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UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam Mastery

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is the premier entry for graduates seeking to serve as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Conducted twice a year by UPSC, it offers a path to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

CDS Coaching

Strategic Approach for Graduates

Graduates often face the challenge of balancing their career aspirations with competitive exam preparation. At Udaan Defence Academy, we provide a high-intensity, results-oriented program that respects your time while pushing your boundaries. Our CDS course is designed by experts who understand the nuances between the different academy entries.

The Four Pillars of CDS Entry

1. Indian Military Academy (IMA)

Located in Dehradun, it trains officers for the Permanent Commission in the Indian Army. Requires 3 papers: English, GK, and Elementary Math.

2. Officers Training Academy (OTA)

Located in Chennai, it's for Short Service Commission (SSC). Ideal for candidates not opting for Math. Requires 2 papers: English and GK.

3. Indian Naval Academy (INA)

Located in Ezhimala, for officers in the Indian Navy. Engineering degree holders or those with Physics/Math in Graduation are preferred.

4. Air Force Academy (AFA)

Located in Hyderabad, for the flying branch of IAF. Requires graduation with Physics and Math in 10+2, or B.E/B.Tech.

Exhaustive Syllabus Coverage

Subject Focus Topics Marks
English Reading Comprehension, Sentence Improvement, Cloze Test, Idioms, Antonyms 100
General Knowledge Indian Polity, Modern History, Physical Geography, Defence News, General Science 100
Mathematics Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics 100

Udaan's Unique Teaching Methodology

We don't just "complete the syllabus." We build a mindset. Our CDS training includes:

  • Concept-First Learning: No rote memorization. We explain the 'Why' behind every rule.
  • Weekly Mock Tests: Simulating the 2-hour UPSC pressure for each subject.
  • Current Affairs Mastery: Special weekend classes focusing on national security and international relations.
  • Previous Year Analysis: Solving the last 10 years of UPSC papers to identify patterns.

CDS Exhaustive FAQ

For IMA, the candidate must be between 19-24 years of age. For OTA, the limit is slightly higher at 19-25 years.

Yes, girls can apply for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. They compete for Short Service Commission (SSC) in various branches of the Army.

No. For the OTA entry, Mathematics is not part of the exam. You only need to appear for English and General Knowledge. This makes it an excellent choice for Arts and Commerce graduates.

Permanent Commission (PC) means a career until retirement (approx. age 54-60), while Short Service Commission (SSC) is for an initial period of 10 years, extendable to 14 years.

UPSC usually releases around 340-360 vacancies twice a year. IMA: 100, INA: 22, AFA: 32, OTA (Men): 170, OTA (Women): 17.

Serve the Nation with Honor

Graduates, it's time to lead. Join Udaan Defence Academy and secure your commission.

Apply for CDS Batch

Quick Course Info

  • Duration: 4 - 6 Months
  • Subjects: Eng, GK, Math
  • Tests: 50+ Mock Tests
  • Focus: Grad Entry UPSC
Eligibility Summary

Education: Graduate in any stream

Age: 19 to 25 Years

Marital Status: Unmarried


AFA & INA require specific engineering/science backgrounds.

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