Top CDS Exam Coaching Institutes In India
For those who wish to make a career in the defence forces, the Combined Defence Services (CDS) is one of the prestigious services an individual can opt for. CDS Examinations are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India for the selection of candidates for the Army, Navy and Airforce.
Over two lakh applicants opt for writing exams that are conducted twice a year. The passion to serve their country is the prime reason for many applicants. Since it is a government job it does have some perks but ask the officers and they will respond with ‘serving your motherland is the greatest job satisfaction one can have’.
In a country like ours, competition is at the root of every great opportunity. To emerge as a winner in your pursuit, your preparation needs to be impeccable. Careers360 brings 10 best CDS coaching institutes in India that can help you reach your full potential and ace the competition. Read further to understand what makes them special.
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Warrior Defence Academy, Lucknow
Founded by some of the best career coaches, the academy focuses on complete grooming of an individual pursuing CDS or NDA. The conscientiously designed study material with audio-visual aid is complete with proficient outdoors training and personalised attention. The online reviews highlight the presence of industrious faculty who are admired for their teaching skills by the students.
Website: warriorsdefenceacademy.com
Fees: Rs 25,000
Tara Institute (Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Kolkata)
With a great number of selections in CDS and other exams, Tara Institute is a popular choice among students. The institute has 12 years of experience in teaching, eight dedicated faculties and follows a small batch system of just 20 students. Unique study materials, monthly e-magazine and offline and online test series offered here are sure to get you ready for the CDS exam.
Website: tarainstitute.in
Fees: Rs 35,500
The Lakshya Academy (Delhi, Chandigarh)
Colonel Yudvir Singh, who served as an infantry officer from The Brigade of Guards for 27 years, started The Lakshay Academy in 2002. Here students get first-hand training from army veterans who can guide you on the minute details necessary to clear the exams.
Colonel Singh’s experience as GTO (Group Training Officer) for Services Selection Board (SSB ) gives him an upper hand in helping students prepare for success.
The classroom experience, regular mock tests, and supportive atmosphere make this one of the most experienced CDS coaching in Delhi and Chandigarh.
Website: lakshyaacademy.co.in
Fees: Rs 20,000 - Rs 36,000
Impact Academy, Secunderabad
What happens when your faculty members are retired SSB officers? You get first-hand experience of things you might face in the interview and the possibility of selection goes up. They provide a wide range of courses related to defence services and CDS is one of them. Their years of experience in this field makes them one of the popular CDS coaching institutes in India.
Website: ssbtraining.in
Fees: Rs 15,000 - Rs 18,000
The Cavalier, New Delhi
It is no surprise that The Cavalier made it to the list of best CDS coaching in India. The reviews section of the institute’s google reviews is filled with praises for its supportive environment, experienced faculties, in-depth training sessions and assessment.
Website: www.cavalier.in
Fees: Rs 26,500
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The Officers Academy, (Thane and Nerul)
Known for its interactive study materials and intensive assignments, the Officers Academy has earned trust and accolades among students. This is one of the choices available for candidates based in the west coast regions of the country.
Website: theofficersacademy.com
Fees: Kindly visit the website for information
Tides Academy, Chandigarh
“If you’re looking for the latest notes, individual assistance and affordable fee structure, join Tides,” says a former student of the Academy. It is always difficult to find all the good things under the same roof, but this Academy manages to get them all together to offer the best to their students.
Website: tidesacademy.com
Fees: Rs 10,000
Ground Zero Defence Institute, Dehradun
The institute aims at delivering high-quality education and extracurriculars to the students so that they can qualify for their exams with ease. The faculties, their study materials and mock tests enjoy a great reputation among students..
Website: groundzeroinstitute.com
Fees: Rs 35,000
Baalnoi Academy (Delhi, Jaipur and Dehradun)
Considered as one of the best institutes for CDS and National Defence Academy (NDA) preparations, Baalnoi Academy is known for its faculties and training methods. Students find the study materials to be a great source of learning and revision as it is constantly revised.
They are present in many cities across India and this exposure helps them to be a part of the best CDS coaching in India.
Website: baalnoiacademy.com
Fees: Rs 13,000 - Rs 15,000
Georgians Academy
Regarded as one of the best institutes in the country, it has performed consistently since 2013. They are known to groom the students in all-around development focussing on academics. pressure handing and general awareness.
The students who have been a part of the academy recommend the place and its faculties wholeheartedly.
Website: georgiansacademy.in
Fees: Rs 25,000
Now that you have a list of best CDS coaching in India, choose the one that is suitable for you. Prepare well and prosper!
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Questions related to CDS
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to CDS ?
Dear Candidate,
You are eligible for CDS 2026, but for IMA, INA and AFA post, you must be born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008.
For OTA ( male and female ), all 2003 born candidates are eligible.
Hi dear candidate,
The age limit for various roles in CDS are:
1) IMA: 19 to 24 years of age, 8 to 9 attempts.
2) INA: 19 to 24 years of age, 8 to 9 attempts.
3) OTA: 19 TO 25 years of age, 10 to 11 attempts.
This is all considering your DOB as of 26 Oct, 2005 as you are 19 years old in Aug 2025.
Know more at:
CDS Exam Dates 2025 (Out) - Check UPSC CDS 2 Complete Exam Schedule
CDS Selection Process 2025 - Written Exam, SSB Interview, DV, Pay Scale
BEST OF LUCK
Yes, you will be eligible for CDS-1 2027 under OTA (SSC Women – Non-Technical Course). The age limit for OTA is 19–25 years (you must be born between 2nd Jan 2001 and 1st Jan 2007). Since your date of birth is 4 July 2002, you will be 24 years old at that time, so you fall within the required age range.
But you will not be eligible for IMA, INA or AFA, because their upper age limit is 24 years, and by 2027 you will cross that limit.
As per the CDS OTA eligibility criteria, for female candidates applying to the Officers Training Academy (OTA), the age limit is 19 to 25 years (unmarried females only).
Since your date of birth is 16th June 2005, you will turn:
21 years old in June 2026,
25 years old in June 2030.
CDS exam is conducted twice every year, so you’ll be eligible from the year you complete graduation (2026) till you turn 25 in 2030.
Your eligible attempts:
CDS 2 2026
CDS 1 2027
CDS 2 2027
CDS 1 2028
CDS 2 2028
CDS 1 2029
CDS 2 2029
CDS 1 2030 (maybe last)
So, you will have around 7 to 8 attempts to appear for CDS OTA before you cross the maximum age limit.
Hello ,
If your goal is to appear for CDS Exam, then here’s what you need to know:
- For IMA, INA, and AFA: A regular full-time degree from a recognized university is required. So, regular B.Tech is perfectly valid.
- For OTA : Any recognized Bachelor’s degree (even BCA) is acceptable. But since you mentioned Online BCA, note that CDS does not accept distance/online degrees unless UGC-DEB approved and equivalent to a regular course.
So, a regular B.Tech is a safer and more accepted option for all CDS branches. Online BCA may work only if it's recognized, but always double-check the latest UPSC CDS eligibility rules before applying.
Best wishes !
Thank you.
Applications for Admissions are open.
Apply for Online M.Com from Manipal University
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