Job Profile Description

Purpose

The CDS test is held to select applicants for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), the Officers Training Academy (OTA), the Indian Naval Academy (INA), and the Indian Air Force Academy (AFA).

Eligibility

Nationality –

o   The applicant must be a citizen of India or a permanent resident of India.

o   A Nepalese or Bhutanese subject.

o   Tibetan refugee, who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently in India, or

o   A person of Indian origin (PIO) who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and the East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam to settle permanently in India.

Age limit –

o   IMA: 19 to 24 years

o   OTA: 19 to 25 years

o   INA: 19 to 24 years

o   AFA: 19 to 23 years

Physical Standards

Candidates must meet specific physical standards as prescribed in the notification.

Marital Status

A.   For IMA, INA and AFA;

Candidates must be unmarried.

B.    For OTA:

Male candidates must be unmarried, and female candidates can be unmarried widows or divorcees.

Note -

Candidates appearing in the Final year of their degree are also eligible to apply, provided they meet all the eligibility conditions before the prescribed dates.

Candidates should read the complete official notification for the individual CDS test in which they are interested, as eligibility criteria are subject to change. An applicant must meet the qualifying criteria to be considered for the CDS examination.

Qualification

Educational Qualification -

o   For IMA and OTA: A degree from a recognized university or equivalent.

o   For INA: A degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.

o   For AFA: A degree from a recognized university with physics.

Syllabus

The CDS written test is divided into three examinations, one for each of the academies (IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA). Among the papers are:

1.     English (For IIMA, INA, AFA)

o   This paper is designed to test the candidate's understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.

o   It includes questions on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and usage of words.

1.    General Knowledge (For IMA, INA, AFA)

o   Current events, history, geography, science, and general knowledge are all covered in this paper.

o   There are also questions about India's history and geography.

2.    Elementary Mathematics (For AFA)

o   This paper is intended for applicants to the Air Force Academy.

o   Arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration, and statistics are among the topics studied.

3.    General Knowledge (For OTA):

o   It is similar to the General Knowledge paper for IMA, INA, and AFA; however, it does not feature any arithmetic problems.

o   Current events, history, geography, science, and general knowledge are all covered.

CDS Interview Process (SSB Interview)

Candidates who pass the written examination are invited to an interview with the Services Selection Board (SSB), which determines their suitability for a career in the armed forces. The interview procedure consists of the following steps:

1.     Intelligence and Personality Test –

Evaluating the candidate's IQ, communication abilities, and general personality.

2.     Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO Tasks):

Practical assessments of traits such as teamwork, leadership, and decision-making.

3.     Psychological Test –

Examining the candidate's mental and emotional reactions to numerous situations.

4.     Interview –

A personal interview with the interviewing officer to learn about the candidate's background, goals, and suitability for a career in the armed forces.

Candidates must thoroughly prepare for each portion of the written exam and be aware of the unique requirements of the academy to which they are applying. Additionally, for the SSB interview, candidates should focus on developing attributes such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication. Because the CDS exam is so tough, a well-rounded and comprehensive preparation approach is essential for success.

Exam Pattern

1.    Written Examination:

Ø For Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA):

Subjects:

·         English (Objective Type)

·         General Knowledge (Objective Type)

·         Elementary Mathematics (Objective Type)

Duration:

·         Each paper is 2 hours in duration.

Total Marks:

·         Each paper carries 100 marks.

Ø For Officers' Training Academy (OTA):

         Subjects:

·         English (Objective Type)

·         General Knowledge (Objective Type)

         Duration:

·         Each paper is 2 hours in duration.

         Total Marks:

·         Each paper carries 100 marks.

2.    Interview/Personality Test:

·         Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for an interview.

·         The interview process is conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

·         The interview assesses the candidate's intelligence, personality, and suitability for a career in the armed forces.

3.    Selection Process:

·         The final selection is based on the combined performance in the written examination and the interview.

·         Candidates recommended by the SSB and declared medically fit are eligible for selection.

Additional Information:

·         The written examination consists of objective-type questions.

·         Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers.

·         The English paper is designed to test the candidate's understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.

·         The General Knowledge paper covers a broad range of topics including current affairs, history, geography, and general science.

·         The Elementary Mathematics paper is for candidates applying for the Air Force Academy and covers topics up to the 10+2 level.

Selection Criteria

The CDS examination comprises a written test followed by an interview.

1.    Written Examination –

o   The exam is divided into three sections: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.

o   All academies use the same English and General Knowledge papers.

o   The Elementary Mathematics paper is only for Air Force Academy applicants.

o   The Services Selection Board (SSB) conducts an interview process after the written examination.

2.    Interview Process –

o   Candidates who pass the written exam are invited to the SSB interview.

o   The SSB interview consists of a battery of examinations, including an intelligence and personality test, group testing officer tasks, psychological tests, and an interview.

o   The interview process determines whether an applicant is qualified for a career in the armed forces. 

Training Academics –

o   IMA: 19 to 24 years

o   OTA: 19 to 25 years

o   INA: 19 to 24 years

o   AFA: 19 to 23 years

Training Period – Different academics have different durations for their training period. Which are mentioned below.

o   IMA: 18 months

o   OTA: 49 weeks

o   INA: 22 weeks

o   AFA: 74 weeks

The CDS examination is highly competitive, and successful candidates have the opportunity to join the prestigious Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. Aspiring candidates are advised to thoroughly understand the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and selection process before preparing for the CDS examination.