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CDS Full Form - What is the Full form of CDS Exam?
Edited By Soujanya K | Updated on May 07, 2024 12:47 PM IST | #CDS
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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.
This Story also Contains
- CDS Full Form Overview
- CDS Exam Dates 2024
- CDS Eligibility Criteria 2024
- CDS Admit Card 2024
- CDS Exam Centre 2024
- CDS Answer Key 2024
- CDS Result 2024
- CDS Final Merit
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.
CDS Full Form Overview
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 Exam Dates 2024
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 Exam Dates
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 |
CDS Eligibility Criteria 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.
Eligibility Criteria of CDS 2024
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) |
CDS Notification and Application 2024
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:
CDS Admit Card 2024
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 Centre 2024
CDS exam is conducted across various exam centres in India. From the following table, aspirants can check the exam centres of 2024 CDS.
CDS Exam Centres
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 | -- |
How to Prepare for CDS?
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:
CDS Answer Key 2024
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.
CDS Result 2024
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.
CDS Final Merit
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the salary of a CDS officer?
A CDS officer gets a starting salary of Rs 15600-39100.
2. What is the eligibility criteria to apply for CDS?
As per the eligibility criteria of CDS, the academic qualification is graduation while the age limit for CDS is 20-25 years.
3. What is the difference between the NDA and CDS exam?
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.
4. What is the frequency of the CDS exam?
2024 CDS is conducted twice a year by UPSC.
5. What is the CDS selection process?
CDS 2024 selection process has 3 stages - A written exam, the SSB interview as well as a Medical Exam.
6. What is the full form of CDS?
The full form of the CDS exam is the Combined Defence Services Exam.
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Have a question related to CDS ?
Hello,
To determine how many attempts you have for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), we need to consider the age criteria and your graduation timeline.
Age Criteria for IMA through CDS
Age Limit: 19 to 24 years as of 1st January or 1st July of the year in which the course commences
For example, if the course starts in January 2029, your date of birth should fall between 2nd January 2005 and 1st January 2009.
Your Cas
Date of Birth: 27th February 2004.
Graduation Completion: July 2028.
You will turn 24 on 27th February 2028, which means you will be eligible for CDS exams for IMA entry till the batch commencing in January 2029.
Exam Timeline
The CDS exam is conducted twice a year (usually in February and September
CDS Exam Attempts Available:
CDS 2, 2027: For the course starting in July 2028.
CDS 1, 2028: For the course starting in January 2029.
Total Attempts:
You have 2 attempts left to apply for the IMA through the CDS exam.
Sanjana 19 January,2025
Hello
You can attempt the CDS Exam For IMA until you are 24 years old.
Since your DOB is 27th February 2004 , you will be eligible to take the exam until February 2028 . This gives you attempts in CDS exams until 2027 ( the exam happens twice a year) . After you turn 24, you won't be eligible for IMA through CDS.
Hope this helps you .
Thank you
Mitali Sharma 19 January,2025
Hello Swastika,
Yes, as a student of a 5-year integrated law course , you can be eligible for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam at the end of your 4th year , provided you meet the following criteria:
-
Educational Qualification : For the Indian Army wing, you must have completed your graduation or be in the final year of your degree course. Since you are pursuing a 5-year integrated law course, you will be eligible to apply once you have completed the 4th year (which would make you eligible for the CDS exam, as per the graduation requirement).
-
Age Limit : Ensure that you meet the age criteria for the CDS exam. For the Indian Army wing, the age limit is typically 19 to 24 years .
-
SSB Interview : If you qualify for the CDS written exam , you will be called for the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. Your eligibility for the SSB will depend on successfully clearing the written exam and meeting the medical fitness and other criteria.
Since you are pursuing a law degree, you can appear for the
Indian Army
wing of the CDS exam. Make sure you meet the age and qualification requirements by the time you appear for the exam.
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.
kumardurgesh1802 29 December,2024
Hello aspirant,
The CDS 1 & 2 exam 2025 notification dates have already been released by the authority. Applications for CDS 1 2025 must be submitted by December 31, 2024. The date of the 2025 CDS 1 exam is April 13, 2025.
On December 11, 2024, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) published the notification for NDA 1 2025. From December 11 until December 31, 2024, NDA 1 application form 2025 will be accessible. On April 13, 2025, the NDA 1 2025 written test will take place.
Both the exams will be conducted on April 13, 2025.
Thank you
Hope it helps you
Sajal Trivedi 28 December,2024
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
pavani lekkala 15 December,2024
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