CDS – Training and Commission Process
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) twice every year to select officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Candidates who clear the written exam and the SSB (Intelligence & Personality Test) undergo training at different academies. After successful completion, they are granted either a Permanent Commission (PC) or a Short Service Commission (SSC) depending on merit, medical fitness, and choice.
1. Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
Trainees are called Gentlemen Cadets.
Duration of training: 18 months.
Focus: Leadership training for commanding infantry sub-units.
On completion: Candidates are granted a Permanent Commission as Lieutenant, subject to medical fitness.
2. Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
Selected candidates join under the Graduate Cadet Special Entry Scheme (GSES).
Status: Cadets remain under probation until initial training is completed.
On completion: Granted a Permanent Commission in the Indian Navy.
3. Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
Training starts with a Pre-Flying Training Course.
Candidates are selected by Air Force Selection Boards (AFSBs) and must be declared medically fit.
Selection is based on merit list, prepared using UPSC exam marks + AFSB performance.
Duration of training: 74 weeks.
On completion: Candidates are commissioned as Flying Officers with full pay and allowances.
4. Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
Candidates who could not join IMA/INA/AFA for Permanent Commission may be considered for Short Service Commission (SSC).
Training is Non-Technical (NT) in nature.
Open to both men and women.
Duration: about 49 weeks.
After completion: Candidates are commissioned as officers in the Short Service Commission.
Key Points for Aspirants
PC (Permanent Commission): Long-term service till retirement.
SSC (Short Service Commission): Generally for 10 years, extendable to 14 years.
Merit + Medical fitness are crucial for final selection.
Each academy specializes in grooming officers for different branches of the Armed Forces.
