The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) and National Defence Academy (NDA) exams to recruit candidates into the Indian Armed Forces. These exams are gateways to prestigious careers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This blog offers a complete guide to CDS/NDA preparation, covering eligibility, syllabus, strategy, and more.
1. Understanding CDS and NDA Exams
CDS (Combined Defence Services)
- Conducted by: UPSC
- Frequency: Twice a year (CDS I and CDS II)
- Eligibility: Graduates (or final-year students)
- Age Limit: 19–25 years
- Academies: IMA, INA, AFA, OTA
- Exam Mode: Offline (MCQs)
NDA (National Defence Academy)
- Conducted by: UPSC
- Frequency: Twice a year (NDA I and NDA II)
- Eligibility: 12th pass (PCM for Air Force/Navy)
- Age Limit: 16.5–19.5 years
- Academy: NDA, followed by respective service academies
- Exam Mode: Offline (MCQs)
2. Eligibility Criteria in Detail
NDA Eligibility:
- Nationality: Indian
- Education:
- Army: 12th Class
- Navy & Air Force: 12th with Physics & Math
- Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
- Gender: Male & Female (since 2021)
CDS Eligibility:
- Nationality: Indian
- Education:
- IMA/OTA: Graduation
- INA: B.Tech or B.Sc. with Physics & Math
- AFA: B.Tech or Physics & Math at 10+2
- Age: 19 to 25 years (varies by academy)
3. Exam Pattern and Syllabus
NDA Exam Pattern:
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hrs |
| GAT | 600 | 2.5 hrs |
| Total | 900 | 5 hrs |
GAT (General Ability Test): English, General Knowledge (History, Geography, Science, Current Affairs)
CDS Exam Pattern:
| Academy | English | GK | Math | OTA |
| IMA, INA, AFA | 100 | 100 | 100 | 300 |
| OTA | 100 | 100 | NA | 200 |
Subjects Covered:
- English: Grammar, Comprehension, Vocabulary
- GK: History, Geography, Current Affairs, Science
- Math: Up to Class 10 level (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry)
4. How to Start Preparation
Step 1: Understand the Syllabus
Download the official syllabus from UPSC website and break it down subject-wise.
Step 2: Gather Resources
- Books:
- NDA/CDS Pathfinder by Arihant
- NCERTs (Class 6–12)
- Word Power Made Easy (English)
- Manorama Yearbook (Current Affairs)
- Online Platforms:
- Unacademy, BYJU’S, StudyIQ, Adda247
- UPSC CDS/NDA videos on YouTube
Step 3: Create a Timetable
- Allocate fixed hours daily
- Cover GS, Math, and English in rotation
- Reserve weekends for mock tests and revision
Step 4: Regular Revision
- Weekly revisions of completed topics
- Keep a quick revision notebook for formulas and facts
Step 5: Mock Tests & PYQs
- Solve previous year questions (last 10 years)
- Take weekly full-length mock tests
- Analyze errors and improve weak areas
5. Subject-wise Strategy
English:
- Read newspapers daily
- Learn 10 new words daily with usage
- Focus on comprehension, grammar, and cloze tests
General Knowledge:
- Read NCERTs for basics
- Update current affairs from daily news or monthly magazines
- Focus more on History, Polity, and Geography
Mathematics:
- Focus on basic concepts of Class 10
- Practice at least 20 questions daily
- Memorize formulas and short tricks
6. Physical & Mental Preparation
- SSB Interview: After written exam, shortlisted candidates go through the SSB (5-day process)
- SSB Tests Include:
- OIR Test (Officer Intelligence Rating)
- PPDT, TAT, WAT, SRT (Psychology)
- GTO tasks (Group Discussion, Physical Tasks)
- Personal Interview
- Prepare With:
- Mock Interviews
- Group Discussions
- Daily Exercise and Meditation
7. Tips from Toppers
- “Time management and consistency matter more than long study hours.”
- “Attempt mock tests with real exam mindset.”
- “Focus equally on written and SSB prep.”
- “Read ‘The Hindu’ or ‘Indian Express’ for current affairs.”
8. Best Coaching and Online Resources
- Top Offline Institutes: Major Kalshi Classes, Baalnoi Academy, Cavalier India
- Top Online Platforms: Unacademy, BYJU’S, Oliveboard
- Telegram Channels & YouTube: Free PDFs and live classes available
9. Final 90-Day Preparation Plan
| Month | Focus |
| Month 1 | Complete syllabus, NCERTs |
| Month 2 | Mock tests, PYQs, revision |
| Month 3 | Full revision, SSB prep |
10. Conclusion
The UPSC CDS/NDA exams are not just tests, they are a gateway to an honorable and thrilling career in the defence forces. With proper guidance, regular practice, smart strategy, and determination, cracking these exams is possible for anyone. Begin your preparation today and move one step closer to wearing the uniform with pride.
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