Selection Procedure In The Combined Defence Services Exam

CDS Exam Selection Procedure consists of Four stages:

1. Written Examination

2. Personality Test/ Personal Interview

3. Verification of the candidates

4. Medical Examination of the selected candidates

STEP 1: Written Examination

The very first step in the selection procedure of CDS Exam Coaching Classes begins with candidates appearing for written examination which is conducted twice every year by UPSC.

1. The candidate opting for IMA, INA and AFA are required to give three written subjects of the following subjects:

·         Mathematics

·         English

·         General Knowledge and

2. The candidates appearing for Officers Training Academy will have to give written test of two subjects of the following:

·         Elementary Mathematics

·         General Knowledge

STEP 2: Interview/ Intelligence Test/ Personality Test

The candidates who are selected in written test are called for SSB interview. The SSB procedure consists of two stage selection process-Stage I and Stage II. Only those candidates who clear the stage I are permitted to appear for Stage II.
1. Stage I comprises of Officers Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are Picture Perception Description Test (P&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on combination of performance in QIR Test and PP and DT.

2. Stage II comprises of Interview, Group Testing Officers Tasks, Psychology Tests and the conference. These testes are conducted over 4 days .
The personality of candidate is assessed by three different assessors viz. the interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO) and the Psychologist.

STEP 3: Document Verification:

Document Verification will be conducted only after the candidate has qualified the SSB interview Following is the list of documents to be submitted for verification:

·         Birth Certificate

·         Academic Degrees (HSC, SSC, Graduation etc)

·         Certificate of Eligibility for certain candidates

·         Passport size photograph

·         Identity proof

·         Residence proof etc.

·         Category or cast certificate (SC, ST, OBC, PH etc)

STEP 4: Medical Examination

The medical examination of all the shortlisted candidate is done as the authority wants to check whether the candidate is medically fit or not. Candidate recommended by the Services Selection Board will undergo a medical examination by a Board of Service Medical Officers.

A merit list of the candidates selected for Combined Defence Service is prepared after all the four steps above mentioned are followed

7) What are the CDS Exam Entry Physical and Medical Standards

Physical fitness is one of the most important prerequisites for joining the Air Force. Irrespective of the branch you are applying for, you must fulfil some basic physical standards. Listed below are some guidelines that identify the general physical requirements that are common for all candidates.

·         You must be in good physical and mental health and free from any disease/ disability, which is likely to interfere with efficient performance of duties. There should be no evidence of weak constitution or bodily defects.

·         The height and weight standards for men and women differ. Click to view the appropriate standards for each.