The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is another exam conducted by the UPSC for graduates who aspire to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) and become officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Many aspirants take up specialized CDS coaching to prepare effectively for this competitive exam.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 19 to 25 years
  
• Qualification: Graduate from a recognized university
  
• Gender: Both male and female candidates are eligible for OTA; only male candidates for IMA, INA, and AFA
  
• Students often rely on CDS coaching to meet these eligibility demands with focused preparation.
  
  

Exam Pattern

• For IMA, INA, and AFA: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (each 100 marks)
  
• For OTA: English and General Knowledge (each 100 marks)
  
• SSB is conducted after the clearance of written examination, for which structured CDS coaching plays a key role.