Career guidance › After a bachelor's degree
Defence officer entries (CDS, AFCAT, technical entry)
Competitive exam
Graduates can join the armed forces as officers through the Combined Defence Services exam and the Air Force common admission test, followed by SSB interviews.
Who can join
A bachelor's degree. Age limits and subject needs differ by entry.
Courses and options inside this path
- CDS (UPSC)
- AFCAT
- Technical graduate entries
Entrance exams and entry routes
What you can do after this
- Commissioned officer in Army, Navy or Air Force
Next steps
- Read the CDS and AFCAT notifications.
- Work on fitness and on the SSB interview skills.
Official links
Fees change every year and differ by college and state, so they are not listed here. Check the fee structure on the official admission site before you decide. Career guidance on this page is general information compiled from official sources and is not a substitute for the official notification of an exam, college or scheme. Dates, eligibility and fees change every year. Always confirm on the official link before you pay or apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is Defence officer entries (CDS, AFCAT, technical entry)?
Graduates can join the armed forces as officers through the Combined Defence Services exam and the Air Force common admission test, followed by SSB interviews.
Who can join Defence officer entries (CDS, AFCAT, technical entry)?
A bachelor's degree. Age limits and subject needs differ by entry.
Which exams or entry routes are used for Defence officer entries (CDS, AFCAT, technical entry)?
CDS by UPSC; AFCAT. Always confirm dates and rules on the official website.
What can you do after Defence officer entries (CDS, AFCAT, technical entry)?
Commissioned officer in Army, Navy or Air Force.