CDSE stands for Combined Defence Services Examination. Every year UPSC conducts CDS examination twice a year for the recruitment of Commissioned Officers in the Indian Armed Forces. As the name suggests it is a Combined Defence Examination for joining Indian Army, Indian Navy & Indian Airforce as an Officer by the courses carried out by Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Air Force Academy (AFA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Officers training Academy (OTA). Unlike NDA both Male and Female graduates are eligible to sit for the examination.
Examination Details
Vacancies
Indian Military Academy (IMA) – 200 Post
Indian Naval Academy (INA) – 45 Post
Air Force Academy (AFA) – 32 Post
Officers Training Academy (OTA) – 175 Post
Officers Training Academy ( Non -Technical, Women) – 12 Post
Availability of Forms
July & November
Exam Schedule
February & November
Age Limit, Gender & Marital Status
20 to 24, Unmarried Male and Female
Educational Qualification
IMA & OTA (Men & Women)- Graduation passed or appearing in any stream.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)- B.E or B. Tech passed or appearing. Air Force Academy (AFA)- Graduation passed or appearing in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering/B.Tech.
Selection Procedure
Written Exam conducted by UPSC
SSB Interview conducted by Service Selection Boards of Army/Navy and Air Force
