Defense Services Exams
Joining the Indian Defense Services is a dream for many young patriots who wish to serve the nation with pride and honor. The Defense Services Exams are national-level competitive examinations that offer entry into prestigious branches such as the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. These exams include NDA (National Defence Academy), CDS (Combined Defence Services), AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test), and others conducted by the UPSC and other recruiting bodies. Candidates must meet eligibility criteria based on age, education, and physical standards. The selection process generally involves a written examination, SSB interview, medical tests, and document verification. These exams not only test academic knowledge but also leadership qualities, physical fitness, and mental resilience, making them one of the most challenging yet rewarding career paths in India.
Defense Services Exams – A Complete Guide
If you’re aiming for a career that combines honor, discipline, and adventure, the Indian Defense Services is the path for you. Every year, thousands of young aspirants compete in Defense Services Exams to earn a spot in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Here’s everything you need to know about the key exams:
1. National Defence Academy (NDA)
Conducted by: UPSC
Eligibility: 12th pass (or appearing), Age 16.5 to 19.5 years
Gender: Only Male candidates (Female candidates allowed since NDA 2 2021 for limited entries)
Exam Pattern:
Mathematics (300 marks)
General Ability Test (600 marks)
SSB Interview (900 marks)
Highlights:
Clearing NDA gets you into the tri-services training academy. After 3 years at NDA and 1 year at the respective military academy (IMA, INA, AFA), you’re commissioned as an officer.
2. Combined Defence Services (CDS)
Conducted by: UPSC
Eligibility: Graduation, Age 19–25 years
Gender: Male and Female (Female can apply for OTA only)
Exam Pattern:
For IMA, INA, AFA:
English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics
For OTA:
English and General Knowledge only
SSB Interview follows written exam
Highlights:
CDS offers direct entry into Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.
3. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)
Conducted by: Indian Air Force
Eligibility: Graduation (with Physics and Math for Flying Branch)
Age: 20–24 years (Flying), 20–26 years (Ground Duties)
Exam Pattern:
General Awareness
Verbal Ability in English
Numerical Ability
Reasoning & Military Aptitude
Highlights:
This is the main route for entry into Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical).
4. Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant
Conducted by: Indian Coast Guard
Eligibility: Graduation/B.Tech
Age: 20–24 years
Selection: Computer-based test, Preliminary Selection Board (PSB), Final Selection Board (FSB), Medical
5. Territorial Army
Conducted by: Indian Army
Eligibility: Graduation, working professionals (civilian or ex-servicemen)
Age: 18–42 years
Selection: Written exam + Preliminary Interview Board + SSB (for officer entry)
Common Stages in Selection
Written Examination
SSB Interview (5-day personality and intelligence assessment)
Medical Examination
Merit List & Final Selection