence Services)

Your Gateway to Become an Officer in the Indian Armed Forces

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Candidates who qualify the exam undergo training at prestigious institutions like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA).

CDS is one of India’s most sought-after competitive exams, enabling young graduates to join the Armed Forces as Class-1 Gazetted Officers.

What is CDS Examination?

The CDS exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for officer-level training. It is held twice a year: CDS-I in February and CDS-II in September.

The selection process includes:

• Written Examination conducted by UPSC

• SSB Interview (5-day selection process)

• Medical Examination

Training Academies Under CDS

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – For permanent commission (Men)

• Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – For short service commission (Men & Women)

• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – For Navy (Men)

• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – For Flying & Ground Duty (Men)

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Indian Citizen

• Educational Qualification:

— IMA/OTA: Graduate in any discipline

— INA: Engineering Degree

— AFA: Physics & Mathematics (10+2) + Graduation

• Age Limits:

— IMA: 19–24 years

— OTA: 19–25 years

— INA: 19–22 years

— AFA: 19–23 years

CDS Exam Pattern

IMA / INA / AFA:

• English – 100 marks

• General Knowledge – 100 marks

• Elementary Mathematics – 100 marks

OTA (Men & Women):

• English – 100 marks

• General Knowledge – 100 marks

SSB Interview Process

The SSB Interview is a 5-day personality and aptitude assessment which includes:

• Screening Test (Day 1)

• Psychological Tests

• Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO)

• Personal Interview

• Conference

Why CDS Is a Great Career Choice?

• Opportunity to serve the nation as a commissioned officer

• Permanent and short-service commission options

• Excellent pay, allowances & career growth

• Job security with adventure and honour

• Leadership development and personality enhancement

CDS Coaching at Pioneer Academy

At Pioneer Academy, we provide specialized coaching for CDS Entrants. Our training module includes:

• Complete coverage of English, GK & Mathematics

• Regular doubt-solving and concept classes

• Weekly mock tests and full-length practice papers

• SSB Interview preparation with retired Defence Officers

• Physical fitness guidance

Why Choose Pioneer Academy?

• Highly experienced faculty

• Updated study material

• Individual attention for every student

• Best track record in CDS selections

Join Pioneer Academy Today

Start your journey toward becoming an Officer in the Indian Armed Forces.

Call us: +91 91375 41508

Website: www.ndaclasses.com

Centers: Pune | Mumbai

Pioneer Academy — Your Path to Defence Officer Success