CDS EXAM (Combined Defense Service)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opened applications for the 2024 1st Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination. The written test is scheduled for April 21, and women are eligible to apply.
A total of 457 vacancies are available across various academies.
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun:
Offers 100 seats (including 13 for candidates with NCC 'C' certificate in the army wing). Unmarried men born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2006, are eligible to apply, with the requirement of a bachelor's degree.
For the Naval Academy, Ezhimala:
There are 32 vacancies in the Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro, with 6 reserved for those with NCC 'C' certificate in the naval wing. Unmarried men born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2006, are eligible, and the qualification required is an engineering degree.
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad:
The Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, is offering 217 vacancies for the Pre-Flying Training Course, including 3 seats reserved for individuals with an NCC 'C' certificate in the air wing. Eligible applicants must have a birthdate between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2005. For those with a commercial pilot's license, the upper age limit is 26 years. Unmarried individuals below 25 years of age are eligible to apply. Academic qualifications include a degree (with Physics and Mathematics in Plus Two) or an engineering degree.
Officers Training Academy in Chennai:
At the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, there are 275 vacancies for the S.S. for Men C (Non-Technical) Course. Applicants must be unmarried and born between January 2, 2000, and January 1, 2006. A degree is the required qualification. Additionally, there are 18 vacancies for the SSC (Non-Technical) Course for women. Widows without obligations and divorced individuals can also apply, with the same birthdate criteria and degree qualification.
Admission process:
The admission process involves a written test and SSB interview. The written exam is conducted at various centers, including Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode. For the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy, the exam consists of three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Each paper is of two hours duration with a maximum of 100 marks. The questions are in the form of objective type multiple-choice questions. Negative marking is applied, with one-third of the marks deducted for each incorrect answer. The entrance exam for the Officers Training Academy includes papers in English and General Knowledge.
Applications:
Applications must be submitted through www.upsconline.nic.in, with provision for final year students. For final year applicants, only the certificate needs to be submitted within the specified timeframe. The application process requires registration on the UPSC's one-time registration (OTR) platforms, and those who have previously registered can apply directly until six o'clock in the evening on January 9.
Any discrepancies can be rectified from January 10 to 16. The application fee is Rs 200, and there is no fee for women, scheduled castes, and dependents of soldiers. The syllabus and detailed information can be found in the www.upsc.gov.in notification.
An Article By Anver Muttancheri
CIGI Career Team