UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) & NDA: Pathways to Commissioned Ranks
Looking for the official UPSC CDS 2026 eligibility criteria, UPSC OTR photo rules, and exact SSB interview guidelines? With hundreds of commissioned officer vacancies across the Indian Armed Forces, this comprehensive candidate handbook breaks down everything you need to know about applying on upsconline.nic.in and succeeding at the Services Selection Board (SSB).
The Union Public Service Commission conducts CDS and NDA to train young officers for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. If you are preparing documents for other competitive recruitments, explore our Live Government Jobs Directory.
⚡ Defence Academies & Commission Types
- IMA Dehradun (CDS): Permanent Commission (Army) | Age: 19–24 | Degree in any discipline
- INA Ezhimala (CDS): Permanent Commission (Navy) | Age: 19–24 | Engineering Degree
- AFA Dundigal (CDS): Permanent Commission (Air Force) | Age: 20–24 | Degree with Physics & Maths
- OTA Chennai (CDS): Short Service Commission (Army) | Age: 19–25 | Male & Female candidates
Written Examination Blueprint & Marking Scheme
For IMA, INA, and AFA, the examination comprises three 2-hour papers (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics) carrying 100 marks each (300 total). For OTA, candidates appear ONLY for English and General Knowledge (200 total marks). Negative marking is 1/3rd (0.33 marks).
| Subject Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Qualifying Benchmark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 100 | 2 Hours | Min 20% Sectional Cutoff |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 Hours | Min 20% Sectional Cutoff |
| Elementary Mathematics (Not for OTA) | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours | Min 20% Sectional Cutoff |
⚠️ Critical Application Rejection Traps to Avoid
Over 15% of online recruitment applications are rejected during preliminary scrutiny due to non-compliant digital uploads. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Spectacles / Caps: Wearing glasses, tinted sunglasses, or caps obscures biometrics.
- Block Letter Signature: Signing in ALL CAPITAL letters causes immediate disqualification.
- Blurred Thumb / Details: Smudged ink or low DPI leads to automated portal rejection.
- Exceeding File Size Bounds: Uploading files outside the strict KB range fails verification.
UPSC OTR Document Upload Rules: 10-Day Photo & Signature Standards
UPSC enforces strict digital scrutiny on its One Time Registration (OTR) portal. Deviation from the 10-day recency rule results in application cancellation.
UPSC OTR Photograph Rules: Name & Date Imprint
- 10-Day Recency: The photo must be captured within 10 days of online form submission.
- Printed Name & Date: Candidate's full name and the exact photo capture date must be printed in bold at the bottom.
- File Boundaries: Square 1:1 aspect ratio (350×350 to 1000×1000 px), 20 KB to 300 KB JPG.
UPSC Scanned Signature Specifications
- Black Ballpoint Ink: Signed on clean white unruled paper.
- Square Aspect Ratio: 350×350 to 1000×1000 pixels with file size between 20 KB and 300 KB.
Prepare UPSC Defense Documents Instantly
Format your photo with name/date imprint and resize signatures to 20-300 KB using our dedicated UPSC Signature Resizer Tool or Passport Photo Resizer.
SSB Interview Preparation & Daily Routine
Written score gets you to the SSB, but Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) decide your recommendation. Dedicate daily time to newspaper editorial analysis, physical running (2.4 km in under 12 minutes), and group discussion public speaking practice.
Prepare Your UPSC CDS & NDA II 2026 Documents in Seconds
Resize your photo, signature, and certificates to exact official portal specifications for free.
Share this Official Exam Guide with Aspirants & Study Groups
Help fellow candidates avoid application rejections on official exam portals.
Frequently Asked Questions (11 Clarified)
Use the official sources referenced in this article to confirm current requirements.
Q1 What is the UPSC 10-day-old photo rule with name and date?
Q2 What are the age limits and educational criteria for CDS entries?
Q3 Are female candidates eligible for UPSC CDS and NDA II?
Q4 What is the written exam pattern differences between IMA/INA/AFA and OTA?
Q5 What are the visual acuity, spectacles, and LASIK standards for Defence?
Q6 What is the 5-day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview procedure?
Q7 What is the negative marking deduction rule in UPSC CDS?
Q8 What medical conditions lead to permanent rejection during defence medicals?
Q9 What is the training duration and monthly stipend at IMA, AFA, and OTA?
Q10 What is the starting salary and allowances of a newly commissioned Lieutenant?
Q11 Can I clear UPSC CDS & NDA II 2026 on my first attempt?
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Resize Documents for UPSC (IAS, NDA, CDS, CMS, IES)
Official Specs: 350×350 px (3.5×3.5 cm), file size strictly 20 to 300 KB (Black Ink Only).