The CDS Exam is conducted by the UPSC for recruitment into the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force through the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). The CDS exam is for graduates who wish to join the Indian Defence Forces as officers.
- Eligibility: Candidates must have completed their graduation in any stream (for Army), Engineering degree (for Navy and Air Force), and must be between 19 to 24 years of age.
- Exam Pattern: The CDS exam consists of three papers—English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The exam is followed by the SSB interview and a medical examination.
- Selection Process: Candidates who qualify the written exam are invited for the SSB interview, which assesses their suitability for the armed forces.
