CDS
Dream of serving the nation as a proud officer? Join our CDS coaching program, led by Major SPS Oberoi Sir, and take the first step toward a prestigious defence career.
Course Description
Combined Defence Services (CDS)
Are you aspiring to serve the nation with honor and valor? The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year, is your gateway to becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the CDS journey, from eligibility to final selection, and how our course can help you achieve your dreams! If you’re searching for the best CDS coaching in Hyderabad, look no further.
What is the CDS Exam?
The CDS exam is a national-level competitive examination held to recruit eligible candidates for various branches of the Indian Armed Forces. It’s a challenging yet rewarding path, demanding dedication, discipline, and a strong understanding of core subjects. Successful candidates undergo rigorous training at premier defence academies before being commissioned as officers. We are proud to be one of the top CDS coaching institutes in India.
CDS Exam Structure & Syllabus
| Academy | Subjects | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA / INA / AFA | English General Knowledge Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours per Paper | 100 Marks per Paper |
| OTA (Men & Women) | English General Knowledge | 2 Hours per Paper | 100 Marks per Paper |
Note: All papers are objective-type. A negative marking of 1/3rd is applicable for incorrect answers.
English
This section assesses your proficiency in the English language, including:
- Grammar: Tenses, Parts of Speech, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, etc.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, One-word Substitutions.
- Comprehension: Reading passages to assess understanding and analytical skills.
- Sentence Improvement/Correction, Error Spotting, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles.
General Knowledge
A broad spectrum of subjects is covered to test your awareness of current affairs and static knowledge:
- Current Affairs: National and International events, sports, awards, major developments in various fields (politics, economy, social issues). Keep yourself updated with events of the last 6-12 months.
- History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, with a significant focus on the Indian National Movement.
- Geography: Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World.
- Indian Polity & Governance: Constitution of India, Political System, Public Policy, Rights Issues.
- Economics & Social Development: Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics.
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (up to matriculation level).
- Defence & Security Issues.
Elementary Mathematics (For IMA, INA, AFA only)
This section primarily covers concepts up to the 10th-grade level:
- Arithmetic: Number System (Natural, Rational, Real Numbers, Integers), Fundamental Operations, Square Roots, Decimal Fractions, Unitary Method, Time and Work, Percentage, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Profit and Loss.
- Elementary Number Theory: Division Algorithm, Prime and Composite Numbers, Tests of Divisibility, Multiples and Factors, Factorisation Theorem, L.C.M. and H.C.F., Euclidean Algorithm, Logarithms.
- Algebra: Basic Operations, Simple Factors, H.C.F. and L.C.M., Remainder Theorem, Theory of Polynomials, Quadratic Equations, Linear Equations and Inequalities.
- Trigonometry: Simple Trigonometric Identities, Values of Sin, Cos, Tan for specific angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°), Use of Trigonometric Tables, Heights and Distances.
- Geometry: Lines and Angles, Plane and Plane Figures, Theorems on Angles at a Point, Parallel Lines, Properties of Triangles (Congruency, Similarity, Medians, Altitudes), Properties of Quadrilaterals (Parallelogram, Square, Rectangle), Circles and their properties (Tangents, Normals), Loci.
- Mensuration: Areas of basic geometrical figures (squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangles, circles), Surface Area and Volume of Cuboids, Cylinders, Cones, Spheres.
- Statistics: Collection and Tabulation of Data, Graphical Representation (Frequency Polygons, Histograms, Bar Charts, Pie Charts), Measures of Central Tendency.
CDS Eligibility Criteria
Before you embark on your CDS journey, ensure you meet the essential eligibility criteria:
Nationality
- A Citizen of India, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or Nepal, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, and East African Countries of Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zaire, Malawi, and Ethiopia or Vietnam to settle in India permanently.
Age Limit
- IMA: 19-24 years (Unmarried Male candidates)
- INA: 19-24 years (Unmarried Male candidates)
- AFA: 20-24 years (Unmarried Male candidates, with relaxations for CPL holders up to 26 years)
- OTA (Men & Women): 19-25 years (Unmarried Male/Female candidates, Widows/Divorcees who have not remarried)
Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: Degree from a recognized University or equivalent.
- INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
- AFA: Degree from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.
- Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year/semester of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing their degree by a specified date.
Marital Status
- IMA, INA, AFA (Men): Unmarried. Marriage is not permitted during the training period.
- OTA (Men & Women): Unmarried. Married candidates above 25 years applying for OTA can apply, but they will not be provided married accommodation during training.
Physical & Medical Standards
Candidates must meet prescribed physical and medical standards. This includes specific height and weight requirements, vision standards, and overall physical fitness. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle are crucial.
The CDS Selection Process
Written Examination
This is the first stage of the selection process and assesses your academic knowledge in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA/INA/AFA).
Our CDS coaching in Hyderabad provides detailed support to help you clear this stage with confidence.
SSB Interview (Service Selection Board)
A rigorous five-day evaluation to assess your Officer Like Qualities (OLQs). It consists of two stages:
Stage I – Screening
- OIR Test: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- PPDT: Picture Perception & Description Test
Stage II – Psychological & Group Tasks
- Psychology Tests: TAT, WAT, SRT, SD
- GTO Tasks: GD, GPE, PGT, HGT, Lecturette, Obstacles, Command, Final Task
- Personal Interview: One-on-one interview with the IO
- Conference: Final assessment by all board members
We offer comprehensive SSB training in Hyderabad as part of our CDS course.
Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a detailed medical check-up to ensure they meet physical and medical standards set by the defence forces.
Merit List
A final merit list is prepared based on combined performance in the written exam and SSB interview. Only top scorers are selected for training academies.
Why Choose Our CDS Course?
Expert Faculty
Learn from experienced educators and retired defence personnel with deep knowledge of the CDS pattern, SSB, and techniques to maximize your score.
Comprehensive Study Material
Well-curated notes, updated practice sets, and complete syllabus coverage aligned with recent trends in CDS exams.
Structured Study Plan
Strategically designed timetable to help you manage topics with effective time prioritization and performance tracking.
Mock Tests & Analysis
Regular mocks under exam conditions with deep performance reviews to improve your accuracy, speed, and confidence.
Doubt Clearing Sessions
Direct support from subject experts for personal doubts so you never feel stuck while preparing difficult topics.
Physical Training
Weekly two days fitness sessions, endurance development, and obstacle course training essential for CDS & SSB success.
SSB Interview Training
GTO practice, psychological test drills, and mock interviews to prepare you for the 5-day selection process.
Motivation & Discipline
Peer groups and dedicated sessions to keep your morale high and focus intact during the preparation journey.
Success-Oriented Approach
Beyond syllabus, we focus on mindset, strategy, and adapting to changing trends in exams and interviews.
Important Dates & Application Process
- Notification Release: Usually in December (for CDS I) and August (for CDS II).
- Application Period: Approximately 3 weeks following the notification.
- Exam Date: Usually in April (for CDS I) and September (for CDS II).
- Application Fee: Typically INR 200 for General and OBC male candidates. Female, SC, and ST candidates are usually exempted.
How to Apply:
- Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in).
- Register for the exam, filling in personal and educational details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents (photo, signature, ID proof).
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) online.
- Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
Career Opportunities After CDS
Upon successful completion of the CDS exam and training, you’ll be commissioned as an officer in one of the following prestigious academies, leading to a distinguished career in the Indian Armed Forces:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: For a permanent commission in the Indian Army.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: For a permanent commission in the Indian Navy.
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: For a permanent commission in the Indian Air Force (Flying and Ground Duty Branches).
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai: For a Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Indian Army (Men and Women).
As a commissioned officer, you’ll enjoy a challenging and fulfilling career with excellent growth opportunities, a respectable salary, and numerous perks, all while serving your nation.
CDS Preparation Tips & Strategies
- Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the subjects, topics, and marking scheme.
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a realistic and well-structured timetable, allocating sufficient time to all subjects, especially your weaker areas.
- Quality Study Material: Refer to standard books (e.g., NCERTs for GK and Maths basics, Wren & Martin for English Grammar, R.S. Aggarwal for Mathematics). Supplement with current affairs magazines and newspapers. We ensure our materials are suitable for English medium CDS coaching in India.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Strong basics are key, particularly in Mathematics and English Grammar.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous year’s question papers and attempt mock tests frequently. Analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Current Affairs: Make a habit of daily newspaper reading and note down important national and international events.
- Improve English Skills: Focus on vocabulary building, grammar rules, and reading comprehension.
- Time Management: Practice solving questions within time limits to enhance speed and accuracy.
- Stay Healthy: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, and adequate sleep to stay focused and energized.
- SSB Preparation: Start working on your personality, communication skills, and leadership qualities early on. Participate in group discussions and public speaking to build confidence.
Are you looking for a CDS coaching center near me in Hyderabad? Our academy is conveniently located to provide easy access for all aspirants. We offer comprehensive CDS coaching Hyderabad and are recognized as one of the best CDS coaching classes in India. For those seeking a fast-paced review, our CDS exam crash course in Hyderabad is an excellent option. We are considered a top-rated CDS coaching in India and an ideal CDS exam preparation institute in Hyderabad. We also provide specific programs like Hyderabad based CDS coaching for girls. Furthermore, we are India’s leading CDS coaching institute. For those who prefer remote learning, we offer excellent online CDS exam preparation in India through our CDS coaching online platform.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the duration of your CDS course in Hyderabad?
Our CDS coaching in Hyderabad offers flexible 3 to 6-month batches for written exam preparation and SSB interview training.
2. Do you provide CDS coaching for girls?
Yes! We offer Hyderabad based CDS coaching for girls with female mentors and a safe, supportive learning environment.
3. Can I prepare for CDS online from anywhere in India?
Absolutely! Our online CDS coaching with expert faculty India is accessible nationwide, with live classes, recordings, and PDFs.
4. Is your coaching academy affordable?
We offer affordable CDS coaching in Hyderabad with transparent fees, EMI options, and scholarships for deserving students.
5. Will I get SSB training along with CDS coaching?
Yes. Our CDS coaching with SSB interview training in Hyderabad includes mock interviews, personality development, and officer-level grooming.
6. Are your courses available in English medium?
Yes, we offer English medium CDS coaching in India, along with Hindi-medium classes for better understanding and comfort.