UPSC CDS-II Exam 2024 Notification

UPSC CDS-II Exam 2024

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-II) for 2024. This exam is conducted twice a year to recruit officers into the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates applying for CDS-II must meet specific eligibility criteria depending on the academy they are applying for:

  • Indian Military Academy (IMA): A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
  • Indian Naval Academy (INA): A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
  • Air Force Academy (AFA): A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.
  • Officers Training Academy (OTA): A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.

The age criteria vary for each academy:

  • IMA: Unmarried male candidates between 19 to 24 years.
  • INA: Unmarried male candidates between 19 to 22 years.
  • AFA: 20 to 24 years (upper age limit relaxation for candidates with a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA).
  • OTA: Unmarried male and female candidates between 19 to 25 years.

Selection Process: The CDS-II examination is conducted in two stages:

  1. Written Examination: It consists of three papers for IMA, INA, and AFA (English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics) and two papers for OTA (English and General Knowledge). Each paper is of 100 marks.
  2. SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, which assesses the candidates’ suitability for a career in the Armed Forces. The SSB interview includes psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview.

Application Process: Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC website. The application involves filling out personal details, and educational qualifications, and selecting preferences for the academies. The application fee is nominal, with exemptions for certain categories.

Important Dates:

  • Last Date to Apply: The application deadline is typically set well in advance of the exam date.
  • Exam Date: September 3, 2024

The CDS exam is a highly competitive exam and serves as a gateway for those aspiring to serve as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Successful candidates are given rigorous training at the respective academies before being commissioned as officers.

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