The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a prominent competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. The CDS exam provides a pathway for individuals who aspire to join the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA) as commissioned officers.
COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES (CDS)
The CDS exam is held twice a year, usually in February and September. The selection of candidates is based on the written exam followed by SSB Interview for intelligence and personality test.
HOW TO JOIN
Officers Training Academy (OTA) Gaya
OTA Gaya is meant to train the cadets of 10+2 TES and SCO entry Army in their pre-commissioning training. Here is how you can join OTA Gaya:
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Through 10+2 TES: Male candidates who have passed 10+2 (or appearing) with a minimum aggregate of 70% in PCM can apply for this entry. This is basically Engineering Entry. Notification is made by ADG Rtg AG’s branch IHQ of MOD(Army) in May/Jun & Oct/Nov. Candidates who are between 16 ½ to 19 & 1/2 yrs as of first day of the month in which course is due to commence can apply by directing their applications to Additional Directorate General of RTG TES Section, AG’s branch IHQ of MOD (Army), West Block III, RK Puram, New Delhi-110066.
SCO Entry: This is a special entry for Indian Army soldiers only. Soldiers can directly apply from there respective units as and when the notification come.
The training commences in the month of January and July and likely SSB dates are Sept-Oct and April-May. The training is conducted in two phases
Phase I - 01 Year Pre-commissioning training at OTA Gaya & 03 Years at CME Pune/MCTE Mhow/MCEME Secunderabad
Phase-II - 01 Year Post commission training at CME Pune/MCTE Mhow/MCEME Secunderabad
EXAM PATTERN
The CDS exam consists of a written test followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). The written test comprises objective-type questions and assesses candidates' proficiency in English, general knowledge, and elementary mathematics. The interview assesses candidates' personality, communication skills, leadership potential, and suitability for a career in the armed forces.
Written Exam Syllabus
Written Exam Details
Schedule for Examination
FEE STRUCTURE
1 year Course
₹60,500
Perfect for 12th Standard Students & Final Year Graduates
✔ 5 Days/Week
✔ Morning Batch: 10:30am - 02:45pm
✔ Evening Batch: 03:30pm - 06:00pm
✔ Offline/Online Classes Available
✔ Holistic Exam-Centric Approach
✔ Sectional and Weekly Mock Tests
✔ Personal Doubt Clearing Sessions
✔ Guidance till you get in the Services
2 year Course
₹95,500
Perfect for 11th Standard Students & 1st Year Graduates
✔ 5 Days/Week
✔ Morning Batch: 10:30am - 02:45pm
✔ Evening Batch: 03:30pm - 06:00pm
✔ Offline/Online Classes Available
✔ Holistic Exam-Centric Approach
✔ Sectional and Weekly Mock Tests
✔ Personal Doubt Clearing Sessions
✔ Guidance till you get in the Services
✔ One-on-One Mentorship