Combined Defence Services Examination Practice Test
Build your confidence for Combined Defence Services Examination. Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.
Try a sample questionExam overview and details
The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) is a premier national-level competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). This rigorous selection process is the primary gateway for graduates to commission as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Successfully clearing the CDSE and subsequent Service Selection Board (SSB) interview confers a prestigious commission, placing candidates into a distinguished career of leadership, service, and national responsibility. The certification validates not only intellectual aptitude in General Knowledge, English, and Elementary Mathematics but also the foundational officer-like qualities essential for a military career. It represents the first critical step in a transformative journey from civilian life to a role of command and honor within one of the world's most respected armed forces.
Sample Questions
Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.
Identify the part with error: "One of my friends (A) / who lives in Pune (B) / are coming to visit (C) / no error (D)."
The Chief Justice of India is appointed by:
Aditya-L1 mission is associated with the study of:
Choose the word opposite in meaning to GREGARIOUS.
Which of Newton's laws is also known as the law of inertia?
Exam insights and study advice
Clearing the CDSE is a non-negotiable prerequisite for a permanent commission in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through the graduate entry scheme. It matters because it is the definitive filter for identifying individuals with the academic competence, mental agility, and leadership potential required of an armed forces officer. This examination carries immense weight in the defense ecosystem, as it directly influences the quality of the officer cadre. For a candidate, success translates into unparalleled career impact-offering a stable, respected, and challenging profession with early command responsibilities, opportunities for advanced training in India and abroad, and a life dedicated to national service. The industry recognition is absolute; an officer's commission earned through the CDSE is a badge of honor and capability recognized across all sectors, both during service and in subsequent civilian careers.
Recommended
These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.
What this exam covers
Use the published domain weights to plan your study. Practice results do not predict your certification exam score.