CDS 2024 Exam Date : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to unveil the official notification for the UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination for both CDS 1 and CDS 2 in 2024. The release dates are scheduled for December 20, 2023, for CDS 1 and May 15, 2024, for CDS 2. The application form for CDS 2024 will also be made available alongside the official notification on upsc.gov.in. Eligible candidates falling within the age range of 19 to 25 years will be able to submit their applications for the CDS Exam 2024.
The CDS 1 examination for 2024 is planned for April 21, 2024, with the application deadline set for January 9, 2024. Similarly, the CDS 2 2024 examination is scheduled for September 1, 2024, and the last date for application submission is June 4, 2024. Aspiring candidates are advised to carefully review the UPSC CDS eligibility criteria before proceeding to fill out the application form.
CDS Exam 2024
Table of Contents
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the CDS Exam, a competitive examination conducted twice a year to recruit candidates for various branches of the armed forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This examination offers a valuable opportunity for graduates aspiring to serve their nation by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, Naval Academy, or Officers Training Academy.
What is CDS Exam ? – Basic Information
The UPSC CDS exam serves as a means to enlist candidates for the following roles:
- Indian Army
- Indian Navy
- Indian Airforce
- Naval Academy
- Officers Training Academy (OTA)
This examination offers a wide range of opportunities, welcoming both men and women to apply. For women and girls, the CDS exam opens doors specifically to Officer Training Academy (OTA) positions. Aspiring individuals who wish to embark on a career in the Indian Defence Forces should consider taking this exam as their initial step toward that goal.
CDS Exam Full Form
CDS stands for Combined Defence Service, and it represents an examination organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select officers for the Armed Forces of India. To be eligible for recruitment as officers in the Indian Army, candidates must possess a graduate degree in any field from a recognized institution or its equivalent. These selected officers undergo training at either the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun or the Officers Training Academy in Chennai/Gaya, as they embark on their journey to serve in the Indian Army.
CDS 2024 Exam Overview :-
Candidates preparing for the CDS 2024 examination should be well-informed about essential facts and key considerations to keep in mind before commencing their preparation.
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of Exam | Combined Defence Services |
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Paper Language | Hindi & English |
| Who Can Apply | Both Malr & Female |
| Official Website | Upsc.gov.in |
| CDS 2024 Coaching | Join Here |
CDS Exam Dates 2024
The UPSC has published the CDS exam dates for 2024. Please refer to the table below to find the dates for various events related to the CDS exam:
| Important Events | CDS 1 2024 Exam Date | CDS 2 2024 Exam Date |
| CDS Notification Date | 20th December 2023 | 15 May 2024 |
| Application Begins | 20th December 2023 | 15 May 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9th January 2024 | 4th June 2024 |
| CDS Written Exam | 21st April 2024 | 1st September 2024 |
CDS Notification 2024
The notification for CDS 1 in 2024 is scheduled to be released on December 20, 2023, while the notification for CDS 2 in 2024 is set to be released on May 15, 2024. These CDS notifications are comprehensive documents that encompass all the crucial information related to the recruitment drive. They typically include details such as the syllabus, vacancy positions, exam date, exam pattern, and various other pertinent information for aspiring candidates.
CDS 2024 Application Form
The notification for the CDS 1 exam in 2024 is slated for release on December 20, 2023. Aspiring candidates have the opportunity to apply for this examination until January 9, 2024. On the other hand, the notification for the CDS 2 exam in 2024 is set to be issued on May 15, 2024, with the application deadline falling on June 4, 2024. Prior to completing the CDS application form, it is imperative for aspirants to diligently review the eligibility criteria.
Steps to Apply for CDS 2024 Exam :-
o apply for the CDS 2024 examination, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website.
- On the webpage, locate and click on the “Combined Defence Services Examination 2024” link.
- Under the “Part I” section, carefully read the provided instructions. At the bottom of the page, click “Yes” to proceed.
- The CDS 2024 application form will appear. Complete the form with your personal and contact information.
- Select your preferred academies based on your age and qualifications.
- Proceed to the next step. A registration ID will be generated.
- Moving on to “Part II” of the application form, you’ll need to pay the application fee of Rs. 200/-
- Once the payment is made, select your desired examination center.
- Upload a scanned copy of your photograph and signature following the specified file size and dimensions provided in the official notification.
- Click “Submit” to complete the application process. Make sure to print or download the CDS exam application form for future reference.
CDS 2024 Application Fee
Candidates applying for the CDS Exam can refer to the table below for information on the application fee:
| Category | Fee |
| General and OBC | Rs. 200/- |
| Female/Schedule Caste(SC)/Schedule Tribe(ST) | Nil |
CDS Eligibility Criteria 2024
Candidates must have a comprehensive understanding of CDS eligibility and ensure that they meet all the criteria. The eligibility criteria encompass four key factors: physical standards, nationality, education, and age restrictions.
CDS Nationality
To qualify for the CDS exam, a candidate must fall into one of the following categories: an Indian citizen, a Nepalese or Bhutanese subject, or a Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement.
CDS Age Limit
The Commission has set a predefined age limit criterion for all positions, and candidates must fall within this specified range; otherwise, their candidacy may be revoked at any stage of the selection process. The CDS age limit for all positions is between 19 years and 25 years, meaning that candidates must have been born between January 2, 2000, and January 1, 2005.
CDS Educational Qualification
| Academy | Educational Qualifications |
| IMA | Graduate from a recognized university. |
| INA | Engineering Degree from recognized university. |
| AFA | Engineering Degree (Physics & Maths in 10+2) or B.Tech from recognized University |
| OTA | Graduate from a recognized university. |
CDS Physical Standards
Individuals who have applied for various positions in the CDS must possess both intellectual and physical well-being to meet the stipulated physical standards as detailed in the official CDS notification. These standards include:
- Being physically and mentally robust.
- Having no permanent tattoos on the body.
- Having no hernia.
- Not experiencing impaired hearing ability.
- Having no excessive wax in the ears.
- A non-deviated nasal septum.
- Maintaining a proper Body Mass Index (BMI) as per the prescribed guidelines.
- Having no issues with piles.
- Not having gynecomastia.
- Having no conditions like hydrocele, phimosis, or varicocele.
CDS Exam Pattern 2024
The CDS Exam Pattern for the Indian Military, Indian Navy, and Air Force Academy Exam consists of 3 sections, while the Officersâ Training Academy Exam comprises 2 sections. Each section contains a total of 100 questions, and each question is worth 1 mark. However, it’s important to note that there is a negative marking penalty of 1/3rd of the total mark for each incorrect answer.
The CDS exam pattern varies between the Officer Training Academy and the Indian Naval Academy/Indian Military Academy/Indian Air Force. The pattern includes two main stages:
- Written Examination
- Intelligence & Personality Interview
CDS Exam Pattern for IMA/INA/AFA
The written test for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) comprises three sections: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. In total, there are 300 questions asked across these sections.
| Subjects | Marks | Duration |
| ENGLISH | 100 | 2 Hours |
| GENERAL KNOWLEDGE | 100 | 2 Hours |
| ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS | 100 | 2 Hours |
CDS Exam Pattern for OTA
The Officer Training Academy (OTA) exams consist of two subjects, with a total combined score of 200 marks. In the OTA Exam, candidates are required to answer a total of 200 questions.
| Subjects | Marks | Duration |
| ENGLISH | 100 | 2 Hours |
| GENERAL KNOWLEDGE | 100 | 2 Hours |
CDS 2024 Exam Syllabus
Candidates should acquaint themselves with the CDS Exam Syllabus and the pertinent topics. It is crucial for candidates to diligently prepare for CDS 2024 by comprehensively reviewing the entire syllabus.
CDS General Knowledge Syllabus
The General Knowledge syllabus for the CDS exam encompasses the following topics:
- Current Affairs
- Defence-Related Awards
- Sports
- History
- Geography
- Politics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Cultural Knowledge
CDS English Syllabus
The English syllabus for the CDS exam includes the following components:
- Spotting Errors
- Arrangement of Sentences
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Word Selection
- Ordering of Sentences
- Comprehension
CDS Elementary Mathematics Syllabus
The syllabus for elementary mathematics in the CDS exam covers the following topics:
- Trigonometry
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Mensuration
- Arithmetic
CDS 2024 SSB Interview
The selection of candidates is primarily based on the marks scored in the interviews. The interview process for the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy carries a total weightage of 300 marks, whereas for the Officer Training Academy (OTA), it is 200 marks.
The SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview comprises two stages: Stage 1 and Stage 2. Candidates who successfully clear Stage 1 will proceed to Stage 2.
Stage 1: This includes an OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) Test along with the Picture Perception and Description Test (PP & DT). Shortlisting for Stage 2 is based on candidates’ performance in the OIR Test and PP & DT.
Stage 2: Candidates who pass Stage 1 will advance to Stage 2, which encompasses Group Testing Officer Tasks, Interviews, Conferences, and Psychology Tests. These evaluations are conducted over a span of four days.
CDS 2024 Admit Card
The CDS admit card will be made available on the official website. This crucial document includes essential information about the candidate, such as their name, roll number, exam center details, timing, date of birth, and more. To access and download their CDS Admit Card, applicants can log in using their Registration ID and Roll Number.
How to Download CDS 2024 Admit Card ?
To download the admit card for the CDS (Combined Defense Services) exam, follow these steps:
1: Visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at www.upsc.gov.in.
Step 2: On the UPSC homepage, navigate to the “Examinations” tab and click on it.
3: In the drop-down menu, select “Active Examinations” to view the list of ongoing exams.
Step 4: Look for the CDS exam in the list and click on the relevant link.
S: You will be redirected to the CDS examination page. Locate and click on the “Admit Card” or “e-Admit Card” link for the CDS exam.
Step 6: A new page will open, where you need to enter your credentials such as registration number/roll number, date of birth, and any other required details.
7: After entering the necessary information, click on the “Submit” or “Download Admit Card” button.
This will allow you to access and download your CDS exam admit card from the official website.
