How to crack UPSC CDS Exam

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)
  
  
  
  

Dear aspirant !!

Hope you are doing well !!

For CDS (Combined Defence Services) exams, the eligibility criteria regarding age depend on the specific course you are applying for. Here’s a breakdown based on your date of birth (08-05-2001) and the requirements for CDS 2 2025:

For 2025 cds 2;-

1. Indian Military Academy (IMA) :

   • Age: 19 to 24 years on 1st July of the year of examination.
   • For CDS 2 2025, the exam will be held in September 2025. The candidate must be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2006 (both dates inclusive).
   • Since you were born on 08-05-2001, you fall within the eligible age range for IMA, so you can apply for IMA .

2. Indian Naval Academy (INA) :

   • Age: 19 to 22 years on 1st January of the year of examination.
   • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2006 (both dates inclusive).
   • Since your birthdate (08-05-2001) is outside this range, you cannot apply for INA in CDS 2 2025.

3. Air Force Academy (AFA) :

   • Age: 20 to 24 years on 1st July of the year of examination.
   • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2005 (both dates inclusive).
   • Since you were born on 08-05-2001, you can apply for AFA .

4. Officers Training Academy (OTA) :

   • Age: 19 to 25 years on 1st January of the year of examination.
   • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd January 2000 and 1st January 2006 (both dates inclusive).
   • Since you are 24 years old and your birthdate is 08-05-2001, you can apply for OTA .

You can attempt CDS 2 2025 for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) , Air Force Academy (AFA) , and Officers Training Academy (OTA) . However, you are not eligible for the Indian Naval Academy (INA) .

for details,visit the below link ;-

Careers360

https://competition.careers360.com

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/cds-eligibility-criteria

Thanks for asking

hello,

yes, a distance degree from Swami Vivekanand University(SVU) is valid for UPSC CDS (IMA/OTA) if it is UGC and DEB approved. ensure that the university and its distance courses are recognized at the time of admission to avoid issues in SSB verification. always check the UGC website for the latest approval status before applying.

For a cost-effective BA program in Hyderabad while preparing for NDA/CDS, consider government colleges offering BA programs and supplementing your preparation with coaching from reputable NDA/CDS institutes.

Here's a breakdown to help you choose:

1. BA Colleges in Hyderabad (Government vs. Private):

Government Colleges:

Pros: Lower fees, potentially better academic rigor.

Cons: May have limited course options or placements.

Examples: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Osmania University.

Private Colleges:

Pros: Wider course options, potentially better infrastructure and placement opportunities.

Cons: Higher fees.

Examples: Sreenidhi Institute of Science & Technology, Swami Vivekananda Degree & PG College.

2. NDA/CDS Coaching Institutes in Hyderabad:

Reputable Institutes:

Hyderabad Defence Academy: Offers NDA and CDS coaching, along with intermediate education.

Sri Netaji Study Circle: A popular institute for NDA coaching.

Impact Academy Of Human Excellence: Another well-regarded institute for NDA preparation.

Dice Academy: Known for its coaching for NDA and CDS.

Yuvatarang Defence Academy & Junior College: Offers NDA and CDS coaching.

Consider these factors when choosing a coaching institute:

Faculty: Experienced and qualified teachers.

Infrastructure: Study materials, library, and other facilities.

Fees: Compare the cost of different institutes.

Location: Choose a location that is convenient for you.

3. Balancing BA Studies with NDA/CDS Preparation:

Time Management:

Effective time management is crucial to balance studies and coaching.

Study Groups:

Form study groups with fellow aspirants to share resources and motivate each other.

Online Resources:

Utilize online platforms for additional study materials and practice tests.

Physical Training:

Don't neglect physical fitness, which is a crucial part of the NDA/CDS selection process.

4. Important Notes:

• NDA/CDS Exams:

The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. The CDS exam is also conducted by the UPSC, and the selection process includes a written test and an interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB).

Eligibility:

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for both NDA and CDS, including age, educational qualifications, and physical standards.

Multiple Attempts:

You can appear for both NDA and CDS exams in different years, maximizing your chances of joining the armed forces.

BA Courses:

The National Defence Academy (NDA) offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees with various specializations.

Hello Kanchan,

You are eligible to appear for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam based on your date of birth (16 October 2003) and graduation timeline. Here’s when you can apply:

• CDS 1 2025 : Yes, you can apply (Notification in December 2024, Exam in April 2025)
  
  
• CDS 2 2025 : Yes, you can apply (Notification in May 2025, Exam in September 2025)
  
  Age Limits for CDS 2025 (Tentative)
  
  
• Indian Military Academy (IMA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2007
  
  
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2007
  
  
• Air Force Academy (AFA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2006 (with Physics & Math in 12th or Engineering Degree)
  
  
• Officers Training Academy (OTA): 02 January 2001 – 01 January 2007

Since your graduation will be completed next year (2025) , you can apply in your final year , but you need to submit proof of graduation before the final selection .

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

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.

To determine if you're eligible to give the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in 2027, let's check the age criteria:

Age Criteria for CDS Exam

- For Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19-24 years

- For Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19-24 years

- For Air Force Academy (AFA): 19-24 years

- For Officers' Training Academy (OTA): 19-25 years

Your Age in 2027

- Born in 2003

- Age in 2027: 24 years

Considering the age criteria, you'll be eligible to appear for the CDS exam in 2027 for:

- Indian Military Academy (IMA)

- Indian Naval Academy (INA)

- Air Force Academy (AFA)

However, you'll be at the upper age limit for these academies. For Officers' Training Academy (OTA), you'll still be within the eligible age range.

Please note that these eligibility criteria are subject to change, and you should verify the age limits and other eligibility criteria with the official UPSC website or notification before applying.

Hello

You can attempt the CDS Exam For IMA until you are 24 years old.

Since your DOB is 27th February 2004 , you will be eligible to take the exam until February 2028 . This gives you attempts in CDS exams until 2027 ( the exam happens twice a year) . After you turn 24, you won't be eligible for IMA through CDS.

Hope this helps you .

Thank you

Hello,

To determine how many attempts you have for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), we need to consider the age criteria and your graduation timeline.

Age Criteria for IMA through CDS

Age Limit: 19 to 24 years as of 1st January or 1st July of the year in which the course commences

For example, if the course starts in January 2029, your date of birth should fall between 2nd January 2005 and 1st January 2009.

Your Cas

Date of Birth: 27th February 2004.

Graduation Completion: July 2028.

You will turn 24 on 27th February 2028, which means you will be eligible for CDS exams for IMA entry till the batch commencing in January 2029.

Exam Timeline

The CDS exam is conducted twice a year (usually in February and September

CDS Exam Attempts Available:

CDS 2, 2027: For the course starting in July 2028.

CDS 1, 2028: For the course starting in January 2029.

Total Attempts:

You have 2 attempts left to apply for the IMA through the CDS exam.

Hello

Yes , as a student of a 5 year integrated law course, you may be eligible to apply for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam in your final year (5th year) or after completing your degree , depending on your course completion timeline. However, you will not be eligible at the end of the 4th year because CDS eligibility requires candidates to hold a degree or be in the final year of their qualifying degree.

Here's Details:

1. Eligibility for CDS Exam:

For the Indian Army (OTA or IMA): Any graduation degree (law included) is accepted.

For the Indian Navy and Air Force: You need a science or engineering background.

2. SSB Interview:

Once you pass the written CDS exam, you will attend the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview as part of the selection process.

Ensure that your age aligns with the CDS age criteria:

IMA: 19-24 years

OTA: 19-25 years

To confirm , make sure you meet the specific degree completion timeline and age criteria for the branch you wish to join .

link mention for more details

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/cds-selection-process

ALL THE BEST

Hope this helps you