The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the date for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II) 2024. Aspiring officers looking to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) should mark September 1, 2024, on their calendars. This crucial examination is a gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces.
Key Dates and Application Process:
The application window for CDS 2 2024 was open from May 15, 2024, to June 4, 2024, with a correction facility available from June 5 to June 11, 2024. The admit cards for the examination were released on August 23, 2024.
Candidates who wish to apply for future CDS examinations should note that the application process is entirely online. It typically involves a two-part registration process on the UPSC official website (upsconline.nic.in). Part I requires basic details and registration, while Part II involves uploading documents, paying the application fee (exempt for SC/ST and female candidates), and selecting exam centers.
Eligibility Criteria: A Snapshot
To be eligible for the CDS examination, candidates must meet specific criteria related to nationality, age, marital status, and educational qualifications:
- Nationality: Primarily, applicants must be citizens of India.
- Age Limit: The age limits vary for different academies. For instance, IMA and INA generally require candidates to be between 19-24 years, AFA between 20-24 years, and OTA (both men and women) between 19-25 years. Marital status requirements also differ, with most entries requiring candidates to be unmarried (except for AFA candidates above 25).
- Educational Qualification:
- IMA & OTA: A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- INA: A Bachelor of Engineering degree from a recognized university.
- AFA: A Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
- Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing their degree examination by the prescribed date.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: What to Expect
The CDS examination comprises a written test followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
Written Examination:
- For IMA, INA, and AFA: The written exam consists of three papers:
- English (100 marks, 2 hours)
- General Knowledge (100 marks, 2 hours)
- Elementary Mathematics (100 marks, 2 hours)
- For OTA: The written exam consists of two papers:
- English (100 marks, 2 hours)
- General Knowledge (100 marks, 2 hours)
All questions are objective type, and there is a negative marking of one-third for every wrong answer.
Syllabus Highlights:
- English: Focuses on comprehension, grammar, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases), sentence arrangement, and error spotting.
- General Knowledge: Covers a broad spectrum including Indian History, Political Science, Economics, Geography, Environment, General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Current Affairs (national and international), and Defence-related questions.
- Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA): Includes topics such as Arithmetic (Number System, percentages, profit & loss, simple & compound interest, ratio & proportion, time & work, time & distance), Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.
A Career of Honour and Service:
Clearing the CDS examination opens doors to a distinguished career as a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces. Beyond job security and attractive remuneration, it offers a life of adventure, leadership, and the profound satisfaction of serving the nation. The roles and ranks an officer can achieve within the Army, Navy, and Air Force are hierarchical, starting from Lieutenant (Army), Sub-Lieutenant (Navy), and Flying Officer (Air Force), with opportunities for steady career progression based on performance and service.
Aspirants are advised to meticulously prepare, keeping in mind the detailed syllabus and exam pattern, and to stay updated with current affairs to maximize their chances of success in this highly competitive examination.