CDS Full Form – All Details

The acronym CDS stands for Combined Defence Services, which is an examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit Commissioned Officers in the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy. The CDS exam serves as a gateway for eligible candidates to pursue a career in the Indian Armed Forces as officers.

The Union Public Service Commission administers the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam twice a year to assess eligible candidates for admission to the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA) for both men and women. To be admitted to the CDS exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including those for nationality, age limit, marital status, educational qualifications, and physical standards, as outlined by the Commission.

Note: The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is the highest-ranking officer currently serving in the Indian Military. As the Chief Military Adviser to the Ministry of Defence, the CDS of the Indian Armed Forces plays a crucial role in shaping defense strategy and operations. It is important to note that the CDS should not be confused with the CDS full form of Combined Defence Services, which refers to an exam that selects eligible candidates for admission to various defense academies in India.

Full form of CDS

Combined Defence Services (CDS) is a national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India. The exam is held twice a year, usually in February and November, to select eligible candidates for admission to various defense academies of India, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The CDS exam is open to both men and women.

The UPSC is responsible for conducting and regulating the CDS exam. The exam is held in two stages, with the first stage consisting of a written test and the second stage consisting of an interview process. Candidates who qualify for the written exam are invited for an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

To be eligible for the CDS exam, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria, including those related to nationality, age, marital status, educational qualifications, and physical standards. For instance, candidates must be citizens of India, Nepal, or Bhutan. They must also meet age requirements based on the academy they wish to join, with the minimum age for IMA, INA, and AFA being 19 years and the minimum age for OTA being 20 years. Candidates must also have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university for IMA, INA, and OTA, or a degree in Engineering for AFA.

Candidates who successfully clear the CDS exam and the interview process are offered admission to their desired academy. They are then trained in various aspects of defense, including tactics, weaponry, and physical fitness. Upon graduation, cadets are commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

CDS Calendar 2023

CDS Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the CDS exam, candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria laid down by the Commission. These criteria include factors such as nationality, age limit, marital status, educational qualifications, and physical standards. Eligibility conditions are verified by the Commission only after the candidate has qualified for the SSB Interview/Personality Test, and reference to original documents is made during this process. Candidates must be aware that meeting the eligibility criteria is essential for admission to the Combined Defence Services Examination, and failing to do so can result in disqualification.

CDS Age Limit

The age limit for the CDS exam is announced along with the cut-off date for age only on the official notification issued by the Union Public Service Commission. Candidates are advised to check the official notification for the age limit applicable to their specific academy of interest. The age limit for each academy may vary, and it is crucial to ensure that candidates meet the age requirements before applying for the exam. Here is a table showing the academy-wise age limit for the CDS exam:

The CDS exam is a critical stepping stone for candidates who aspire to serve in the Indian Armed Forces as officers. The exam aims to select the most eligible candidates who can meet the rigorous demands of the defense academies and serve the country with honor and distinction.