The CDS or Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice every year in the months of February (CDS I) and November (CDS II) for recruitment to the officer cadre of Air Force.

Unmarried male candidates for flying branch are selected through CDSE Entry scheme. These posts are offered through Permanent Commission under SSC.

Eligibility Criteria:
Nationality: Interested candidates must be citizens of India, Bhutan, Nepal or they may be:

A refugee from Tibet who has come to India before 1962
An Indian origin person migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia or Vietnam.

Age limits:
Candidates should be between 19 years and 23 years of age.

Educational Qualification:
Candidates should hold 3 years Graduation in any discipline from recognized Institute/ University.
Additionally, aspirants should have cleared 10 +2 level with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
BE/ B Tech (Four year course) passed candidates can also apply for this entry scheme.

Syllabus
CDS written exam has three different tests namely English, General Knowledge and Mathematics.

CDS Syllabus