Complete Guide to Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2025

Subject	Duration	Maximum Marks
English	2 Hours	100
General Knowledge	2 Hours	100

A few key points to remember:

• Negative Marking: Yes, 1/3rd mark is deducted for each wrong answer.

• Question Type: Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Language: English and Hindi (except English paper)

For OTA candidates, there’s no math paper, making it a more appealing option for non-math students. But don’t be fooled; the competition is just as tough.

CDS Syllabus 2025

Now that you understand the pattern, let’s dive into the CDS syllabus 2025. You need to master each subject thoroughly because the questions aren’t always straightforward.

Subject	Topics Covered
English	– Spotting Errors – Sentence Arrangement – Synonyms & Antonyms – Reading Comprehension – Fill in the Blanks – Para Jumbles – Idioms & Phrases
General Knowledge	– Indian History & Polity – Geography (World & Indian) – Economics – General Science – Current Affairs – Defence-related News – Awards, Sports, Books
Elementary Mathematics (IMA, INA & AFA only)	– Number System – Algebra – Geometry – Trigonometry – Mensuration – Statistics – Arithmetic (Time, Speed, Distance, Profit, Loss, etc.)

CDS Application Process

Applying for CDS is completely online and fairly simple—if you follow the steps carefully. UPSC has a two-part registration system.

Step-by-Step CDS Online Registration:

Part I – Basic Registration

1. Visit the UPSC official website (upsconline.nic.in)

2. Click on “Online Application for CDS Examination”

3. Fill in basic details like name, DOB, email, mobile, etc.

4. Confirm the registration

Part II – Application Form

1. Log in with your registration ID

2. Select your preferred academy

3. Upload photograph and signature

4. Pay the application fee (₹200 for General/OBC, Free for SC/ST/Female)

5. Choose your exam center

6. Submit the form and save the confirmation

Documents Required:

• Scanned Photo & Signature

• Identity Proof

• Educational Certificates (if asked later)

Be extremely cautious while filling the CDS application form. Errors in DOB, name, or academy choice can lead to disqualification or missed opportunities.

CDS Admit Card 2025

CDS admit card download process is straightforward. It’s usually released three weeks before the exam.

Steps to Download Admit Card:

1. Visit UPSC’s official website

2. Click on “e-Admit Card for CDS Exam”

3. Login using Registration ID or Roll Number

4. Download and print the admit card

Admit Card Details:

• Candidate’s Name, Roll Number

• Exam Date and Time

• Center Address

• Instructions for Exam Day

Make sure to carry a printed copy of your admit card, along with a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.) to the exam center. Candidates must carefully read the exam day instructions and arrive at the center on time. Latecomers are usually not allowed inside the exam hall.

CDS Result and Merit List

Once the exam is done, the real wait begins. UPSC declares the CDS result announcement in PDF format on its website.

Steps to Check CDS Result:

1. Visit the UPSC website

2. Go to “What’s New” section

3. Click on CDS Result PDF

4. Search your roll number or name in the list

The result contains the roll numbers of qualified candidates. However, qualifying the written exam doesn’t mean selection—you must clear the SSB Interview next.

CDS Merit List Preparation:

• Written Exam Marks + SSB Interview Marks

• Final Merit List decides the academy allocation

• Medical fitness also impacts the final decision

If you make it to the CDS merit list, you’re one step away from living your dream life in the uniform.

CDS SSB Interview Process

Clearing the written exam is only half the battle. The real test lies ahead: the CDS SSB Interview, a comprehensive five-day assessment conducted by the Service Selection Boards. This phase evaluates your personality, leadership qualities, presence of mind, communication skills, and psychological fitness.

SSB Interview Stages:

Day 1 – Screening Test:

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test

• Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT)
  Candidates are shortlisted based on performance in these tests. Only those who pass proceed to the next rounds.

Day 2 – Psychological Tests:

• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

• Word Association Test (WAT)

• Situation Reaction Test (SRT)

• Self Description Test (SDT)
  These tests aim to reveal the inner workings of your mind, how you perceive situations, and what kind of a person you are under pressure.

Days 3 & 4 – GTO Tasks (Group Testing Officer):

• Group Discussion (GD)

• Group Planning Exercise (GPE)

• Progressive Group Tasks (PGT)

• Half Group Tasks (HGT)

• Individual Obstacles

• Command Task

• Final Group Task (FGT)
  These are designed to observe your teamwork, communication, physical stamina, and leadership qualities.

Day 5 – Personal Interview & Conference:

• A one-on-one interaction with an Interviewing Officer

• Panel conference with feedback and final recommendation

Key Tips for Success:

• Be honest and confident

• Develop leadership qualities

• Practice group discussions and storytelling

• Improve physical fitness and mental agility

The CDS SSB interview is where most candidates get filtered. Only the best of the best move ahead. So, give it your all.

CDS Physical and Medical Standards

Being physically and medically fit is just as important as being intellectually sharp. Defence life demands the highest standards of physical endurance, mental stability, and overall health.

Physical Standards for CDS:

• Minimum height for males: 157.5 cm

• Minimum height for females (OTA): 152 cm

• Vision: 6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in worse eye (without glasses)

• No deformities or chronic medical issues

• No tattoos (except permissible ones)

Medical Examination Includes:

• Blood and urine tests

• Chest X-rays and ECG

• ENT examination

• Dental check-up

• Psychological screening

Common Reasons for Medical Rejection:

• Flat feet or knock knees

• Color blindness or weak eyesight

• Obesity or underweight

• Piles, varicocele, hernia

• Skin diseases or heart conditions

Pro tip: Start preparing for medicals early. Regular exercise, healthy diet, and timely medical check-ups can prevent disqualifications. Don’t let a preventable issue ruin your dream.

CDS Preparation Strategy

Preparing for the CDS exam requires a smart approach. Unlike other competitive exams, you’re tested on multiple fronts—academic, mental, and physical.

CDS Study Plan:

• Start with understanding the syllabus deeply.

• Set daily goals for English, GK, and Maths.

• Allocate more time to your weak areas.

• Dedicate 2–3 hours daily minimum for 6 months.

CDS Preparation Time Management:

• Make a monthly study calendar.

• Break your preparation into weekly milestones.

• Reserve weekends for mock tests and revision.

CDS Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers:

• Practice at least one mock test per week.

• Solve CDS previous papers to understand the pattern.

• Analyze your mistakes after every test.

CDS Extra Tips:

• Read newspapers daily (The Hindu or Indian Express)

• Watch Rajya Sabha TV or PIB updates for current affairs

• Maintain a vocabulary journal

• Practice mental math and quick calculations

With discipline, dedication, and a structured plan, even average students can crack CDS. Remember, it’s about consistency, not just intelligence.

Best Books and Coaching Centers for CDS

Right resources can boost your preparation drastically. Here’s a list of CDS best books and reputed coaching centers.

Top Recommended Books:

Best Coaching Institutes:

• Cavalier India (Delhi, Bangalore)

• Baalnoi Academy (Delhi, Jaipur)

• Centurion Defence Academy (Lucknow)

• Minerva Academy (Punjab)

• Olive Greens Institute (Chandigarh)

Even though self-study works for many, coaching can give structured preparation and expert guidance, especially for the SSB interview.

Career Opportunities After CDS

A successful CDS candidate gets admitted into one of the prestigious academies—IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA—where rigorous training begins. After training, you’re commissioned as a Lieutenant (Army), Sub Lieutenant (Navy), or Flying Officer (Air Force).

Career Growth:

Perks and Benefits:

• Attractive salary and allowances

• Free medical for family

• Subsidized housing

• Pension after retirement

• Adventure, pride, and honor

Whether you’re eyeing CDS AFA selection, CDS INA recruitment, or CDS IMA admission, each path offers unmatched opportunities for leadership, growth, and patriotism.

CDS for Female Candidates

Gone are the days when defence services were limited to men. Today, women proudly serve in various roles across the Indian Armed Forces, and the CDS exam is one of the primary gateways. While there are certain restrictions, the opportunities for CDS female candidates are growing every year.

Category	Details
Eligibility for Female Aspirants	– Can apply only for OTA (Officers Training Academy), Chennai – Age Limit: 19 to 25 years – Must be unmarried or issueless widows/divorcees – Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university
Training for Women at OTA	– Duration: 49 weeks – Curriculum: Military training, physical drills, leadership skills, and academics – Equal standards in discipline and performance
Career Prospects After CDS	– Short Service Commission (SSC) with options to extend or convert to permanent – Opportunities in administrative, logistics, legal, and combat support arms – Possibility to rise to senior ranks like Colonel or higher in exceptional cases
Perks for Women Officers	– Equal pay and allowances – Maternity benefits and family support – Post-service job opportunities in public and private sectors

Women today are proving that bravery has no gender. The number of female candidates clearing CDS and SSB is rising steadily. So if you’re a woman dreaming of donning the olive green, the CDS OTA entry is your chance.

Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is not just a test; it’s the start of a journey—one filled with discipline, honor, service, and immense personal growth. Whether you’re aspiring to join the IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA, your dedication and preparation will determine your path.

We covered every critical aspect—from CDS eligibility criteria, age limits, exam syllabus, and application process, to SSB interview, medical standards, books, and career growth. Remember, the exam is tough, the competition is fierce, but the reward? It’s a life of purpose, pride, and power.

Start early, stay disciplined, and most importantly—believe in yourself. With hard work and the right guidance, your dream of wearing the uniform can become a reality.