UPSC CDS Selection Process 2025: Written, SSB Interview Steps

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination twice a year to recruit eligible candidates for prestigious positions in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The CDS exam is not just an academic test; it is a gateway to becoming an officer in India’s elite defence forces. Candidates who dream of wearing the uniform must understand the complete CDS 2025 selection process, which involves multiple stages—starting from a competitive written exam, followed by the SSB Interview, and then a thorough medical examination.

In this article, we’ll explore every step of the UPSC CDS Selection Process 2025 in a detailed, human-friendly format. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or someone reattempting the exam, this guide will give you deep insights into the recruitment process so you can prepare confidently and effectively. Let’s decode the path to becoming a defence officer in 2025. 🇮🇳

Key Highlights

CDS 2025 Written Exam – The First Step

The written examination is the first filter in the CDS selection process and is conducted in offline mode across various exam centers in India. This phase evaluates a candidate’s knowledge in subjects like English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is not applicable for OTA aspirants).

Candidates applying for IMA, INA, and AFA need to appear for all three subjects, while OTA candidates only write the English and GK papers. Each paper is of 100 marks and runs for 2 hours.

The questions are objective in nature and require not only academic clarity but also strong time management skills. Negative marking exists, so candidates must strategize smartly.

Many aspirants overlook the importance of current affairs and general awareness, which are crucial in the GK section. Similarly, the English paper tests comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar—all vital for defence officers. Hence, proper preparation across all papers is necessary to clear this stage with a competitive score.

SSB Interview – The Heart of CDS Selection

Clearing the written exam doesn’t mean you’re in—it just opens the door to the real challenge: the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview. Spanning over 5 days, the SSB interview is the most crucial and comprehensive phase in the CDS selection process. It assesses your personality, leadership qualities, mental agility, emotional stability, and team behavior.

The SSB Interview Process Includes:

• Day 1 (Screening Test): This includes Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT). This round is eliminatory.
• Days 2-4 (Psychological Tests & GTO Tasks): These days are packed with group activities, psychology-based assessments, and interviews. You’ll be tested in various scenarios to see how you handle pressure, lead a group, and make decisions.
• Day 5 (Conference): The final assessment and review by the entire board. Your overall performance is discussed and final recommendations are made.

Only those who display officer-like qualities (OLQs) make it through. Many academically brilliant candidates have failed due to lack of confidence, inability to lead or communicate effectively. SSB demands more than knowledge—it needs character, charisma, and clarity.

Medical Examination – Final Stage of Scrutin

After clearing the SSB interview, candidates are subjected to a detailed medical examination. This stage is conducted at the designated military hospitals and includes a thorough check-up of physical standards, vision, hearing, blood, and other health parameters.

Many candidates are declared medically unfit due to minor health issues which could have been addressed earlier with timely diagnosis. Hence, it’s always advised to go through a pre-medical check-up before appearing for the SSB.

Also, candidates should maintain overall fitness—stay active, eat well, and avoid bad habits. Health is not just a requirement for selection but is essential for training and service as an officer.

Final Merit List and Training Allocation

Once the medical test is cleared, UPSC prepares the final merit list, which is based on marks obtained in the written exam and SSB interview. Medical fitness is a qualifying criterion but does not influence the merit position.

Depending on the rank in the merit list and the candidate’s preference, training institutes are allotted:

• IMA (Dehradun) for Army (Men)
• INA (Ezhimala) for Navy
• AFA (Hyderabad) for Air Force
• OTA (Chennai) for Army (Men & Women Short Service)

Training begins soon after the merit list is declared. It is a rigorous and transformative journey that prepares selected candidates for their roles as officers in Indian defence forces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is it mandatory to clear all three papers in the CDS written exam?
Only candidates applying for IMA, INA, and AFA must clear all three papers (English, GK, and Mathematics). For OTA, only English and GK are required.

Q2. Can I reappear in CDS if I fail the SSB interview?
Yes, there is no limit on the number of attempts for CDS as long as you meet the age and eligibility criteria.

Q3. How can I prepare for the SSB Interview?
Focus on improving communication, general awareness, and leadership qualities. Practice psychological tests and join mock SSB sessions if possible. Be honest and stay confident.

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