The UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam is your golden ticket. But here’s the catch it’s not just about cracking a written test. The CDS selection process is a thrilling two-stage adventure: a written exam followed by the intense SSB interview.
In 2025, UPSC will conduct the CDS exam twice CDS 1 in April and CDS 2 in September opening doors to prestigious academies like IMA, AFA, INA, and OTA . But what exactly does the selection process entail? Let’s break it down step by step, with real-life tips, expert insights, and data-backed strategies to help you conquer this journey.
UPSC CDS 2025 Selection Process 🎯
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (CDS 1 & CDS 2) |
| Stages | Written Exam → SSB Interview → Medical Test → Final Merit List |
| Vacancies (2025) | 457 (IMA: 100, INA: 32, AFA: 32, OTA Men: 275, OTA Women: 18) |
| Written Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| SSB Interview | 5-day rigorous assessment (Psychology + GTO Tasks + Personal Interview) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (0.33 marks deducted per wrong answer) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Stage 1: UPSC CDS Written Exam – Your First Battlefield ⚔️
The CDS written test is your first hurdle. It’s an offline exam with different papers depending on the academy you’re targeting.
Exam Pattern Breakdown
| Academy | Subjects | Duration | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA, AFA | English, GK, Elementary Maths | 6 hrs (2 hrs each) | 300 |
| OTA (Men/Women) | English, GK | 4 hrs (2 hrs each) | 200 |
Pro Tip:
“Maths is often the game-changer. Focus on speed and accuracy—practice previous year papers daily.”
— Major Kalshi, Defence Mentor
Marking Scheme & Strategy
- English (100 marks): Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary.
- GK (100 marks): Current affairs, history, science, defence updates.
- Maths (100 marks): Algebra, trigonometry, arithmetic.
Avoid This Mistake:
“Many aspirants neglect GK, thinking it’s unpredictable. But 30% of questions repeat yearly—study past papers!”
Stage 2: SSB Interview – Where Personality Matters More Than Marks 🧠
Cleared the written test? Congrats! Now comes the real test—the 5-day SSB interview, designed to assess your officer-like qualities (OLQs).
SSB Interview Stages
| Day | Activity | What’s Tested? |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Screening (OIR + PPDT) | Intelligence, quick thinking |
| Day 2 | Psychology Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD) | Emotional stability, decision-making |
| Day 3 | GTO Tasks (Group Discussion, Obstacle Course) | Leadership, teamwork |
| Day 4 | Personal Interview | Confidence, communication |
| Day 5 | Conference Day | Final assessment |
Real-Life Example:
“I failed my first SSB because I over-prepared ‘scripted answers.’ The assessors spotted it instantly. Be genuine—they read you like a book!“
— Lt. Rohan Sharma, Indian Army
Expert Insight:
“SSB isn’t about being ‘perfect’—it’s about being adaptable, honest, and resilient under pressure.”
— Col. Neha Singh (Retd.), SSB Panelist
Final Stage: Medical Test & Merit List 🏥
Only candidates who clear SSB undergo a strict medical examination. Here’s what’s checked:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | Men: 157.5 cm |
| Vision | 6/6 or correctable |
| Hearing | No defects |
| General Health | No chronic illnesses |
Did You Know?
- 5 cm relaxation in height is given for candidates from hilly regions .
- Final selection depends on written + SSB marks and medical fitness .
Proven Strategies to Crack CDS 2025 🚀
Want to stand out? Here’s what toppers do:
| Strategy | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Daily Newspaper Reading | Boosts GK & current affairs |
| Mock SSB Interviews | Builds confidence for personality tests |
| Previous Year Papers | Identifies repeated question patterns |
| Physical Fitness Routine | Ensures medical test readiness |
Final Word
The UPSC CDS selection process is tough but not impossible. With the right planning, persistence, and self-belief, you can wear that uniform proudly. Ready to begin your journey.
Arjun Kapoor is a Content writer who is recruitment and result notification expert with a Master’s in Human Resources. He has 6+ years of experience crafting content on job recruitment updates and exam results. Arjun is passionate about helping job seekers and enjoys playing chess.
