Combined Defence Services Examination Practice Test

For IMA and OTA (Men): A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university. For INA: A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) or a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) with Physics & Mathematics. For AFA: A Bachelor's degree (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a B.E./B.Tech. For OTA (Women): A Bachelor's degree. Specific percentage requirements and eligible streams are detailed in the official UPSC notification, which must be consulted for authoritative information.

The final selection is not based solely on the written examination. Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which includes psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview. The final merit list is prepared by combining the marks of the written examination (for qualifying purposes only at this stage) with the marks awarded by the SSB. The SSB score is the primary determinant, and candidates are recommended for commission based on overall SSB performance and medical fitness.

Age limits vary: IMA (19-24 years), INA (19-22 years), AFA (20-24 years), OTA (Men: 19-25 years), OTA (Women: 19-25 years). The number of attempts is restricted: two attempts for INA/AFA and three for IMA/OTA. Age is calculated as of the first day of the month in which the course is due to commence. Official notifications provide precise, binding details, and age relaxations exist for specific categories as per government norms.

Yes, final-year degree course students can apply for the examination, provided they submit proof of passing the requisite degree examination by a specified date announced by the UPSC in the notification for the particular course. Failure to produce the required proof by the deadline will render the candidate ineligible, even if they have cleared subsequent stages.

The written exam comprises three papers: English (100 marks, 2 hours), General Knowledge (100 marks, 2 hours), and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks, 2 hours). For OTA entry, only English and General Knowledge are required. The papers are objective-type (multiple choice questions). There is a penalty for incorrect answers (negative marking), with one-third of the marks assigned to a question deducted for a wrong answer.