The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is a competitive examination in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. The CDS exam is designed to recruit officers for the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.

Here are some key points about the CDS Examination:

1. Frequency: The CDS exam is typically held twice a year, usually in February and November.

2. Eligibility: To be eligible for the CDS exam, candidates must meet certain age, educational, and nationality criteria. They should be Indian citizens, and the eligibility criteria may vary for different academies and services.

3. Academies and Services: Depending on their preferences and qualifications, candidates can apply for different academies and services. The main academies and services include:

   • Indian Military Academy (IMA) for Army officers
   • Indian Naval Academy (INA) for Navy officers
   • Air Force Academy (AFA) for Air Force officers
   • Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) for Short Service Commission (SSC) for men and women

4. Examination Pattern: The CDS examination consists of a written test and an interview process. The written test includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on subjects like English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, depending on the academy and service applied for.

5. Interview/Personality Test: Candidates who pass the written test appear for an interview or personality test in the Services Selection Board (SSB). This interview assesses the candidate’s aptitude, personality, and suitability for the armed forces.

6. Final Selection: The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the written test and the SSB interview. Candidates who clear the selection process are then admitted to the respective academies for training.

7. Training: Once selected, candidates undergo rigorous training at their respective academies. The duration and nature of training may vary depending on the academy and the type of commission (e.g., permanent commission or short service commission).

8. Career: Successful candidates join the Indian Armed Forces as officers and serve in various roles, depending on their chosen academy and service.

Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2018 for details click http://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations