Bharat SainiLast Updated on May 13, 2017 by Bharat Saini
Of all the competitive exams, candidates preparing and appearing for CDS (Combined Defence Services) examination in India are viewed with most respect. It represents the willingness of a person to serve the armed forces and become a pride of the nation.
CDS is conducted twice a year – in February and November (Notifications for the examinations are usually released in the months of October and June), by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) for admission to the following four prestigious academies:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
- Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
Important pre-condition is that only unmarried males are eligible for admission to the IMA, INA & AFA ; whereas in case of OTA – for the SSC (Short Service Course) for men – male candidates (married or unmarried) are eligible and for SSC Women Non-Technical Course – unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorces (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible.
For CDS exam, applicants can be graduates from any stream but for entry to Air Force and Navy, candidates should have studied physics and mathematics upto Class 12.
Candidates who are studying in the final year degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply.
On clearing the written examination, successful candidates appear for an interview conducted by Services Selection Board (SSB) which evaluates a candidate’s suitability for a career in the Indian Armed Forces. The SSB interview lasts for approximately a week, during which a candidate undergoes various physical and psychological tests to ascertain whether or not he has OLQs (Officer Like Qualities). Air Force academy candidates applying for flying branch are also tested for PABT [Pilot Aptitude Battery Test]. After these tests, candidates undergone medical examination before finally admitted into the above-mentioned academies, and after successful completion of training, they are inducted into the armed forces.
Officers of the Armed Forces command a very high respect & status in the society as they take on a life characterized by challenges, discipline, adventure and above all the nation’s defence.
