Ce parcours n’est pas encore traduit en français : son contenu s’affiche en anglais.
Combined Defence Services (CDS)
Become a Commissioned Officer after Graduation
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Où cela mène
- Lieutenant (Army)
- Sub-Lieutenant (Navy)
- Flying Officer (Air Force)
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Different academies have different written papers—OTA only requires English and GK, while IMA/INA/AFA require a tough Elementary Mathematics paper as well.
C’est vous ?
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14 étapes jusqu’à la réussite au concours
Votre route vers la sélection : 14 étapes en 4 phases. Touchez une étape pour la lire ; notez la date quand vous la terminez.
Clear the CDS written examination.
The Services Selection Board 5-day assessment for graduates.
Clearing the strict military medical standards.
Rigorous training at the respective designated academies.
En savoir plus sur ce métier
Le métier, le salaire là où vous vivez, les questions fréquentes, et où ce métier peut vous mener ensuite.
Le métier
Ce que vous feriez
- Lead troops in war fighting to meet external aggression
- Manage internal security, including internal threats
- Take part in peacekeeping operations and military assistance to friendly foreign countries
- Give humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and aid to civil authorities
- At sea, work in teams operating radars, sonars, communications and weapons on naval ships
Où vous travailleriez
- Indian Army, after training at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun (Permanent Commission)
- Indian Navy executive branch, after the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
- Indian Air Force, after pre-flying training at the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad
- Indian Army Short Service Commission, after the Officers' Training Academy, Chennai
Toutes les étapes en détail
Le texte complet de chaque étape, à lire ou à imprimer. Avancez étape par étape dans le parcours ci-dessus.
Written Exam (UPSC CDS) 4 étapes
Analyze and Decode the Syllabus
Thoroughly review the UPSC CDS notification to understand the exam structure, varying by OTA (English, GK) versus IMA/INA/AFA (English, GK, Math).
Tâche concrète: Skim through the last 3 years of CDS papers and color-code topics based on your current comfort level.
Pourquoi c’est important: Studying aimlessly without knowing the weightage of topics wastes time; precision preparation is essential for UPSC exams.
Liste de contrôle
- Download the exact syllabus directly from the UPSC website
- Identify your target academy (OTA vs others) to confirm required papers
- Collect past 10 years of question papers for trend analysis
- Plan a segmented daily study routine incorporating all subjects simultaneously
Strengthen English Proficiency
Target the English paper (100 marks) as a highly scoring section by polishing advanced grammar, vocabulary, and rapid reading comprehension.
Tâche concrète: Complete a 120-question CDS English mock test in 2 hours, aiming to accurately score more than 70%.
Pourquoi c’est important: The English paper is universally required and usually has the highest scoring potential to elevate your aggregate marks above the cutoff.
Liste de contrôle
- Master rules of syntax, subject-verb agreement, and parts of speech
- Practice solving sentence arrangements (S1-S6 and PQRS)
- Daily practice for spotting errors and sentence improvement
- Learn and revise synonyms, antonyms, and idioms efficiently
Build Comprehensive General Knowledge
Develop a vast base in static GK (History, Polity, Geography, Science) alongside dynamic current events using standard foundational texts.
Tâche concrète: Maintain a handwritten journal summarizing monthly defense updates, national indices, and global summits for rapid revision.
Pourquoi c’est important: The GK paper is notoriously vast and difficult. Clearing its sectional cutoff (20%) is mandatory, and high scores here separate the merit-list toppers.
Liste de contrôle
- Read standard NCERTs (Class 9-12) for Science, Geography, and History
- Study Indian Polity comprehensively (features, articles, amendments)
- Follow current affairs, especially defense acquisitions, exercises, and geopolitics
- Read a national newspaper (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express) daily
Master Elementary Mathematics (IMA/INA/AFA)
Develop high-speed calculation habits and deep conceptual clarity for Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Mensuration.
Tâche concrète: Solve 50 geometry and trigonometry previous-year questions within 60 minutes.
Pourquoi c’est important: If aiming for a permanent commission in the combat arms (via IMA, INA, or AFA), mastering the Math paper is non-negotiable and heavily dictates your rank.
Liste de contrôle
- Learn shortcut techniques for arithmetic, percentages, and profit/loss
- Practice complex polynomial algebra and quadratic equations
- Memorize trigonometry identities and heights/distances formulas
- Visualize 2D/3D geometry and solve mensuration volume/area problems
SSB Interview 4 étapes
Clear the Day 1 Screening Test
Survive the day-one elimination by performing adequately in the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and excelling in the Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT).
Tâche concrète: Record yourself giving a 1-minute sharp summary of a random picture, checking for eye contact, distinct voice, and fluency.
Pourquoi c’est important: Over half of the reporting candidates are asked to leave on Day 1. It operates strictly as a filter to identify candidates worth full assessment.
Liste de contrôle
- Maximize accuracy in both verbal and non-verbal OIR test booklets
- Draft a logical, action-oriented plot recognizing characters and moods quickly for PP&DT
- Deliver a powerful, confident 1-minute narration of your written story
- Contribute logically to the chaotic group discussion to agree on a common group story
Conquer the Psychological Assessment
Navigate a relentless battery of written tests designed to uncover your subconscious personality and Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
Tâche concrète: Execute a full mock-psych battery (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD) continuously over ~2.5 hours without taking a break.
Pourquoi c’est important: The psychological tests cannot be faked on the spot. They map your innate characteristics directly to military requirements under severe time pressure.
Liste de contrôle
- TAT: Write 12 completely unique, solution-driven thematic stories
- WAT: Forge 60 positive, observation-based sentences for rapidly displayed words
- SRT: Write practical, common-sense reactions to 60 everyday distress situations
- SD: Memorize a well-balanced Self Description based on parents', teachers', and friends' perspectives
Dominate Group Testing (GTO)
Demonstrate on-the-ground leadership, physical courage, cooperativeness, and practical intelligence (Factor II) in outdoor group environments.
Tâche concrète: Organize a group outdoor activity or trek with friends, practicing how to pitch ideas, resolve disputes, and maintain group morale.
Pourquoi c’est important: The military operates entirely in units. The GTO series proves that you can endure physical duress while cooperating and leading your peers efficiently.
Liste de contrôle
- Understand rules of color codes, distances, and leverage for Group Tasks (PGT/HGT/FGT)
- Express ideas clearly and accept others' ideas during Group Discussions (GD) and Group Planning Exercises (GPE)
- Build enough stamina to clear minimum 9 out of 10 Individual Obstacles
- Lead decisively during the Command Task utilizing your subordinates effectively without micromanaging
Ace the Personal Interview
Sit through a comprehensive, probing 45-60 minute interview with a senior officer (often the Board President) regarding your life choices.
Tâche concrète: Handwrite your PIQ form flawlessly. Undergo a strict mock interview entirely cross-questioning every detail written in it.
Pourquoi c’est important: The IO assesses your maturity, truthfulness, and demeanor. Finding defensive behaviors, lies, or a lack of self-awareness here guarantees rejection.
Liste de contrôle
- Meticulously fill the Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ); it drives your entire interview
- Introspect on academic performances, career choices, hobbies, and family relations
- Prepare to handle 'Rapid Fire' questions (5-6 questions asked consecutively) without breaking a sweat
- Develop deep opinions on current international geopolitical issues and internal security
Medical Examination 3 étapes
Complete the Board Medical Exam
Clear the extensive 4-5 day medical evaluation at the base hospital proving you are clinically free of physical and systemic defects.
Tâche concrète: Get a preemptive private medical test done checking for common rejections like knock-knees, flat feet, carrying angle, or DNS.
Pourquoi c’est important: A candidate must be resilient enough for extremely harsh terrains and warzones. Any existing medical handicap compromises team safety.
Liste de contrôle
- Undergo screening by dedicated medical, surgical, eye, and ENT specialists
- Complete extensive pathological tests (CBC, LFT, Urine, ECG, USG)
- Ensure proper bodily hygiene (remove ear wax, clean teeth) before reporting
- Maintain a steady resting heart rate to bypass surgical anomalies like sweaty palms or tachycardia
Clear Academy-Specific Standards
Fulfill highly specific anatomical standards tailored distinctly for Army, Navy, or Air Force service.
Tâche concrète: Carefully read the UPSC notification's medical appendix to ensure you meet the exact height, weight, and vision limits for your preferred academy.
Pourquoi c’est important: Standards are non-negotiable. An Air Force candidate might be rejected for flying duties due to a slight vision drop but remain eligible for Army or Navy.
Liste de contrôle
- Navy: Demonstrate zero color blindness and flawless visual acuity requirements
- Air Force: Pass required anthropometric limits ( sitting height, leg length) for cockpit safety
- Army: Maintain a minimum acceptable BMI range per height/age charts
- Maintain 14 dental points (properly matched teeth pairs for mastication)
Navigate the Review Medical Board (RMB)
Leverage the appeals processor successfully rectify minor problems heavily if handed a Temporary Rejection (TR).
Tâche concrète: Formulate a strict 40-day diet and workout plan immediately if you receive a TR specifically for being overweight.
Pourquoi c’est important: Almost 30-40% of recommended candidates face a TR. Remaining proactive and addressing the physiological condition saves your entire attempt.
Liste de contrôle
- Understand the difference between Permanent Rejection (PR) and Temporary Rejection (TR)
- Use the 42-day window effectively for surgeries or weight loss if given a TR
- Report to the allocated Command Hospital for the Review Medical Board exactly on time
- Retain all documentation securely during the appeal period
Academy Training 3 étapes
Report and Adapt to Academy Life
Induct into the designated academy (IMA, OTA, INA, or AFA) and transform your mindset from a civilian graduate to a military cadet.
Tâche concrète: Begin a routine of running 5-8 kilometers comfortably and performing basic bodyweight workouts weeks prior to joining.
Pourquoi c’est important: The initial weeks are notoriously designed to break civilian habits and ego, ensuring only those committed completely to service transition smoothly.
Liste de contrôle
- Arrive at the academy with the complete prescribed clothing and documentation kit
- Survive the brutal initial 'conditioning' period featuring extreme physical exertion and sleep deprivation
- Assimilate military drill, uniform turnout, and squadron/company ethos quickly
- Learn essential military etiquette, saluting, and mess protocols
Master Academics and Tactical Warfare
Undergo an aggressive curriculum balancing strategic military studies with physically demanding weapon handling, maneuvers, and trade skills.
Tâche concrète: Adopt a mindset of extreme discipline and attention to detail in your civilian life before you join, mimicking the required psychological state.
Pourquoi c’est important: As an officer, you will lead troops directly in combat. Your tactical proficiency determines the success of a mission and the survival of your men.
Liste de contrôle
- Study military history, administration, and military law extensively
- Master the stripping, assembling, and firing of basic and advanced service weaponry
- Participate in grueling multi-day tactical camps (like Camp Rovers, Camp Chakravyuh)
- Pass rigorous Physical Training (PT) and Battle Physical Efficiency Tests (BPET)
Pass Out as a Commissioned Officer
Successfully complete your terms to graduate taking the ultimate oath of allegiance across the Antim Pag (Final Step) during the Passing Out Parade.
Tâche concrète: Watch the Passing Out Parades (POP) of IMA, INA, or AFA online to visualize your end goal and motivate your preparation journey.
Pourquoi c’est important: Earning those stars (or stripes) represents the culmination of immense sacrifice and grants you the presidential commission to command troops in the Armed Forces.
Liste de contrôle
- Maintain flawless discipline to avoid relegation (being held back a term)
- Aim for performance-based appointments like Under Officer or Battalion Cadet Adjutant
- Clear all theoretical and physical exams simultaneously
- Cross the quarterdeck/drill square taking the final oath of service
Questions fréquentes : Combined Defence Services (CDS)
Des réponses claires sur la durée, les prérequis, les salaires et les méthodes d’étude.
Combien de temps faut-il pour devenir Combined Defence Services (CDS) ?
Ce parcours estime 1 year prep + 1–1.5 years Academy. Il compte 4 phases et 14 étapes, de « Written Exam (UPSC CDS) » à « Academy Training ».
Comment devenir Combined Defence Services (CDS) en Inde ?
Suivez les 4 phases dans l’ordre, en commençant par la phase 1, « Written Exam (UPSC CDS) ». Votre première tâche : Skim through the last 3 years of CDS papers and color-code topics based on your current comfort level.
Combien gagne un Combined Defence Services (CDS) ?
DraftMyCareer estime ₹9L - ₹32L+ par an en Inde, du niveau débutant au niveau confirmé. C’est une estimation, pas un chiffre officiel ; notre page de méthodologie explique comment elle est calculée.
De quoi ai-je besoin avant de commencer ?
Ce parcours indique : Bachelor's Degree (Specific streams required for Navy/Air Force); Age 19 to 25 years (varies by academy); Strict medical standards.
De quelles compétences un Combined Defence Services (CDS) a-t-il besoin ?
Ce parcours couvre : English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics, Leadership, Physical Fitness, Aptitude.