What is the CDS Exam and what officer posts does it lead to?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted by UPSC twice a year and is the gateway to becoming an officer in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. It is one of the most sought-after examinations among young Indians who wish to serve the nation in uniform. At Ekam IAS Academy — Hyderabad’s best defence coaching institute — our CDS coaching program has helped numerous aspirants secure officer commissions in all three services.
What are the CDS 2025 eligibility criteria?
CDS 2025 eligibility: For IMA (Indian Military Academy) and OTA (Officers Training Academy) — Degree in any discipline from a recognised university. For INA (Indian Naval Academy) — Degree in Engineering. For AFA (Air Force Academy) — Degree with Physics and Mathematics at Class 12, or Engineering.
Age limits: IMA — 19-24 years (unmarried male), INA — 19-22 years (unmarried male/female for short service), AFA — 19-23 years, OTA — 19-25 years (male and female).
What is the CDS written exam pattern?
The CDS written examination has three papers: General Knowledge (120 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours), English (120 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours), and Elementary Mathematics (100 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours). For OTA, there is no Mathematics paper — only English and GK. Negative marking of one-third applies to all papers.
What is included in the CDS syllabus?
The CDS GK syllabus covers: Current Events, History of India and Indian National Movement, Geography, Indian Polity, Economy basics, General Science, and Defence-specific knowledge.
The English paper tests grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and verbal ability.
Mathematics covers topics from Class 10 level: Number System, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics, and Mensuration.
What happens after clearing the CDS written exam?
After clearing the written exam, candidates appear for the SSB (Services Selection Board) which is a 5-day assessment process including Officer Intelligence Rating Test, Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD), Group Tasks (outdoor and indoor), and Personal Interview. The SSB tests personality, leadership, teamwork, and cognitive ability.
What are the best books and resources for CDS preparation?
Preparation for CDS generally involves standard books for General Knowledge, English grammar and comprehension practice, and Class 10 level mathematics resources along with regular practice tests.
What is the recommended preparation strategy for CDS 2025?
A balanced preparation strategy includes daily practice of English comprehension and grammar, consistent revision of GK topics including current affairs and history, and regular practice of mathematics questions with mock tests.
How does Ekam IAS Academy Hyderabad prepare students for CDS and SSB?
Ekam IAS Academy’s Hyderabad campus provides comprehensive SSB preparation covering every stage of this rigorous selection process through mock GDs, psychological test practice, and interview simulations with experienced trainers.
