CDS (Combined Defence Services)

The CDS (Combined Defence Services) Regular Programme at Minerva Defence Institute is designed to prepare candidates for the UPSC CDS Examination, enabling them to secure entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy.

1. Comprehensive Coverage:
   • Syllabus includes subjects like English, General Knowledge (GK), and Mathematics (for IMA/NA/AFA aspirants).
   • Focus on concept clarity and problem-solving skills.
2. Expert Faculty:
   • Highly qualified instructors with defence backgrounds and years of teaching experience.
3. Regular Classes & Doubt Sessions:
   • Structured classroom sessions for in-depth learning.
   • Doubt-clearing sessions for improved understanding and confidence building.
4. Mock Tests and Practice Papers:
   • Weekly mock tests
   • Detailed analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses.
5. Physical & Personality Development:
   • Emphasis on fitness, communication skills, and interview preparation (SSB).
6. Study Materials:
   • Well-researched notes, practice questions, and previous years' papers are provided.

For IMA—Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd JAN, 2002 and not later than 1st JAN, 2007 only are eligible.

(ii) For Indian Naval Academy—Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd JAN, 2002 and not later than 1st JAN, 2007 only are eligible.

(iii) For Air Force Academy—

Age : 20 to 24 years as on 1st January, 2026 I (born not earlier than 2nd January, 2002 and not later than 1st Jan, 2006) (

Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 2nd Jan, 2000 and not later than 1st Jan, 2006 only are eligible.

Note: Candidate below 25 years of age must be unmarried. Marriage is not permitted during training. Married candidates above 25 years of age are eligible to apply but during training period they will neither be provided married accommodation nor can they live with family out of the premises.

(iv) For Officers’ Training Academy—(SSC Course for men) unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2001 and not later than 1st Jan, 2007 only are eligible.

(v) For Officers’ Training Academy—(SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2nd Jan, 2001 and not later than 1st Jan, 2007.

Educational Qualification

(i) For I.M.A. and “Officers Training Academy”, Chennai — Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.

(ii) For Indian Naval Academy— Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution

(iii) For Air Force Academy—Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

Graduates with first choice as Army/Navy/Air Force are to submit proof of Graduation/provisional certificates on the date of commencement of the SSB Interview at the SSB.

Candidates who are studying in the final year/semester Degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply provided candidate should not have any present backlog upto the last semester / year for which results have been declared upto the time of submission of application and they will be required to submit proof of passing the degree examination at the time of commencement of course to reach the IHQ of MoD (Army), Rtg ‘A’, CDSE Entry, West Block III, R. K. Puram, New Delhi-110066