How to Become a Defence Officer: NDA, CDS & AFCAT Explained
The routes to becoming an officer in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force — NDA after 12th, CDS after graduation, AFCAT for the Air Force, and the SSB interview.
Becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces is a respected and challenging career. The entry route depends on your education stage — after 12th or after graduation.
The main entry routes
| Exam | Stage | For |
|---|---|---|
| NDA | After 12th | Army, Navy, Air Force (National Defence Academy) |
| CDS | After graduation | IMA, INA, AFA & Officers Training Academy |
| AFCAT | After graduation | Indian Air Force (flying & ground duty) |
The NDA and CDS exams are conducted by UPSC — see our UPSC page and defence sector page.
Route 1: NDA (after 12th)
- Eligibility: unmarried candidates; age roughly 16.5–19.5 years; 12th pass (with Physics & Maths for Navy/Air Force).
- Selection: UPSC written exam (Maths + General Ability) → SSB Interview → medical.
Route 2: CDS (after graduation)
- Eligibility: a graduate degree (specific streams for technical entries); age bands vary by academy.
- Selection: UPSC written exam → SSB Interview → medical.
Route 3: AFCAT (Air Force)
- For graduates seeking flying and ground-duty branches in the IAF.
- Selection: AFCAT written test → AFSB Interview → medical.
The SSB Interview
All officer routes converge on the 5-day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview — psychological tests, group tasks and a personal interview. It tests Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs), not just knowledge.
How to prepare
- Written exam: Maths, English, General Knowledge and reasoning.
- SSB: practise group discussions, situation reaction, and physical fitness.
- Fitness & medical: stay within prescribed standards from the start.
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