CDS: graduate pathway to defence careers
Understand the UPSC Combined Defence Services examination and graduate-level defence career pathway.
What is CDS?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted by UPSC for recruitment to specified officer-training academies of the Indian Armed Forces.
Who can consider CDS?
CDS is a graduate-level pathway. Educational requirements depend on the academy/entry. Candidates should read the current UPSC notification for age, educational qualification, marital-status conditions, physical standards and other requirements.
Broad selection stages
- UPSC written examination, where applicable
- Services Selection Board (SSB) assessment
- Medical examination
- Final merit and academy allocation under the applicable rules
Career direction
Successful candidates proceed through the prescribed military training and commissioning route. The career involves leadership, operational responsibility, discipline and service obligations.
NDA vs CDS
NDA is an after-school entry route for eligible candidates, while CDS is a graduate-level entry examination. The correct choice therefore depends first on your educational stage.
Official source: Visit the official website