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The Combined Defence Services is the full form of the exam popularly known as the CDS exam. Coincidentally, CDS also stands for Chief of Defence Staff, which is the title of the Head of the Indian Armed Forces. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the UPSC CDS exam twice a year with the goal of recruiting candidates to various courses across the Indian Defence services.
In the Material Below, candidates can find a comprehensive list of details regarding the CDS exam, such as eligibility criteria, application form, exam dates, CDS salary and much more. Candidates are encouraged to read this article for information regarding the CDS exam. The CDS is a national-level exam and is generally conducted in the month of April and September. Candidates who clear the CDS are recruited for roles such as officer posts in IMA (Indian Military Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), AFA (Air Force Academy) and OTA (Officers Training Academy). There are three stages in the CDS Selection Process. The 3 stages in the selection process are the written exam, SSB Interview followed by the Medical Examination. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria of 2024 CDS can apply through the official UPSC website- upsc.gov.in.
Exam Name | Combined Defence Service |
Commonly known as | UPSC CDS Exam |
Frequency of the exam | Twice a year |
Conducted by | Union Public Service Commission |
Stages of the exam | Written Exam SSB Interview Medical Examination |
Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
CDS 1 Exam Dates
CDS 1 Events | CDS 1 Dates |
CDS 1 2024 Notification | December 20, 2023 |
CDS 1 2024 Application Form | December 20 to June 4, 2024 |
CDS 1 2024 Exam | April 21, 2024 |
CDS 2 Events | CDS 2 Dates |
CDS Notification 2024 | May 15, 2024 |
CDS 2 2024 Application Form | May 15, 2024 to June 4, 2024 |
CDS 2 2024 Exam | September 1, 2024 |
The eligibility criteria for CDS are divided into two sections - Nationality, Academic qualification, and age limit. Refer to the following table for the same.
Age Limit Criteria | Academic Qualification |
20-24 Years: Indian Military Academy (IMA) | IMA & OTA: Graduation Degree from a recognised University |
20-22 Years: Indian Naval Academy (INA) | INA: Graduation in B.Sc. with Physics & Mathematics or Bachelor of Engineering |
20-23 Years: Air Force Academy (AFA) | AFA: B.Sc. Graduate with Physics/Mathematics or Bachelor of Engineering |
20-25 Years: Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) |
UPSC releases the CDS 2024 notification twice a year. The notification dates and the CDS 2024 application form dates are the same. The notification consists of the important dates, eligibility criteria, steps to apply, CDS 2024 exam pattern, syllabus, and important instructions related to the exam in detail. It is mandatory to read the notification of CDS thoroughly before filling out the form.
Popular Online Competition Courses and Certifications:
The admit card of 2024 CDS is an important document that is mandatory for every candidate who is taking the exam. The admit card is issued by UPSC to those candidates who have successfully applied for CDS. If aspirants have made an error in filling up the application form, their candidature will be rejected and they will not be issued the UPSC CDS admit card. So it is important to fill out the UPSC NDA application form carefully and pay the application fee. The UPSC CDS 2024 admit card can be downloaded from the official website using the registration details and date of birth. The CDS admit card consists of all the important details like the candidate's name, roll number, registration number, exam centre address, reporting time, exam day guidelines etc. The UPSC CDS admit card 2024 has to be carried to the exam centre along with a valid ID proof to the exam centre.
Important - Check the Complete List of Full Forms
CDS exam is conducted across various exam centres in India. From the following table, aspirants can check the exam centres of 2024 CDS.
Agartala | Kochi |
Ahmedabad | Kohima |
Aizawl | Kolkata |
Bengaluru | Lucknow |
Bareilly | Madurai |
Bhopal | Mumbai |
Chandigarh | Nagpur |
Chennai | Panaji(GOA) |
Cuttack | Patna |
Dehradun | Port Blair |
Delhi | Prayagraj |
Dharwad | Raipur |
Dispur | Ranchi |
Gangtok | Sambalpur |
Hyderabad | Shillong |
Imphal | Shimla |
Itanagar | Srinagar |
Jaipur | Thiruvananthapuram |
Jammu | Tirupati |
Jorhat | Udaipur |
Visakhapatnam | -- |
CDS is one of the highest competitive exams in India. Just like NDA, CDS is the gateway for candidates who want to serve the nation by joining the Defence forces of India. The difficulty level of UPSC CDS 2024 is graduation as the minimum eligibility criteria is graduation only. Many aspirants join coaching institutes to prepare for CDS 2024 but there are a few more who also prepare from home by referring to the best 2024 CDS books etc. Here we have shared the CDS 2024 preparation tips for all the candidates who are planning to appear for the CDS exam.
Other exams conducted by UPSC:
The CDS 2024 answer key consists of all the answers to the questions asked in the exam. The unofficial answer key will be released by various coaching institutes on the day of the exam while the official answer key of CDS 2024 will be released on the official website of UPSC. Candidates preparing for the UPSC CDS exam can match the answer key along with the questions from the exam and spectate their chances of qualification.
UPSC will release the UPSC CDS 2024 result on the official website only. The result of 2024 CDS will be released after the exam is conducted in online mode. Candidates who qualify for the UPSC CDS exam as per the result will be able to appear for the next stage of the exam. The written exam CDS 2024 result is released in PDF format on the official website and has the academy wise roll numbers of all the shortlisted candidates.
The final merit list of CDS will be released after the complete recruitment process is over. The merit list of 2024 CDS is released in PDF format on the official website and has the academy-wise roll number and name of all the candidates who have qualified the exam and have been shortlisted for the CDS 2024 recruitment.
A CDS officer gets a starting salary of Rs 15600-39100.
As per the eligibility criteria of CDS, the academic qualification is graduation while the age limit for CDS is 20-25 years.
The basic difference between both these exams is the eligibility criteria, for NDA candidates the academic qualification is 10+2 while for CDS it is graduation. In NDA, only male candidates can apply and in CDS both male as well as female candidates can apply.
2024 CDS is conducted twice a year by UPSC.
CDS 2024 selection process has 3 stages - A written exam, the SSB interview as well as a Medical Exam.
The full form of the CDS exam is the Combined Defence Services Exam.
Application Date:11 December,2024 - 31 December,2024
Exam Date:19 December,2024 - 29 December,2024
Advertisement Date:25 April,2025 - 25 April,2025
Hi,
Yes, you can join the Indian Navy through the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam with a B.Sc. in Nautical Science (B.Sc. NM). The CDS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC ) twice a year for recruitment into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. find the eligibility criteria for CDS exam
Eligibility Criteria for Joining the Indian Navy via CDS:
Educational Qualification:
For the Indian Navy, you must have a B.Sc. in Nautical Science (B.Sc. NM) or any other relevant qualification.The typical qualification for the Indian Navy (Naval Academy) is a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, or a relevant field. B.Sc. NM fits this requirement.
Age Limit:
The age limit for the Indian Naval Academy (INA) through CDS is usually 19 to 22 years. However, please verify the current age criteria when applying
Nationality:
You must be an I ndian citizen or meet specific conditions or have migrated from specific countries
Physical and Medical Standards:
You need to meet the physical fitness standards set by the Indian Navy, which typically includes height, weight, eyesight, and overall health
Hello aspirant,
When applying to the Officers Training Academy, SSC Women enrolled in non-technical courses must be at least 25 years old to sit for the CDS exam.
Applicants must have finished their degree program or be taking the final test in order to sit for the CDS exam.
So if you fulfill this eligibility criteria, then you are eligible for CDS exam 2027.
Thank you
No, completing your college through dummy or non-regular means will not necessarily result in a negative impression during your SSB interview or screening process.
The SSB (Service Selection Board) assesses candidates based on various qualities such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and personality. While the mode of completing your college education may be considered, it is not the sole determining factor.
Here are some important points to keep in mind:
While completing your college through dummy or non-regular means may raise questions, it is not an automatic disqualification. If you can demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and potential, you can still successfully clear the SSB and be considered for selection.
It's important to focus on developing the qualities and skills that are valued by the SSB. By showcasing your abilities and potential, you can overcome any initial concerns related to your mode of education.
Hello aspirant,
On August 23, 2024, the Union Public Service Commission made the NDA 2 2024 admit card available on its official website, upsc.gov.in/upsconline.nic.in. The timeframe for editing NDA 2 2024 application forms was open until June 11, 2024. On June 5, 2024, the NDA rectification window opened. On June 4, 2024, the commission closed the NDA 2 2024 application form. On May 15, 2024, the UPSC NDA 2 2024 application form became available. Those who wish to take the NDA 2 2024 exam must confirm that they meet the requirements before applying. September 1, 2024 is the planned date of the UPSC NDA 2 exam.
To know complete information about admit card and exam you can visit our site by clicking on the link given below.
Thank you
Hello there,
Yes, you can apply for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) after completing your graduation in 2027, based on your date of birth, 29th November 2003. Here’s how your eligibility works out:
Eligibility Criteria for CDS IMA:
Age Limit:
For IMA, the candidate should be between 19 and 24 years old at the time of course commencement. Since you were born on 29th November 2003, you will be within the eligible age range for several years after your graduation.
Educational Qualification:
A degree from a recognized university or equivalent is required. Since you will complete your graduation in 2027, you will meet this qualification.
Application Timing:
The CDS exam is conducted twice a year. Depending on the exam you apply for, your eligibility will be determined by your age at the time of the course commencement, typically a few months after the exam.
Example Timeline:
If you apply for the CDS exam in 2027, the courses would typically start in 2028, and you would be 24 or under, fitting within the age limit.
Conclusion:
You are eligible to apply for the CDS exam for IMA as long as you apply before you turn 24. Make sure to check the specific age cutoff for the exact year you plan to apply.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
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