Table of Contents
: What is UPSE CDS ?
UPSC CDS stands for Union Public Service Commission Combined Defence Services. It is a national-level exam conducted by the UPSC to select candidates for admission into various defence academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The CDS exam is conducted twice a year, and the selection process involves a written test followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). The exam is open to both male and female candidates who meet the eligibility criteria, and clearing it is a crucial step towards a career in the Indian Armed Forces.
UPSC CDS
Exam name | CDS ( Combined Defence Services ) |
or | UPSC ( Union Public Service Commission ) |
Exam level | National |
Vacancies | 341 |
Mode of application | online |
Age limit | INA- 19-22 years IMA- 19-24 years OTA- 19-25 years AFA- 20-24 years |
Application fees | Unreserved category – Rs 200 OBC -Rs 200 SC/ST/Female category – Exempted |
Exam mode | offline |
Exam, duration | 3 hours |
Selection process | CDS written exam SSb interview |
Language | English ans Hindi |
Official website | https://www.upsc.gov.in/ |

: Is CDS out for 2023 ?
The CDS exam is conducted twice a year, generally in February and November. So, if there is a CDS exam scheduled for November 2023, the notification for the same could be expected to be released in the middle of 2023.
It is advisable to regularly check the official website of the UPSC for updates regarding the CDS exam notification and other related information.
:Can a person apply for CDS twice in year.
Yes, a person can apply for the CDS exam twice in a year, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for both the exams.
The CDS exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), usually in February and November. A candidate can apply for either one or both of these exams, depending on their eligibility and preference.
However, it’s important to note that candidates can apply for the same course or academy only once in a particular exam cycle. For example, if a candidate applies for the Indian Military Academy in the February exam, they cannot apply for the same academy in the November exam of the same year.
Also, it’s important to ensure that the candidate meets all the eligibility criteria, including age limit, educational qualifications, and physical standards, before applying for the exam.
: What is OTA in CDS ?
OTA stands for Officers Training Academy, which is one of the training academies of the Indian Army. The OTA is responsible for training officers in the Indian Army who are selected through the UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) examination for Short Service Commission (SSC).
The OTA conducts a 49-week training program for men and a 50-week program for women, which includes both academic and physical training. The training program aims to develop leadership qualities, character, and physical fitness of the candidates, preparing them for their future roles as officers in the Indian Army.
Candidates who successfully complete the training program at OTA are commissioned as officers into the Indian Army and serve for a period of 10 years, with the option to extend their service.
: Is OTA a permanent job ?
No, Officers Training Academy (OTA) is not a permanent job. OTA is a training institution for officers of the Indian Army, and officers who are trained at OTA are commissioned into the Army for a limited period of time
Salary Table
Indian Army | 56,100 per Month |
Indian Naval Academy | 56,100 per Month |
Air Force Academy | 56,100 per Month |
Officers’ Training Academy | 56,100 per Month |
Salary details
The starting salary of a newly commissioned officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force can range from INR 56,100 to INR 69,000 per month, depending on the level and branch of service. In addition to the base salary, officers are also eligible for various allowances and benefits, including housing, medical, travel, and more.
It’s important to note that the salary and benefits of a UPSC CDS candidate may vary based on several factors, such as their branch of service, rank, and years of experience in the service.
:Which entry is better NDA or CDS ?
Both NDA (National Defence Academy) and CDS (Combined Defence Services) are prestigious and challenging entry-level exams for candidates who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces.
The main difference between the two is that NDA is an exam for candidates who have completed their 10+2 education and are looking to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers, while CDS is an exam for graduates who are looking to join the armed forces as officers.
NDA offers the advantage of early entry into the armed forces, as candidates can join the NDA after completing their 10+2 education, and then undergo training to become officers. On the other hand, CDS offers the advantage of being able to enter the armed forces after completing a degree, which can be an advantage for those who wish to pursue higher education before joining the forces.
Both exams have their own benefits and limitations, and it ultimately depends on the individual’s career goals and personal preferences.
Selection process :-
The selection process for the UPSC CDS exam typically involves three stag:
- Written examination :- The first stag of the selection process is a written examination whichconsists of objective- type question. The exam is divided into three papers- English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Candidates who clear the written examination move on to the next stage.
- SSB Interview :- The second stag of selection process is the Service Selection Board ( SSB ) interview. Candidates who clear the written examination are called for thee SSB interview. The SSB interview is a five-day process that including Intelligence and Personality tests, Group Testing Officer taska and Personal interview is to asses the candidate’s role in the Indian Armed Forces.
- Medical Examination :- The third and final stag of the selection process is the medical examination. Candidates who clear the SSb interview are required to undergo a medical examination to determine if they meet the physical and medical standards set by the Indian Armed Forces.
Overall, the selection process for the UPSC CDS exam is rigorous, and only a small percentage of of candidates are selected for officer training.Therefore, candidate who wish to join the Indian armed Forces through the CDS exam must be well-prepared and committed to the process.
Link For More Government jobs :- https://sarkarinaukri.blog/index.php/2023/05/07/central-inland-fisheries-research-institute/