If you are seeking the full form of CDS, this article provides you with comprehensive information in both English and Hindi, along with other important details regarding CDS.
CDS Full Form
Table of Contents
The Indian Army is widely admired for its courage and commitment to protecting the nation across various landscapes. The CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam, organized by UPSC, offers a chance for motivated individuals to join esteemed institutions such as IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Despite common misconception, CDS does not represent Chief of Defence Staff; its main objective is to enable entry into the defense forces for determined individuals eager to serve the country’s security needs.
CDS Full Form Overview
All candidates aspiring to serve the nation and preparing for the CDS exam must be aware of some important aspects of the CDS exam. Below is an overview of the CDS exam:
| Name of the Examination | CDS – Combined Defence Services |
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Frequency of Exam | Twice a Year – In April & Sept. |
| Who Can Apply | Both Boys & Girls |
| CDS 2023 Selection Process | Written ExaminationSSB InterviewMedical Test Merit List |
| CDS 2023 Exam Duration | For IMA, INA, AFA – 6 HoursFor OTA – 4 Hours |
| CDS 2023 Exam Marks | For IMA, INA, AFA -300 Marks For OTA – 200 Marks |
| CDS 2023 Exam Marking Scheme | For Math’s: 1 Marks for Correct Answer & 0.33 Marks for Wrong AnswersFor English & General Knowledge: 0.83 Marks for Correct Answer & 0.33 Marks for Wrong Answers |
History of CDS
The position of Chairman-CoSC, established in 1947, predates the creation of the CDS and serves as the senior military advisor to the Defense Minister. The concept of a Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) was initially discussed in the 1960s following conflicts with Pakistan and China, gaining traction after the Kargil Review Committee’s recommendation in 1999. Various committees, including the Naresh Chandra Committee in 2012 and Lieutenant General D. B. Shekatkar Committee in 2016, proposed the creation of a CDS. Consultations with stakeholders commenced in 2006, with the decision-making process initiated in 2017 under the Cabinet Committee on Security.
Also Read: OTA Vs IMA , Know The Difference Between OTA And IMA
CDS Full Form : CDS Exam Pattern
CDS, or Combined Defence Services, is a competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India for recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces. The CDS examination is held twice a year, usually in April and September, and serves as a gateway for candidates seeking entry into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
| Aspect | Details |
| Eligibility Criteria | The CDS examination is open to both male and female candidates who must meet the specified eligibility criteria set by the UPSC |
| Citizenship | Candidates must be Indian citizens |
| Educational Qualification | Candidates should have completed their graduation or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university |
| Age Limit | The age limit for the CDS examination varies based on the service for which a candidate is applying |
| Examination Components | The CDS examination consists of a written test and an interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB) |
| Written Test | The written test includes three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics |
| Interview Process | The interview is conducted by the SSB and involves psychological tests, group discussions, and personal interviews. It is designed to assess the candidate’s aptitude, intelligence, and personality traits |
The written exam comprises three sections: (1) English, (2) General Knowledge, and (3) Elementary Mathematics. The duration of each exam is 2 hours. For Officers Training Academy, the written exam consists of two sections: (1) English and (2) General Knowledge. The duration of each exam for OTA is also 2 hours. The CDS exam is conducted in offline mode, and the question paper consists of multiple-choice questions.
CDS Full Form: Marking System of CDS Exam
It is important to know the marking scheme of the exam as it helps candidates attempt question papers wisely. In the CDS Exam, +1 mark is awarded for each correct answer and 0.33 marks are deducted for each wrong attempt. If two answers are marked for one question, it will be considered wrong, and negative marks will be deducted.
Once you have cleared the written exam for CDS, the next step is SSB which is conducted after a month or two (depending upon the academy you are applying for):
- The SSB is a five-day process (for the air force it’s six as they conduct PABT) where they will check whether you are suitable for the forces or not i.e. you have officer-like qualities in you.
- Once you have been recommended by the SSB board, the next step is medicals which are conducted at the army hospital by the army doctors.
- After you have been declared medically fit by the medical board of the hospital, you’ll have to clear an all-India merit list that will be made by taking your written and SSB marks into consideration.
- If your name comes in the merit list, you’ll be provided joining instructions and will be asked to report at the applied academy on a set date with the required documents.
- Then you will undergo a rigorous training program which will polish you to become the best version of yourself.
CDS SSB Interview
The candidates who qualify for the CDS written exam will be called to appear in the SSB interview round. The CDS SSB Interview will comprise a two-stage process, and only candidates who qualify in Stage 1 shall be called for Stage 2.
| Stage 1 | Details |
| Officers Intelligence Rating Test (OIR) | Includes Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT) |
| Performance in both OIR and PP&DT tests considered for shortlisting for Stage |
| Stage 2 | Details |
| Psychology Test | Part of the Second Stage |
| Interview | |
| Group Testing Officer | |
| Conference | |
| Duration | Conducted over 4 Days |
Frequently Asked Questions :-
- What is the CDS exam?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. It is held twice a year to select candidates for various officer positions in the Indian Armed Forces.
2. Who is eligible to appear for the CDS exam?
Candidates who are Indian citizens, unmarried, and meet the age and educational qualifications specified by the UPSC are eligible to appear for the CDS exam. The eligibility criteria vary for different academies and services. Generally, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree for most positions and must meet specific age requirements.
3. What is the selection process for the CDS exam?
The selection process for the CDS exam involves a written examination followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). The written exam comprises multiple-choice questions covering subjects such as English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics, and subjects related to the candidate’s chosen field (e.g., Physics for Air Force Academy). Candidates who qualify the written exam are then called for the SSB interview, which includes various tests to assess their suitability for officer positions.
4. How can I prepare for the CDS exam?
To prepare for the CDS exam, candidates should start by thoroughly understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. They can refer to standard study materials, previous years’ question papers, and practice mock tests to improve their understanding and time management skills. Additionally, candidates should focus on enhancing their general knowledge, aptitude, and communication skills, as these are crucial for success in the written exam and SSB interview.
5. What are the career prospects after clearing the CDS exam?
Upon clearing the CDS exam and the subsequent SSB interview, candidates are commissioned as officers in the respective academies of the Indian Armed Forces. Depending on the academy and service selected, candidates can pursue a fulfilling career as an Army, Navy, or Air Force officer, with opportunities for leadership roles, specialized training, and professional growth within the armed forces.
