How to Become a CDS Officer in India
Commissioned officer in the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force via the UPSC Combined Defence Services examination.
- Entry salary
- ₹8.4 LPA
- Mid-career
- ₹18 LPA
- Senior
- ₹32 LPA
- Outlook
- competitive
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About the CDS Officer role
CDS Officers are commissioned into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy or Officers Training Academy after clearing the UPSC CDS written exam, SSB interview, and medical board. They lead troops, command platforms and serve in operational, staff and instructional roles across a 20–30 year career.
What's your education level?
Years of relevant experience?
Do you have any of these key skills?
Skills required
- Current Affairs
- General Knowledge
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning
- english
- Indian Polity
- Geography
- interview skills
- leadership
- Indian History
- Elementary Mathematics
- General Science
Education & qualifications
- Graduate (any stream); branch-specific qualifications for technical entries
How to enter this career
- 01
Written exam
- 02
SSB/AFSB/Personality test
- 03
Medical board
- 04
Training academy
A day in the life
- Commencing the day with physical training, drills, or parades to maintain high standards of fitness and discipline.
- Leading troops in strategic field exercises and overseeing tactical training maneuvers.
- Managing administrative duties including personnel documentation, logistics planning, and inventory oversight.
- Maintaining weapons, equipment, and armored vehicles to ensure constant operational readiness.
- Attending briefings on security protocols, situational awareness, and unit coordination.
- Supervising the welfare and professional development of subordinates within the unit.
Recommended certifications
- Commission in Indian Armed Forces / CAPF / IB
Salary insights
A CDS Officer in India typically earns ₹8.4–18 LPA, up to ₹32 LPA at senior level. Compensation varies by city, employer and experience.
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