CDS Exam 2025: Beginner’s Guide to Joining the Indian Armed Forces What is the CDS Exam? Hello! CDS stands for Combined Defence Services, and it’s an exam to join the Indian Armed Forces as an officer in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. After passing, you’ll train at academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA) or Air Force Academy (AFA). The exam is run by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and about 2 lakh graduates take it every year. If you want to serve the country and lead a life of honor, CDS is the perfect path! A Little History of the CDS Exam The CDS Exam started in 1979 to select officers for the Indian Armed Forces after graduation. Before that, the main entry was through NDA (after Class 12). CDS was created to give graduates a chance to join the military. The exam happens twice a year (CDS I and CDS II), and over the years, it has added more focus on English and current affairs to test well-rounded skills. CDS officers have led India in wars like Kargil (1999) a
