UPSC CDS Recruitment 2024 official notification is out on the official website of UPSC. The posts for Combined Defense Services need to be filled with the eligible candidates who will qualify all the selection stages. The selection process will mainly consist of three stages: a written exam, an interview and a medical examination. The Candidates must be between the age group of 20 to 25 years. However, the age limit will vary according to various positions. Only the qualifying candidates will get a call for selection. This article contains a comprehensive guide about the application steps, selection process and eligibility criteria. If you are someone who is looking for the same, then this post will guide you throughout. Catch a glimpse of the recruitment drive from the table below.
| UPSC CDS Recruitment Overview 2024 | |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defense Services Examination |
| Vacancies | 459 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 15th May 2024 |
| Application Last Date | 4th June 2024 |
| Exam Date | 1st September 2024 |
| Official Website | Click here to visit the official website. |
UPSC CDS Vacancies 2024
The aspirants must know that for the 2024 UPSC CDS Recruitment, the Union Public Service Commission has released a list of 459 openings in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force’s various institutions. The varied opportunities across various departments includes the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Indian Naval Academy (INA). For a detailed overview, refer to the table below.
| Course | Vacancy |
| Indian Military Academy | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy | 32 |
| Air Force Academy | 32 |
| Officer Training Academy (Men) | 276 |
| Officer Training Academy (Women) | 19 |
| Total | 459 |
UPSC CDS Application Steps 2024
To apply to for the Vacancies for the UPSC CDS category, candidates must follow the steps outlined below:
- Visit the official website or click the link provided above.
- Complete the One-Time Profile Registration (OTPR) process.
- On the page that opens, click on New Registration for Direct Recruitment.
- Candidates must provide the following information: Aadhaar details, basic information, address details, educational qualifications, photo, and signature upload.
- Review the information and click Submit.
- You will get a reference ID and it will display on the screen.
- Visit the login page and enter your credentials.
- Fill in and verify the form details.
- Submit the application and pay.
- After a successful payment, a payment reference ID will display.
- Complete the form and save or print the application receipt.
- Keep the application receipt for future reference and correspondence purposes.
Application Fee
The candidates applying for the position must submit the application fee which is INR 200. The SC/ST/females do not have to pay any fees as they are exempted. There are all sorts of online payment options for the application fee including credit/debit cards, net banking, and UPI. There is no possibility of receiving a refund for the application cost.
UPSC CDS Eligibility 2024
The candidates must meet the age limit and educational qualification requirements to be able to apply for the post.
Age Limit
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA) are currently accepting applications from single male candidates who were born between January 2, 2000, and January 1, 2006, inclusive. This suggests that the upper age limit is 24. The Air Force Academy (AFA) has an age restriction of 20 to 25 years old for both male and female candidates. The table below provides a thorough summary of the age restriction.
| Various Departments | Age Criteria in each case | Age Limit | Marital Status |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2001 and not later than 1st January 2006 only are eligible. | 18-23 years | Unmarried |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2001 and not later than 1st January, 2006 only are eligible. | 18-23 years | Unmarried |
| Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 to 24 years as on 1st January, 2025 i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January, 2001 and not later than 1st January, 2005 | 20-24 years | Married/Unmarried |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (SSC course) | Candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2000 and not later than 1st January, 2006 only are eligible. | 19-25 years | Unmarried females, issueless widows who haven’t remarried, and issueless divorcees who have not remarried. |
| Officers’ Training Academy—(SSC Women Non-Technical Course) | Candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2000 and not later than 1st January, 2006. | 19-25 years | Unmarried |
Educational Qualification
The educational qualification requirements are shown in the table below. Gather all the details carefully.
| Armed Forces | CDS Education Qualification |
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) | Candidates should have a Graduation from a recognised University or equivalent. |
| INA(Indian Naval Academy) | Candidates should have a degree in Engineering from a recognised University or Institution. |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) | Candidates should have a degree from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering. |
| OTA (Officer Training Academy) | Candidates should have a Graduation from a recognised University or equivalent. |
UPSC CDS Selection Process 2024
Candidates have to pass a few steps of the CDS selection process in order to move forward towards their desired post at their chosen academy, such as AFA, IMA, etc. The different stages of selection consist of the following:
Written Exam
The written exam is the first stage in the CDS selection process. It has two-hour papers in it. To be enrolled into an officer training academy, candidates must just take the exam’s General Knowledge and English portions. The English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics exams are required for admission to the Indian Maritime, Indian Air Force, and Indian Naval Academies.
SSB Interview or Personality Test
The second stage of the CDS selection procedure is the personality test or SSB interview. The SSB approach has two stages to its selection procedure: Stage I and Stage II. The only candidates who can take Stage II are those who have completed Stage I. Document Verification: At this point, all of the candidates’ necessary documentation will be checked.
Medical Examination
To ascertain whether or not they are medically fit, each shortlisted candidate will go through a medical examination. The candidates recommended by the Services Selection Board undergo a medical examination by a Board of Service Medical Officers. A Medical Board consisting of gynecologists, specialists, and physicians, both male and female, examines female applicants.
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Hopefully, this information was useful for all the aspiring candidates preparing for the UPSC CDS Recruitment. Check DailyExamNews to stay informed about the latest recruitments, tests, vacancies, and developments regarding government exams.