The selection procedure of the candidates for the training programme of different Indian Defence Academies through of Combined Define Services Examinations includes an Interview and Special Tests, apart from the written tests. Candidates, who qualify the written test, undergo interview and a series of intelligence and personality tests.

Personality tests for CDS Exam

Situation Reaction Test (SRT)

- Sixty situations are given and the candidate is required to answer the reactions within 30 minutes.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

A set of 12 pictures are shown and the candidate is required to write a story in 3 minute for each picture.

Word Association Test (WAT)

Sixty words are projected and the candidate is required to make a sentence, in 15 seconds for each word.

Group test

Group Test is conducted in batches of 8-10 candidates. The test consists of group planning, group discussion, outdoor group tasks. The candidates are asked to take lectures on certain topics.

Physical Tests for CDS Exam

Candidates those who are recommended by the Services Selection Board must undergo a medical examination by the Board of Service Medical Officers, and are allowed to go for the training programs only after being declared fit by the medical board.