The Combined Defense Services (CDS) exam is an important option for youngsters who dream of becoming an officer in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. This exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Through this, graduate candidates get admission in various military academies. However, before applying, it is important for candidates to understand the difference between Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Both the academies have different periods of training, commission and service. Let us know important things related to CDS Eligibility, Selection Process and Exam Pattern.
What is CDS Exam?
The full form of CDS is Joint Defense Services. UPSC conducts this exam twice in a year. Through this, eligible candidates get an opportunity for admission in Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Selected candidates get an opportunity to become an officer in the respective army after completing the training.
What is the difference between OTA and IMA?
Candidates who complete training in IMA are awarded permanent commission. Under this, officers can serve for a longer period of time as per the service rules laid down in the army. Whereas, short service commission is available through OTAs. In this, the period of service and options for continuation of service depend on the applicable rules. Generally, the initial period of Short Service Commission is 10 years, which can be extended up to four years under prescribed conditions. Male candidates can apply in IMA and male and female candidates can apply in respective courses of OTA. Eligibility conditions should be seen in the relevant notification.
Eligibility and Age Limit for CDS
For IMA, graduation from a recognized university is required. An engineering degree is required for the Naval Academy. Air Force Academy requires 12th Physics-Maths and graduation or engineering degree. OTA also requires graduation.
The age limit varies according to the academy. Generally the age limit for IMA and INA is 19 to 24 years, for Air Force Academy it is 20 to 24 years and for OTA it is 19 to 25 years. However, the exact age is calculated based on the birth conditions given in the official notification of the respective examination.
Selection Process and Exam Pattern
The CDS selection process includes a written test, a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview and a medical examination. Final selection is based on merit and medical fitness. The written exam for IMA, INA and AFA consists of three papers in English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. Each paper is of 100 marks. Only English and General Knowledge papers are to be given for OTA. Both papers are of 100 marks each.
What subjects to prepare for?
In English, questions are asked on grammar, vocabulary and language comprehension. General knowledge includes history, geography, politics, economics, social sciences and current affairs. In Mathematics, questions come from Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus and Statistics. The exam consists of objective questions and negative marking for wrong answers. So, along with preparation, candidates should also practice questions and time management.
