CDS Exam 2025: Step-by-Step Guide to Join India’s Elite Defence Academies

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam is your gateway to joining prestigious institutions like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). Conducted by the UPSC twice a year, it tests not only your knowledge but also your aptitude, attitude, and leadership potential.

Here’s a detailed, chapter-wise, and strategy-rich breakdown of everything you need to know to crack CDS 2025 — powered by insights from Rosemary Career Academy, Meerut’s most trusted offline defence coaching institute.

Subject-Wise Focus:

1. CDS Exam 2025 Overview

Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Frequency: Twice a year (February & November)
Eligibility:

Age:
- IMA: 19–24 years
- OTA: 19–25 years
- INA: 19–22 years
- AFA: 20–24 years
Qualification:
- IMA/OTA: Graduate in any discipline
- INA: B.Sc with Physics & Math / Engineering degree
- AFA: B.Sc with Physics & Math / B.E/B.Tech
Gender: Both Male and Female (Only IMA, OTA open to women)

2. Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

For IMA, INA, AFA:

Paper	Subject	Duration	Marks
1	English	2 hrs	100
2	General Knowledge	2 hrs	100
3	Elementary Maths	2 hrs	100
Total			300

For OTA:

Paper	Subject	Duration	Marks
1	English	2 hrs	100
2	General Knowledge	2 hrs	100
Total			200

Marking Scheme:

Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for each wrong answer
No sectional cutoffs but scoring high across all subjects is key for top ranks

3. Detailed Syllabus (Chapterwise Highlights)

English:

Spotting Errors
Sentence Improvement
Synonyms & Antonyms
Fill in the Blanks
Reading Comprehension
Active & Passive Voice
Direct & Indirect Speech

General Knowledge:

Current Events (National & International)
History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
Geography (Indian & World)
Polity and Indian Constitution
Economics (Basics of Indian Economy)
Defence& Security Updates
Science & Technology (Basic Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

Mathematics (For IMA/INA/AFA only):

Number System
Time & Work, Time & Distance
Percentages, Profit & Loss
Simple & Compound Interest
Geometry, Mensuration
Algebra, Trigonometry
Statistics & Data Interpretation

4. SSB Interview Process

Once you clear the written test, you’ll be called for the SSB Interview — a 5-day rigorous process that evaluates your personality and potential as a defence officer.

Stages:

Day 1: OIR Test + Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)
Day 2: Psychological Tests – TAT, WAT, SRT, Self Description
Day 3 & 4: Group Testing – GD, GPE, Outdoor Tasks
Day 5: Personal Interview and Final Conference

Tips:

Be honest and clear in your responses
Practice narration and group discussion regularly
Stay physically and mentally fit

5. Top 100 Strategy for CDS 2025

English Mastery: Learn 10 new words daily + grammar drills
G.K. Routine: Read ‘The Hindu’, PIB & monthly current affairs
Math Practice: Solve previous year papers + daily mock tests
Time Management: Create a 90-day study plan with weekly targets
Mock Tests: Attempt 10+ full-length mocks before exam day
SSB Prep: Start personality development alongside written prep

6. RANKEDGE Program by Rosemary Career Academy

Rosemary’s RANKEDGE offline course is crafted for serious CDS aspirants aiming for All-India top ranks.

What Makes It Unique:

Structured Offline Curriculum – Designed per UPSC updates
Expert Faculty – With military background and academic excellence
SSB Training Module – Interview handling, OLQs grooming, psych testing
Weekly Tests & Doubt Classes – Monitor progress in real-time
Printed Study Material + Chapterwise PYQs
Motivational Sessions – By defence officers and mentors

With our heritage of disciplined training and result-oriented methods, we don’t just coach—we mentor futures.

7. Why Rosemary is Meerut’s Best CDS Coaching Institute

Proven Track Record – Dozens of CDS selections annually
Central Location in Meerut – Well-connected, serene learning environment
Small Batch Sizes – Personalized mentorship & doubt clearing

8. Final Word

The CDS exam is your launchpad to a life of honor, purpose, and leadership. With the right strategy, committed preparation, and support from a reputed institute like Rosemary Career Academy, your path to IMA, OTA, INA, or AFA becomes not just possible—but predictable.

Join our RANKEDGE Program today and become a leader the nation salutes.