The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published the final results for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) First Examination 2024, filling 457 vacancies across various branches of the armed forces, including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force, and Officers Training Academy. This recruitment process is a key pathway for aspiring officers who aim to serve in India’s defense sector. Here, we cover essential details such as important dates, eligibility criteria, vacancy breakdown, application steps, and a complete guide to applying for the next recruitment cycle.
Conducted twice a year, the UPSC CDS examination is highly competitive and attracts numerous candidates with the ambition of joining the armed forces. Candidates who appeared for the 2024 CDS examination can now view the final results, which are the culmination of a rigorous selection process including written exams, interviews, and medical evaluations. For those preparing for upcoming CDS examinations, here’s a comprehensive look at the structure, eligibility, and guidelines based on the latest UPSC CDS recruitment notification.
Important Dates for UPSC CDS I Examination 2024
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 20/12/2023 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09/01/2024 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 09/01/2024 |
| Correction Window | 10-16 January 2024 |
| Exam Date | 21/04/2024 |
| Admit Card Release | 12/04/2024 |
| Preliminary Result | 09/05/2024 |
| Final Result Declaration | 21/10/2024 |
Applicants should keep these dates in mind to ensure they complete all required steps promptly. The correction window allows candidates to amend any errors in their submitted applications, and admit cards are made available shortly before the examination date.
Application Fees for UPSC CDS I Examination 2024
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female | ₹0 (Exempted) |
The application fee is set at ₹200 for General and OBC candidates, while SC, ST, and female applicants are exempted from payment. Fees can be paid through net banking, debit card, or credit card, or via offline options like bank challans.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS I Examination 2024
Age Limit
The age range for each academy varies. Applicants for IMA, INA, and Air Force must be born between 02/01/2001 and 01/01/2006, while OTA candidates need to be born between 02/01/2000 and 01/01/2006. Candidates should verify age eligibility before applying to ensure compliance with UPSC guidelines.
Educational Qualification
| Academy | Total Posts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 32 | Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering |
| Air Force | 32 | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline with Physics and Math at 10+2 level OR Bachelor’s in Engineering |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Men | 275 | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline |
| OTA – Women | 18 | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline |
Each academy has specific educational requirements. For instance, candidates for the INA need an engineering background, while IMA and OTA applicants can hold a degree in any field.
Selection Process for UPSC CDS I Examination 2024
To succeed in the CDS I Examination, candidates should prepare diligently across multiple subjects. Here are some tips:
The selection process for CDS I includes a written examination followed by an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB) and a medical examination. Candidates should clear each stage to qualify for their chosen academy. Here’s a breakdown:
To succeed in the CDS I Examination, candidates should prepare diligently across multiple subjects. Here are some tips:
- Familiarize with the Syllabus: Understand the syllabus for each paper and allocate time to subjects like General Knowledge, English, and Mathematics.
- Review Past Papers: Practice with past question papers to get a feel for the exam structure and frequently covered topics.
- Stay Updated: Keep up-to-date with current affairs, as General Knowledge is a significant part of the written test.
- Take Mock Tests: Use online resources for mock tests to improve time management and accuracy.
For additional resources, updates, and details, applicants should refer to the official UPSC website.