Defence
UPSC CDS
VERIFIED
Upcoming Cycle
UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination
Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission
Scope: All India
Frequency: Bi-annual (CDS I in April, CDS II in September)
Overview & Description
Conducted twice a year for graduation pass students seeking commission as officers in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
Exam Type
Recruitment
Examination Mode
Pen & Paper (OMR)
Educational & Age Eligibility
| Minimum Qualification | Graduation |
|---|---|
| Eligible Streams | Any Stream for IMA/OTA; Engg/Physics & Maths for INA/AFA |
| Age Criteria | 19 - 24 Years (Unmarried candidates) |
| Specific Criteria | Degree from recognized university. For Air Force: Degree with Physics & Math at 10+2 level or B.Tech. For Navy: B.Tech. |
Selection Process & Examination Pattern
STAGES OF SELECTION:
Stage 1: Written Examination (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics) -> Stage 2: 5-Day SSB Interview & Medical Fitness.
CORE SUBJECTS & CURRICULUM:
English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics (Maths not required for OTA).
Career Opportunities & Associated Posts
Designated Appointments: Lieutenant in Indian Army, Sub-Lieutenant in Indian Navy, Flying Officer in Indian Air Force.
EXPLORE RELATED CAREER TRACKS ON MPATH:
IAS Officer (Indian Administrative Service)
Government, Defence & Civil Services Inspect Career Path →Indian Defence Officer (Army / Navy / Air Force)
Government, Defence & Civil Services Inspect Career Path →
Data Integrity Principle: MPath maintains strict separation between permanent examination regulations (syllabus, eligibility, selection methodology) and changing cycle notices (deadlines, fee revisions, vacancies). Always cross-reference final dates with the gazette notification published on the official authority portal.
Snapshot Facts
- Short Name: UPSC CDS
- Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission
- Category: Defence
- Application Mode: Online
- Application Fee: ₹200 (Exempted for Female/SC/ST)
- Pay / Emoluments: Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 + Military Service Pay ₹15,500)
- Verification Status: VERIFIED
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