A candidate can take the CDS exam while he is in the final year of graduation/possess
any graduate degree. After the qualifying the written exam the candidate had to
face 5 days interview by service selection board and after clearing the medicals
the candidate will get into IMA (INDIAN MILITARY ACADEMY). Candidates finally selected
will undergo Military Training for a period of 18 Months at IMA. Candidates will
be enrolled under the Army Act as Gentlemen Cadets. On successful completion of
training gentlemen cadets are granted permanent commission in the rank of Lieutenant
subject to being medically fit in SHAPE – I. The final allocation of Arms/Services
will be made prior to passing out of Gentlemen Cadets from IMA. The Combined defence
services (CDS) Examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service
Commission for the recruitment of the candidates into the Indian military Academy
(IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force
Academy