CDS Full Form - What is the Full form of CDS Exam?

CDS Full Form - What is the Full form of CDS Exam?

Updated on May 07, 2024 12:47 PM IST | #CDS
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The Combined Defence Services is the full form of the exam popularly known as the CDS exam. Coincidentally, CDS also stands for Chief of Defence Staff, which is the title of the Head of the Indian Armed Forces. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the UPSC CDS exam twice a year with the goal of recruiting candidates to various courses across the Indian Defence services.

This Story also Contains
  1. CDS Full Form Overview
  2. CDS Exam Dates 2024
  3. CDS Eligibility Criteria 2024
  4. CDS Admit Card 2024
  5. CDS Exam Centre 2024
  6. CDS Answer Key 2024
  7. CDS Result 2024
  8. CDS Final Merit
CDS Full Form - What is the Full form of CDS Exam?
CDS Full Form - What is the Full form of CDS Exam?

In the Material Below, candidates can find a comprehensive list of details regarding the CDS exam, such as eligibility criteria, application form, exam dates, CDS salary and much more. Candidates are encouraged to read this article for information regarding the CDS exam. The CDS is a national-level exam and is generally conducted in the month of April and September. Candidates who clear the CDS are recruited for roles such as officer posts in IMA (Indian Military Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), AFA (Air Force Academy) and OTA (Officers Training Academy). There are three stages in the CDS Selection Process. The 3 stages in the selection process are the written exam, SSB Interview followed by the Medical Examination. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria of 2024 CDS can apply through the official UPSC website- upsc.gov.in.

CDS Full Form Overview

Exam Name

Combined Defence Service

Commonly known as

UPSC CDS Exam

Frequency of the exam

Twice a year

Conducted by

Union Public Service Commission

Stages of the exam

Written Exam

SSB Interview

Medical Examination

Official Website

upsc.gov.in

CDS Exam Dates 2024

CDS 1 Exam Dates

CDS 1 Events

CDS 1 Dates

CDS 1 2024 Notification

December 20, 2023

CDS 1 2024 Application Form

December 20 to June 4, 2024

CDS 1 2024 Exam

April 21, 2024

CDS 2 Exam Dates

CDS 2 Events

CDS 2 Dates

CDS Notification 2024

May 15, 2024

CDS 2 2024 Application Form

May 15, 2024 to June 4, 2024

CDS 2 2024 Exam

September 1, 2024

CDS Eligibility Criteria 2024

The eligibility criteria for CDS are divided into two sections - Nationality, Academic qualification, and age limit. Refer to the following table for the same.

Eligibility Criteria of CDS 2024

Age Limit Criteria

Academic Qualification

20-24 Years: Indian Military Academy (IMA)

IMA & OTA: Graduation Degree from a recognised University

20-22 Years: Indian Naval Academy (INA)

INA: Graduation in B.Sc. with Physics & Mathematics or Bachelor of Engineering

20-23 Years: Air Force Academy (AFA)

AFA: B.Sc. Graduate with Physics/Mathematics or Bachelor of Engineering

20-25 Years: Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)

CDS Notification and Application 2024

UPSC releases the CDS 2024 notification twice a year. The notification dates and the CDS 2024 application form dates are the same. The notification consists of the important dates, eligibility criteria, steps to apply, CDS 2024 exam pattern, syllabus, and important instructions related to the exam in detail. It is mandatory to read the notification of CDS thoroughly before filling out the form.

Popular Online Competition Courses and Certifications:

CDS Admit Card 2024

The admit card of 2024 CDS is an important document that is mandatory for every candidate who is taking the exam. The admit card is issued by UPSC to those candidates who have successfully applied for CDS. If aspirants have made an error in filling up the application form, their candidature will be rejected and they will not be issued the UPSC CDS admit card. So it is important to fill out the UPSC NDA application form carefully and pay the application fee. The UPSC CDS 2024 admit card can be downloaded from the official website using the registration details and date of birth. The CDS admit card consists of all the important details like the candidate's name, roll number, registration number, exam centre address, reporting time, exam day guidelines etc. The UPSC CDS admit card 2024 has to be carried to the exam centre along with a valid ID proof to the exam centre.

Important - Check the Complete List of Full Forms

CDS Exam Centre 2024

CDS exam is conducted across various exam centres in India. From the following table, aspirants can check the exam centres of 2024 CDS.

CDS Exam Centres

Agartala

Kochi

Ahmedabad

Kohima

Aizawl

Kolkata

Bengaluru

Lucknow

Bareilly

Madurai

Bhopal

Mumbai

Chandigarh

Nagpur

Chennai

Panaji(GOA)

Cuttack

Patna

Dehradun

Port Blair

Delhi

Prayagraj

Dharwad

Raipur

Dispur

Ranchi

Gangtok

Sambalpur

Hyderabad

Shillong

Imphal

Shimla

Itanagar

Srinagar

Jaipur

Thiruvananthapuram

Jammu

Tirupati

Jorhat

Udaipur

Visakhapatnam

--

How to Prepare for CDS?

CDS is one of the highest competitive exams in India. Just like NDA, CDS is the gateway for candidates who want to serve the nation by joining the Defence forces of India. The difficulty level of UPSC CDS 2024 is graduation as the minimum eligibility criteria is graduation only. Many aspirants join coaching institutes to prepare for CDS 2024 but there are a few more who also prepare from home by referring to the best 2024 CDS books etc. Here we have shared the CDS 2024 preparation tips for all the candidates who are planning to appear for the CDS exam.

Other exams conducted by UPSC:

CDS Answer Key 2024

The CDS 2024 answer key consists of all the answers to the questions asked in the exam. The unofficial answer key will be released by various coaching institutes on the day of the exam while the official answer key of CDS 2024 will be released on the official website of UPSC. Candidates preparing for the UPSC CDS exam can match the answer key along with the questions from the exam and spectate their chances of qualification.

CDS Result 2024

UPSC will release the UPSC CDS 2024 result on the official website only. The result of 2024 CDS will be released after the exam is conducted in online mode. Candidates who qualify for the UPSC CDS exam as per the result will be able to appear for the next stage of the exam. The written exam CDS 2024 result is released in PDF format on the official website and has the academy wise roll numbers of all the shortlisted candidates.

CDS Final Merit

The final merit list of CDS will be released after the complete recruitment process is over. The merit list of 2024 CDS is released in PDF format on the official website and has the academy-wise roll number and name of all the candidates who have qualified the exam and have been shortlisted for the CDS 2024 recruitment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the salary of a CDS officer?

A CDS officer gets a starting salary of Rs 15600-39100.

2. What is the eligibility criteria to apply for CDS?

As per the eligibility criteria of CDS, the academic qualification is graduation while the age limit for CDS is 20-25 years.

3. What is the difference between the NDA and CDS exam?

The basic difference between both these exams is the eligibility criteria, for NDA candidates the academic qualification is 10+2 while for CDS it is graduation. In NDA, only male candidates can apply and in CDS both male as well as female candidates can apply.

4. What is the frequency of the CDS exam?

2024 CDS is conducted twice a year by UPSC.

5. What is the CDS selection process?

CDS 2024 selection process has 3 stages - A written exam, the SSB interview as well as a Medical Exam.

6. What is the full form of CDS?

The full form of the CDS exam is the Combined Defence Services Exam. 

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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

Hello Aditya,

As a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) student after your 12th board exam, you cannot directly appear for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam because it requires a bachelor’s degree. However, here’s a clear and concise guide on how you can prepare for and give the CDS exam after completing further studies, tailored to your background:

  1. Understand CDS Eligibility : The CDS exam, conducted by UPSC twice a year, recruits for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

    • Educational Requirement :

      • IMA and OTA: Any bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
      • INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
      • AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 12th level or Bachelor of Engineering.

    • For PCB Students : Since you don’t have Mathematics in 12th, you’re eligible for IMA and OTA after completing a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Sc., B.A.). INA and AFA are not an option unless you pursue an engineering degree or have Mathematics at the graduation level.

    • Age Limit : 19–25 years (varies by academy; check upsc.gov.in for 2025 details).

  2. Steps to Prepare After 12th :

    • Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree : Enroll in a degree program (e.g., B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields, or even B.A.) to meet CDS eligibility. This takes 3–4 years.

    • Apply for CDS During Final Year : You can apply for CDS in the final year of your degree, provided you complete graduation before the training starts.

    • Application Process :

      • Visit upsconline.nic.in when notifications are released (typically December 2024 for CDS I 2025 and May 2025 for CDS II 2025).

      • Fill out the form, pay the fee (Rs. 200; exemptions for SC/ST/females), and select IMA/OTA as your preference.

  3. CDS Exam Structure :

    • For IMA/OTA : Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is optional for OTA).

    • PCB Advantage : Your Biology and Chemistry background helps with General Knowledge (science sections). English preparation is manageable with practice.

    • Challenge : If you’re weak in Mathematics, focus on OTA, where Maths is not required, or practice basic 10th-level Maths for IMA.

    • Next Steps : Clear the written exam, then pass the SSB interview and medical test.



I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

To prepare for CDS, CGL, and CAT during graduation, create a clear study schedule focusing on basics, reasoning, and aptitude. Practice daily mocks, improve time management, and stay consistent. Balance college and preparation with discipline and regular revision.

Your date of birth is 24th February 2006, and you will complete graduation in July 2028. For the CDS exam, the maximum number of attempts depends on your age limit and category, but generally, candidates have around 4 to 6 attempts before reaching the age limit.

For CDS 2 2025, with a date of birth of 6th October 2001, you are eligible for both IMA and OTA. The age limits for IMA are 19-24 years and for OTA are 19-25 years as of 1st January 2025, making you eligible for both academies.

Hello Gunal,

As a student born on 05-11-2001 you will have many opportunities to take the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam conducted by UPSC. Age Limits will vary depending on the courses:

  • Indian Military Academy - 19-24 years
  • Indian Naval Academy - 19-24 years
  • Air Force Academy - 20-24 years
  • Officers' Training Academy - 19-25 years

You are eligible, based on your DOB for:

  • IMA/INA/AFA until 2025 (final attempts depending on month of notification and course start) and OTA until 2026.

Best Books for CDS Preparation:

  1. English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) and Previous year question papers (UPSC website)
  2. General Knowledge: Lucent's General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook and follow the daily The Hindu or Indian Express regularly
  3. Mathematics: Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant, NCERT Maths (Class 6-10) and Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Required Documents for CDS SSB/Verification:

  • CDS Admit Card
  • 10th & 12th mark sheets and certificates (original & photocopy)
  • Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (or provisional degree if final year)
  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc. )
  • Passport size photos
  • NCC 'C' Certificate (if applicable)
  • Domicile/Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Declaration/affidavit for final year candidates( if results are awaited)



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