The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is taken in multiple stages. This selection process selection for combined defence services examination (I), 2025 is done for the recruitment into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The selection process involves a written examination, an intelligence and personality test (SSB Interview), and a medical examination. Below is the selection process for combined defence services examination (I), 2025.
1. Written Examination
The first stage of the selection process is the written exam which is conducted offline, with varying subjects and marks distribution depending on the academy.
| Academy | Subjects | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics | 300 | 2 hours each |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics | 300 | 2 hours each |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics | 300 | 2 hours each |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | English, General Knowledge | 200 | 2 hours each |
- Marking Scheme: Each correct answer earns marks as per the question’s weightage. There is a negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Medium of Exam: Questions are set in both English and Hindi, (except for the English paper).
2. Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
Those candidates who qualify for the written exam are called for the SSB Interview, which assesses their officer-like qualities (OLQs). The interview consists of two stages:
Stage I (Screening Test):
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR): Consists of verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests.
- Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT): Candidates write a story based on a visual and discuss it in a group.
Stage II (Comprehensive Assessment):
- Psychological Tests: Includes Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), and Situation Reaction Test (SRT).
- Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO): Series of activities like group discussions, group planning exercises, outdoor group tasks, and command tasks.
- Personal Interview: Personal interview will be conducted by a senior officer to assess personality, leadership skills, and general awareness of the candidates.
- Conference: Final decision based on the overall performance in the above activities.
Weightage:
- For IMA, INA, and AFA: 300 Marks
- For OTA: 200 Marks
3. Medical Examination
Those candidates who are recommended by the SSB are required to undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the prescribed physical and medical standards.
| Parameters Assessed | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical Fitness | Includes height, weight, chest expansion, and overall fitness levels. |
| Vision Standards | Varies for each academy; corrected vision is permitted under specific guidelines. |
| General Health | Candidates must be free from medical conditions like chronic diseases or disabilities. |
4. Final Merit List
The final merit list will be prepared based on the total marks obtained in the written examination and the SSB Interview. The allocation of candidates to IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA depends on:
- The preference indicated during application
- The performance in written and SSB stages
- Availability of vacancies in the chosen academy