Best Tips for Women to Crack CDS Exam: Subject-wise Tips, Eligibility Criteria

Combined Defence Services Exam 2025 ( CDS )

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Exam On: 13 Apr '25

Updated on Apr 27, 2023 12:57 IST

The best tips to crack the upcoming CDS 2 2023 exam for women have been discussed in the article. Check the eligibility criteria for women candidates for the Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS) 2023 in the article.

CSD Exam, CDS for Women, CDS 2  Exam, CDS 1 Exam

CDS Women Eligibility and Best Tips to Crack CDS

The Indian Government allowed women to appear in the CDS exam since 1992. However, the women were only allowed to apply for non-technical branches which are Medical Corps and Dental Corps. The table turned for women in 2008 when they were allowed to apply for other branches as well through the CDS OTA exam. This article discusses about the eligibility and tips to crack the CDS exam for women.  

CDSE stands for Combined Defence Services Exam and is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to recruit candidates for Indian Naval Academy (INA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Air Force Academy (IAFA), Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). After undergoing training in these armed forces academies, the candidates come out as commissioned officers for the armed forces. 

Q:   How many attempts are there for CDS exam?

A:
There is no attempt limit in the Combined Defence Services CDS exam. This exam is conducted twice a year, and you can appear any number of times after attaining the age of 19. However, there is an age limit in CDS which is as follows: 1. For the Indian Naval Academy, the maximum age limit is 22 years, up to which you can apply. 2. To apply to the Air Force Academy, the upper age limit is 23 years. 3. The maximum age at which you can apply for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) is 24. 4. If you want to apply for the Officers' Training Academy, the maximum age is 25 years. Therefore, you can apply for the CDS exam until you attain the maximum age of 25 years.

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria to appear for CDS exam?

A:
Hi Sarang, Educational qualification: Indian Military Academy/Officers' Training Academy: The candidates must possess a degree from a recognised university or equivalent. Indian Naval Academy: The candidates must possess a Bachelor of Engineering degree. Air Force Academy: The candidates must possess a degree of a recognised university with Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level or Bachelor of Engineering. Graduates with first choice as Army/Navy/Air Force are required to submit a proof of graduation provisional certificates on the date of commencement of the SSB interview at the SSB. For CDS exam, applicants can be from any stream but for entry to Air Force and Navy, candidates should have studied Physics and Maths up to Class 12. Candidates who are studying in the final year degree course and are yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply but they will be required to subject a proof of passing the degree examination. All the best.

Q:   How is age calculated in CDS?

A:

The age of candidate is calculated from the date of joining and not from the date of application. That is why the candidates are advised to add 10 to 12 months to reach min or maximum age limit criteria. However, UPSC releases the age limit criteria for the candidates along with the notification for the CDS exam. As per the notification for CDS 2 exam released the age limit limitations are mentioned below:
(i) For IMA—Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July, 2000 and not
later than 1st July, 2005 only are eligible.
(ii) For Indian Naval Academy—Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd
July, 2000 and not later than 1st July, 2005 only are eligible.
(iii) For Air Force Academy— 

  • 20 to 24 years as on 1st July, 2024 i.e. born not earlier than 2nd July, 2000 and not later than 1st July, 2004 (Upper age limit forcandidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs.
    i.e. born not earlier than 2nd July, 1998 and not later than 1st July, 2004 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 July, 1999 and not later than 1st July, 2005 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 July, 1999 and not later than 1st July, 2005.

Also Read: CDS 2 Admit Card 2023 Live Updates

Women who are aspiring to become commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces through CDS must go through the eligibility first to ensure they are fit to apply for the CDS exam. The eligibility criteria for the CDS exam for women have been discussed below in the article.  

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CDS Eligibility for Women  

The CDS eligibility for Women has been divided into five sections to understand the eligibility criteria better. The five sections for the CDS eligibility for women are: 

  • Age Limit Criteria  
  • Educational Qualification Criteria 
  • Marital Status 
  • Medical Eligibility  
  • Physical Eligibility  

Also Read: CDS Eligibility 2023

CDS Eligibility for Women: Age Limit Criteria 

The age limit criteria for the women have been given below for the candidates: 

  • The CDS lower age limit for women candidates is 18 years. The age calculation date for applying for the CDS exam is released with the CDS notification, the candidates are advised to go through the CDS notification before applying for the CDS exam.  
  • On the other hand, the CDS upper age limit for women is 24 years. The age calculation date for applying for the CDS exam is released with the notification, the candidates are advised to go through the CDS notification before applying for the CDS exam. 

CDS Eligibility for Women: Education Qualification  

The educational qualification for the CDS exam varies for different academies. The educational qualification for different academies has been given below: 

Q:   Can girls apply for the CDS exam?

A:
Yes, girls can apply for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam. The eligibility criteria for the CDS exam are the same for both male and female candidates. The following are the eligibility criteria for girls to apply for the CDS exam: Age Limit: Female candidates should be between 19 to 25 years of age as on 1st January or 1st July of the respective years (depending on the CDS exam they are applying for). Educational Qualifications: Female candidates should have a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution. Physical Standards: Female candidates should meet the prescribed physical standards for admission to the respective defence services. It is important to note that the CDS exam is highly competitive, and candidates, including girls, need to prepare well and perform their best in all the stages of the selection process to increase their chances of selection for admission to the respective defense academies. Therefore, girls who are interested in joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force can apply for the CDS exam if they meet the above-mentioned eligibility criteria and should prepare well to succeed in the exam.

Q:   Who is eligible to take the CDS exam?

A:

The minimum age limit for applying CDS exam is 19 years. Candidates must be graduate or appearing in the final year. B.Tech and BE candidates can apply for IMA, INA and AFA. The age limit criteria for CDS 1 exam have been given below for the candidates:

Indian Naval Academy: 19 to 24 years

Air Force Academy: 20 years to 24 years

Indian Military Academy: 19 to 24 years

Officers Training Academy (SSC Women Non Technical Course): 19 to 25 years 

Officers Training Academy (SSC Course for Men): 19 to 25 years

The candidates must note that if they don't fulfill the age limit and educational qualification criteria will not be able to appear in the CDS exam. 

Q:   Can girls apply for CDS exam?

A:
Yes, girls can apply for CDS exam. They are considered for OTA and are allotted to SSC (Short Service Commission) in the non-technical cadre. The SSC ends after 10 to 14 years of service. Further, the commissioned girls can apply for the permanent service after the approval of the board. The girls cannot be admitted in IMA, INA, and AFA through CDS exam. Though, the candidates can apply for the Indian Air Force as pilot or ground duty officers through the AFCAT exam.

Q:   What are the educational criteria to apply for CDS exam?

A:
The candidates who wants to appear for the CDS exam must fulfill the eligibility criteria of the CDS exam. The candidates who did not fulfill the eligibility criteria of the CDS exam will not be allowed to fill out the application for the CDS exam. The educational criteria for the CDS exam have been given below for the candidates Indian Military Academy: Graduation Degree Indian Naval Academy: B.E and B.Tech (Intermediate with Physics and Maths Air Force Academy: Graduation, B.E and B.Tech (Intermediate with Physics and Maths Officers Training Academy (Men): Graduation Degree Officers Training Academy (Women): Graduation Degree.
  • Educational Qualification for OTA: Degree from a recognized university or equivalent 

CDS Eligibility for Women: Marital Status  

The women's and men's marital status is considered while recruiting the candidates in the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The CDS women marital status criteria have been discussed below for women: 

  • The women candidates must be unmarried to apply for the CDS OTA exam. However, the candidates who are divorcees or widows and not remarried can apply for the CDS exam, If they fulfil the other eligibility criteria.

Also Read: CDS Answer Key 2023 

CDS Eligibility for Women: Medical Fitness 

The women who are willing to apply for the CDS OTA exam must be in a well mental and medical state to perform their duties without in hinder. The CDS medical fitness are assessed on the basis of the points enlisted below: 

  • Condition of Overweight/Underweight 
  • Under Sized Chest 
  • Piles 
  • Wax (Ears) 
  • Deviated Nasal Septum 
  • Tonsillitis 
  • Gynaecomastia 
  • Varicocele 
  • Hydrocele / Phimosis 

CDS Eligibility for Women: Physical Eligibility 

Physical eligibility is considered one of the most hindered points for the candidates. The candidates must go through the physical fitness eligibility criteria before applying for the CDS exam. The physical fitness eligibility has been discussed below for the women candidates: 

Height and Weight Standards for Women 

Height and Weight Standards (Females) 

Height in Centimetres (Without shoes) 

Weight in Kgs. 

  

20 years 

25 years 

30 years 

148 

39 

41 

43 

150 

40 

42 

43.5 

153 

42 

43.5 

45 

155 

43 

44 

46 

158 

45 

46 

48 

160 

46 

47 

49 

163 

47 

49 

51 

165 

49 

51 

53 

168 

50 

52 

54 

Visual Parameters for Female Candidates 

The women applying for the CDS OTA exam must go through the visual parameters before applying for the CDs exam. The visual parameters have been discussed below for the candidates: 

Visual Parameters 

Vision Standards for the women candidates have been discussed below:

Uncorrected without glasses 

6/12, 6/12 

Corrected with glasses 

6/6, 6/6 

Limits of Myopia 

-1.5D 

Limits of Hypermetropia 

1.5D 

Binocular Vision 

III 

Limits of Colour Perception 

 If the women candidates fulfil the eligibility criteria for the CSD exam, then they must start preparing for the CDS exam and the best to tips crack the CDS OTA exam have been given below for the women candidates in the article. 

Best tips to crack the CDS exam for Women 

Women aspirants who want to become commissioned officers must start preparing for the CDS exam and the best tips to qualify for the CDS exam have been given below for women: 

  • Go through the syllabus for the CDS exam: Before start preparing for the CDS exam, the candidates must go through the CDS syllabus to know the topics and areas to prepare. The CDS OTA syllabus comprises topics from General Awareness and English. The women candidates must keep track of the current events in defence to put less effort later in the preparation.  
  • Know the CDS Exam Pattern: The exam pattern plays a vital role while preparing for the CDS exam as it helps the candidates to know about the various sections of the question paper, weightage given to the topics and sections 
  • Solve CDS Previous Years’ Question Papers: The candidates must solve the previous years’ question papers to check their preparation’s depth and the repetition of questions that can be asked in the exam again  
  • Focus on CDS English: The women candidates must focus on the English section to qualify for the CDS OTA exam. To upgrade the level of English for the CDS exam the candidates are advised to read the reputed English newspapers, magazines, books, etc.  
  • Focus on CDS General Awareness: Keep track of current events related to defence, world economic affairs, Geo-Politics, etc. These topics will help you to secure maximum marks in the CDS exam.  

These are the best tips to crack the CDS exam for women. Following the best tips, women candidates can enhance their level of preparation for the CDS exam. We hope that it might help in your preparation. Best of Luck! 

Read More: CDS Application 2023

CDS Preparation 2023 FAQs

Q: When will the CDS 2 application form be released?

A: The CDS 2 application will be released on May 17, 2023. The candidates will be able to fill out the application form after registering themselves on the UPSC OTR portal. The CDS 2 application form window will remain open for a month from May 17 to June 6, 2023. However, the CDS 2 exam will be taken on September 3, 2023. 

Q: When should I start preparing for CDS exam?

A: The candidates who want to qualify for the CDS exam must start preparing from the twelfth standard. The  CDS exam is one of the toughest exams in India. The candidates must start revising the syllabus for CDS exam 6 months before the exam to qualify for the CDS exam.

Q: How many CDS mock tests should I solve?

A: Candidates must solve atleast two CDS mock tests daily after completion of the syllabus. The mock test will give idea of the exam pattern, sections and repeated questions in the CDS exam. However, the candidates must solve the previous year's question papers along with the CDS mock tests.

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Answered Yesterday

If you have completed Part I and Part II of the application form for UPSC CDS and also paid, but are not able to select an exam center, then there are a few things you can do;

Check your Form:

Ensure that each required section is filled in appropriately in both parts of the application form.
Sometimes,

...more

23637249
Ujjwal Gupta

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 5 days ago

CDS 1 2025 application form correction window is available now. The authority extended the last date to apply for the CDS 1 2025. The last date to apply for CDS 1 2025 was January 1, 2025.

G

Gunjan Majumder

Beginner-Level 1

Answered a week ago

Your sister can surely give the CDS exam. Since she is class 12 and studying Biology, she needs to complete her graduation first, as CDS exam requires candidates to be a graduate from any recognised university.

K

Khushi Gupta

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Any OBC girl is free to apply for the CDS-I examination under reservation benefits extended by the government.

The eligibility of OBCs, including girls, is similar to that of general categories regarding age and educational qualifications. However, here his age limit has been relaxed and certain seat

...more

U

Udaya Bhaskar rao

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

You would be eligible to take the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in April 2025 if you were between the ages of 20 and 24 on January 1, 2025. You would be 24 years old in December 2024 because your birthday is December 15, 2000, hence you would be eligible to apply for the CDS exam in April 2

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Kritika Kumari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The Union Public Service Commission released the CDS examination 2025 approximate number of vacancies. It is around 457 vacancies will be announced for various defence services.

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates can download the UPSC CDS 1 2025 recommended marks by following the steps given below:

  • Go to the official website 
  • Click on the CDS 1 2025 recommended marks link 
  • Click on the PDF link 
  • The CDS 1 2025 recommended marks PDF will appear on the screen 
  • Download the CDS 1 2025 marks and save it fo

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Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The CDS exam requires in depth knowledge and clarity of concepts or conceptual clarity. So, regular solving of mock tests of the CDS exam is essential. It provides an additional advantage that a candidate requires to succeed in the exam. It also helps to test the preparation level and evaluate the p

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S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The CDS exam is conducted twice a year for admission to IMA, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. Basically, it works as a tool for students to prepare for an upcoming exam. Candidate will get an idea of the actual examination. Mock tests make candidates realise their mistakes that must be t

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S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The candidates who will qualify for the CDS 2 result in 2025 will proceed to the SSB interview. The CDS 2 result 2025 will be released on the official website. Basically, the result PDF, cut-off marks, and the final merit-list will guide candidates on their next steps, mainly for the SSB interview r

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Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10