The Combined Defence Services exam, commonly known as CDS, is conducted biannually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for commissioning cadets into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Indian Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. The candidates have to go through an interview round which stretches for a period of 5-6 days. Irrespective of the wing the candidates have applied for, this is a mandatory stage for selecting candidates. The candidates are called by the SSB board, who asks them CDS interview questions if they have acquired marks equivalent to the cut-off or more. Relevant information about the important questions asked in the SSB interview is discussed in this article.
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CDS Exam Selection Process
The candidates preparing for the CDS exam must understand the selection process of the exam well. All the applicants have to clear their written test to proceed with the next stage, that is, the SSB interview. The selection procedure of the UPSC CDS exam 2025 is divided into four stages, as discussed below:
- Written Exam
- SSB Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Check out the CDS Selection Process here!
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CDS Exam Eligibility Criteria
The candidates applying for the CDS exam 2025 for recruitment into various posts have to fulfill a set of eligibility criteria based on parameters such as nationality, age and educational qualification. The details about the same has been discussed below:
Check out CDS previous year papers to boost your exam preparation.
Nationality
The candidates appearing for CDS exam 2023 must meet the nationality eligibility criteria to apply for the exam. To be eligible for the CDS exam, a candidate must be either of the following:
- A citizen of India.
- A subject of Nepal.
- A subject of Bhutan.
- A Tibetan refugee who had migrated to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of Permanent Settle.
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, Zaire & Vietnam to permanently settle in India.
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Age & Marital Status
The aspiring candidates for the CDS exam 2023 must fulfill the eligibility criteria based on the parameters of their age and marital status. Discussed below are the eligibility criteria for the posts under Combined Defence Services.
| Sr. No. | Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Gender | Marital Status |
| 1 | Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 20 | 24 | Male | Unmarried |
| 2 | Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 20 | 24 | Male | Unmarried |
| 3 | Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 | 24 | Male | Unmarried & Married |
| 4 | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | 20 | 24 | Male & Female | Unmarried |
Educational Qualification
The candidates applying for CDS exam 2023 must possess the required educational degree from a recognized university. The educational qualification eligibility criteria for the different post of CDS are discussed in the table below:
| Sr. No. | Post | Educational Qualification |
| 1 | Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Graduation degree from a recognised university. |
| 2 | Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Graduation in B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics or Bachelor of Engineering from a recognised university. |
| 3 | Air Force Academy (AFA) | Graduation in B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics or Bachelor of Engineering from a recognised university. |
| 4 | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | Graduation degree from a recognised university. |
Check out the CDS Eligibility Criteria here!
CDS Interview Questions: Important Questions Asked in SSB Interview
The candidates who have cleared the CDS written exam are selected for a CDS interview conducted by the SSB board, which is taken by a senior officer or the president of the board. The interview is conducted for 35-40 minutes where the candidates are in direct conversation with the interviewing officer. This interview is conducted on the basis of the Personnel Information Questionnaire (PIQ) form that is filled by the candidate on their arrival for the interview.
Given below is a list of important questions asked in SSB interview:
- Tell us something about yourself.
- Tell us your educational qualification.
- Why do you wish to join the defence force?
- What is the profession of your parents?
- Why do you want to be an Officer if you are currently serving as a soldier?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years in CDS?
- What knowledge do you have of our services in CDS?
- How did you prepare for SSB?
- What if you get rejected this time?
- Where do you think you lacked in the previous SSB attempt?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What are your future plans?
- What improvements did you make since the last time to ensure that you get selected this time?
- Do you have NCC knowledge?
Apart from these, the candidate must prepare themselves for questions from the syllabus for their written exam, with more focus on current affairs.
If you are preparing for UPSC CDS, check out sample UPSC Questions here!
Preparation Tips for CDS Interview Questions
The CDS interview is a five-six day process based on the post the candidate has applied for. It normally takes five days for IMA, OTA, and INA and six days for AFA. This interview commonly known as SSB has different types of tests to judge a person’s personality. Aspiring candidates can follow the tips given below to help with their preparation:
- Read newspapers and watch the news bulletin everyday to keep a stronger hold on the current affairs.
- Have a thorough knowledge on the historical and political background of your native place.
- Keep yourselves well-versed with the syllabus for your written exam, which is based on the 10+2 syllabus.
- Eat well and sleep on time because mental and physical fitness is an important aspect to look after while preparing for the SSB interview.
- Speak clearly and confidently because you will be judged on the basis of your oratory skills too.
We hope this article was helpful in resolving all your queries about the SSB interview of the CDS exam. Download our Testbook app to be able to access mock-test series, previous years’ papers, and study materials for your exam.
For details on the UPSC CDS Apply Online, refer to the linked article.
Related Links
-> The UPSC CDS 2 Registration Date has been extended at upsconline.gov.in. for 453 vacancies.
-> Candidates can now apply online till 20th June 2025.
-> The CDS 2 Exam will be held on 14th September 2025.
-> Attempt UPSC CDS Free Mock Test to boost your score.
-> The selection process includes Written Examination, SSB Interview, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
-> Refer to the CDS Previous Year Papers to enhance your preparation.