CDS Officer Entry Guide
CDS Guide: Eligibility, Academies, Syllabus, SSB and Preparation Plan
Prepare specifically for the UPSC CDS route with academy-wise eligibility, written subjects, SSB, medical standards and documents.
Official verification note: CDS age, academy eligibility, degree requirements, subjects, SSB, medical standards and dates can change. Verify the active official UPSC CDS notification.
What Is CDS?
CDS is a UPSC examination route for eligible graduates seeking officer training through IMA, INA, AFA and OTA pathways, subject to academy-specific rules.
Academy-Wise Route Comparison
| Academy | Route Focus | Critical Check |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | Army officer training | Age and academy eligibility |
| INA | Naval officer training | Degree and subject requirements |
| AFA | Air Force officer training | Degree, subject and medical rules |
| OTA | Officer Training Academy route | Age, gender and paper pattern rules |
Eligibility Checklist
- Graduation or academy-specific qualification.
- Age within the official academy-wise window.
- Nationality, marital-status and gender rules.
- Subject or degree conditions where applicable.
- Physical and medical suitability.
- Accurate education and identity records.
CDS Written Syllabus
- English: grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and usage.
- General Knowledge: current affairs, history, geography, polity, science and defence awareness.
- Elementary Mathematics: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration and statistics where applicable.
Selection Process
- Written examination.
- SSB interview and personality assessment.
- Medical examination.
- Final merit and academy allocation according to the active rules.
SSB Preparation
- Build clear communication and self-awareness.
- Understand psychology, group-task and interview stages.
- Know your academic, personal and leadership examples.
- Practise group participation naturally.
- Maintain physical fitness and routine discipline.
Medical Standards
Academy and service medical standards can differ. Review official eyesight, hearing, body measurement and general medical requirements before applying.
Documents to Keep Ready
Prepare 10th and 12th records, degree certificate or provisional proof, semester marksheets, ID, application form, admit card and later-stage SSB or medical instructions.
120-Day Preparation Plan
- Days 1–40: build English, GK and maths fundamentals.
- Days 41–80: practise previous-paper style questions and current affairs.
- Days 81–120: take full mocks, revise weak areas and build SSB awareness.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring academy-specific eligibility.
- Using one paper pattern for all academies.
- Preparing only for the written exam.
- Ignoring medical standards.
- Using unofficial age or degree claims as current.
Safety: Do not pay money for SSB selection, medical clearance, appointment letters or joining confirmation. JobNotifie is informational.
Related Guides
Defence Jobs After Graduation | NDA Guide | Defence Documents | Defence Jobs Hub
FAQs
Who conducts CDS?
UPSC conducts the CDS examination.
Is CDS only for graduates?
It is a graduate-level route, subject to academy-specific eligibility.
Is Mathematics compulsory for every academy?
No. Paper requirements can differ, so verify the active notification.
Is SSB required?
Yes, candidates progressing beyond the written stage must complete SSB and medical stages according to official rules.
Can any degree apply for every academy?
No. Academy-specific degree or subject requirements may apply.
Where should I verify current rules?
Use the active official UPSC CDS notification.