COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES EXAMINATION
Prepare to serve. Lead with honour
At Samaritan Defence Arena, mornings begin with purpose — where discipline meets passion and courage meets preparation. We don’t just teach for an exam; we prepare future officers for the National Defence Academy and the honour of serving in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. If you dream differently, welcome challenges, and want to lead from the front, your journey to the uniform of honour starts here.
Why CDS
Because some careers are not just jobs—they’re legacies.
Becoming a defence officer gives you:
Prestige & Respect
A life of purpose
Leadership opportunities
Adventure and discipline
The honour of serving your nation with pride
If these words make your heart beat a little faster… you’re already halfway there.
Request A Call Back
CDS Exam at a Glance
(a) Nationality
A candidate must be unmarried and must be:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from
Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam
with the intention of permanently settling in India
(b) Age Limits, Sex & Marital Status
Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19 to 24 years
Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19 to 24 years
Air Force Academy (AFA): 19 to 24 years
Upper age limit for candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (DGCA) is relaxable up to 26 years
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): 19 to 25 years
Important Notes:
Candidates below 25 years must be unmarried.
Marriage is not permitted during training.
Married candidates above 25 years may apply, but they will not receive married accommodation and cannot live with family during training.
(c) Educational Qualifications
IMA & OTA:
Degree from a recognized university or equivalent
Indian Naval Academy (INA):
Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution
Air Force Academy (AFA):
Degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level,
orBachelor of Engineering
Note:
Candidates with first preference for Army / Navy / Air Force must submit proof of graduation or provisional degree certificate at the time of SSB Interview.
Selection Process
Written Exam
SSB Interview
Medical Examination
Final Selection
CDS EXAM STRUCTURE
SSB INTERVIEW Stage -II
The SSB Interview is a 5-day comprehensive selection process conducted by the Indian Armed Forces to identify candidates with Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs). This stage evaluates your personality, intelligence, leadership, teamwork, communication skills, decision-making ability, and mental strength to determine your suitability for a career as an officer.
Medical Examination
After clearing the SSB Interview, candidates undergo a comprehensive medical examination conducted by the Armed Forces Medical Board. This evaluation ensures that candidates are physically and mentally fit to join the Armed Forces.
General Health
Eye Standards
Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)
Dental Examination
Heart & Lung Function
Bones & Joints Assessment
Blood & Urine Tests
Other Required Tests
Important Points
Medical standards vary slightly for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Candidates declared unfit may apply for a Review Medical Board (RMB).
Only medically fit candidates are eligible to join the Armed Forces.
Training After Clearing CDS Exam
After successfully clearing the written exam and the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, candidates undergo rigorous and specialized training at one of India’s premier military academies.
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
Type of Commission: Permanent Commission (Men only)
Duration: 18 months for direct entry cadets
After Training:
Cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army.
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
Type of Commission: Permanent Commission (Men only)
Duration: Naval Orientation Course for CDS entrants — approx. 22 weeks
After Training:
Cadets are commissioned as Sub-Lieutenants in the Indian Navy after completing full training.
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
Type of Commission: Commission into Flying or Ground Duty branches
Duration:
Flying & Technical Branches: 74 weeks
Ground Duty (Non-technical): 52 weeks
After Training:
Cadets are commissioned as Flying Officers or into their respective Ground Duty branches.
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
Type of Commission: Short Service Commission (Men & Women)
Duration: 49 weeks
After Training:
Cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants with a Short Service Commission.
Stipend During Training
During the training period at IMA and OTA, Gentleman/Lady Cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month.
Why Students Choose SAMARITAN DEFENCE ARENA for CDS Exam Preparation STRUCTURE
Preparing for the CDS exam is not just about reading books — it’s about having the right guidance, the right environment, and the right mentors who support you until you wear the uniform.
At Samaritan Defence Arena, we don’t just teach…
We transform aspirants into confident, disciplined, and exam-ready candidates.
Here’s why we are the first choice for CDS aspirants:
1. Defence-Focused Coaching — Nothing Extra, Nothing Less
Our teaching style, notes, test plans, and strategies are crafted exclusively for defence aspirants.
Subject-wise mastery
Topic-wise revision
Pattern-based question practice
Smart shortcuts + conceptual clarity
2. Expert Mentors Who Teach With Purpose
Our faculty members are not just experienced —
They live and breathe the CDS syllabus.
They know:
What to study
What NOT to study
How to score high even in tricky sections
3. Crystal-Clear Notes That Make Revision Easy
We are known for high-quality, exam-oriented notes.
No fluff. No irrelevant theory.
Just crisp, clear, and scoring content that improves retention.
4. UPSC-Level Test Series That Build Real Exam Confidence
Our test series is praised for being:
Realistic
Updated with the latest exam pattern
Balanced in difficulty
Designed to improve accuracy
Each test comes with detailed explanations, performance analytics, and improvement guidance.
5. Personalized Mentorship for Every Student
At Samaritan Defence Arena, you are never just another student.
Every aspirant gets:
Doubt-clearing sessions
Study-strategy planning
One-on-one mentorship
Consistent motivation & discipline training
Our mentors track your progress like your personal coach.
6. Structured Study Plan You Can Actually Follow
We provide a practical, day-wise timetable that includes:
Syllabus completion
Daily practice
Weekly revision
Monthly mock tests
7. Supportive Student Community
When you join us, you join a family of aspirants who push and inspire each other.
Through group discussions, peer learning, and healthy competition, you stay motivated till the end.
8. A Place That Truly Believes in Your Dream
We are called Samaritan Defence Arena for a reason.
We celebrate your dream of joining the Armed Forces —
and we help you achieve it with discipline, hard work, and the right preparation.
Here, you’re not preparing alone…
You’re preparing with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
