Defense exams are competitive exams conducted to recruit candidates for various positions in the Indian Armed Forces, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and other defense organizations. These exams are essential for individuals seeking a career in India's defense services, which includes roles such as officers, soldiers, and technical staff. The exams are rigorous and test the candidates' abilities in various subjects such as general knowledge, reasoning, mathematics, and science, along with physical fitness and mental aptitude. Successful candidates from these exams are inducted into various branches of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Joining the defense services is considered a prestigious career option as it provides opportunities to serve the nation and offers various perks and benefits.
CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam Pattern
Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the CDS exam is for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). It tests candidates’ knowledge in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Successful candidates join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, or OTA based on their performance and choice.
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total | 340 | 300 | 6 hours |
NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam Pattern
The NDA exam, also conducted by the UPSC, recruits candidates for the National Defence Academy, which trains officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exam tests candidates in subjects like Mathematics and General Ability. It is open to male candidates after they complete their 12th grade.
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| General Ability Test | 150 | 600 | 2.5 hours |
| Total | 270 | 900 | 5 hours |
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Exam Pattern
Conducted by the Indian Air Force, the AFCAT is a national-level exam for recruitment into various branches of the Air Force, including Flying, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical), and Meteorology. AFCAT tests candidates in General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning.
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 2 hours |
| Verbal Ability in English | 25 | 75 | 2 hours |
| Numerical Ability | 18 | 54 | 2 hours |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude | 32 | 96 | 2 hours |
| Total | 100 | 300 | 2 hours |
SSC GD Constable Exam Pattern
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the GD Constable exam for recruiting candidates to the General Duty posts in various paramilitary forces such as the BSF, CRPF, CISF, and ITBP. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions from General Intelligence, General Knowledge, Mathematics, and English.
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 1 hour |
| General Knowledge and Awareness | 25 | 25 | 1 hour |
| Elementary Mathematics | 25 | 25 | 1 hour |
| English/Hindi | 25 | 25 | 1 hour |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
Air Force Agniveer X and Y Group Exam Pattern
The Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Agniveer exam for recruitment of Airmen in two groups: X (Technical) and Y (Non-Technical). The exam assesses candidates on subjects like English, Mathematics, Physics, and General Knowledge. Successful candidates are selected for various positions based on the group they apply for.
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 20 | 20 | 60 minutes |
| Mathematics (X Group) | 25 | 25 | 35 minutes |
| General Knowledge | 25 | 25 | 20 minutes |
| Physics (X Group) | 25 | 25 | 35 minutes |
| Total | 95 | 95 | 1 hour 35 minutes |
Navy Agniveer SSR and AA Exam Pattern
The Indian Navy conducts the Agniveer exams for recruitment of sailors in two categories: SSR (Senior Secondary Recruit) and AA (Artificer Apprentice). The exam tests candidates on General Knowledge, English, Mathematics, and Science (Physics and Chemistry). It is open to candidates who have completed their 12th grade.
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 25 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| English | 25 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Science (Physics, Chemistry) | 25 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Navy MR (Matric Recruitment) Exam Pattern
The Navy MR exam is conducted for the recruitment of sailors in the Indian Navy at the matriculation level. It includes General Knowledge, English, Mathematics, and Science as its subjects. The exam is designed for candidates who have passed their 10th grade and wish to join the Navy as sailors.
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 25 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| English | 25 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Science | 25 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Indian Coast Guard Exam Pattern
The Indian Coast Guard conducts exams for various positions such as Navik (General Duty), Navik (Domestic Branch), and Yantrik (Technical). The exam consists of subjects like General Knowledge, English, Mathematics, and Science. The Coast Guard offers an opportunity to serve in maritime security and defense.
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 25 | 25 | 20 minutes |
| English | 25 | 25 | 20 minutes |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | 20 minutes |
| Science | 25 | 25 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour 30 minutes |