Combined Defence Services (CDS) lets graduates become commissioned officers in the Army, Navy or Air Force — a direct, respected path into defence leadership for students who've already finished a bachelor's degree, unlike National Defence Academy (NDA) which starts right after Class 12. This guide covers eligibility, the exam and Services Selection Board (SSB) process, and what officer life actually pays.
Entrance exam UPSC CDS Written → SSB → Medical
Check whether your Class 12 background qualifies, and see backup options if this path doesn't work out. Duration and salary are in the summary at the top of the page.
Any graduate for IMA and OTA; Navy and Air Force academies need engineering or Physics and Maths.
If this path doesn't work out — or you want options — these guides share skills or eligibility:
CDS (Combined Defence Services Examination) is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select graduates for officer training at four institutions: the Indian Military Academy (IMA) for the Army, Indian Naval Academy (INA) for the Navy, Air Force Academy (AFA), and the Officers Training Academy (OTA) for Short Service Commission officers in the Army.
Unlike NDA, which starts right after Class 12 and combines academic study with military training over 3 years, CDS is for candidates who've already completed a bachelor's degree — making it a faster, more direct route into officer ranks for graduates who decide on a defence career later, or who didn't pursue NDA at 12th grade.
Any discipline for IMA/OTA; specific stream needed for AFA/INA.
Conducted twice a year by UPSC.
Assessing leadership, personality and physical fitness.
Final medical check, followed by training at IMA, INA, AFA or OTA.
Pay follows the 7th Central Pay Commission structure, plus substantial military-specific allowances — these are broad, commonly reported ranges, not guarantees.
Starting basic pay, before housing, ration and other military-specific allowances.
After promotion, typically several years into service.
For Colonel-equivalent and above, reached through further seniority and promotion.
| Factor | CDS | NDA |
|---|---|---|
| When you apply | After completing a bachelor's degree | Right after Class 12 |
| Eligibility (Army entry) | Any graduation discipline | Any Class 12 stream (Army wing) |
| Training length | Shorter — direct officer training | 3 years combining academics & military training |
| Best for | Graduates deciding on defence later | Class 12 students sure about defence early |
Both lead to a commissioned officer role. Choose NDA if you're in Class 12 and certain about a defence career; choose CDS if you've already completed or are completing a bachelor's degree and want a faster route in.
Myth: Only Science/Engineering graduates can apply for CDS.
Fact: The IMA (Army) and OTA entries are open to graduates of any discipline, including Arts — only the AFA (Air Force) and INA (Navy) entries have specific stream requirements.
Myth: Clearing the written exam means you've secured a spot.
Fact: The SSB interview afterward is often the more decisive, challenging stage — many candidates who clear the written exam don't clear the SSB.
Myth: Women can't apply for CDS.
Fact: Women can apply through the OTA entry for a Short Service Commission, and eligibility has expanded in recent years for other entries too — always check the latest notification.
*Salary figures follow the 7th Central Pay Commission structure and are indicative, based on publicly available information as of 2026 — always verify current eligibility, exam pattern and pay figures on the official UPSC and Indian Armed Forces websites.