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CDS Exam: Admit card, Exam date, Syllabus, Cutoff & Salary
DU Squad > Knowledge Corner > CDS Exam 2024: Download Admit card, Exam date, Syllabus, Cutoff and Salary
Knowledge Corner

CDS Exam 2024: Download Admit card, Exam date, Syllabus, Cutoff and Salary

Get full details of the CDS Exam including admit card download link, selection process, exam date, eligibility, result and cutoffs.

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Last updated: 2024/05/04 at 3:14 AM
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The CDS Exam is a prestigious examination by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. Designed for entry into the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy, the CDS Exam evaluates candidates’ intelligence, personality, and aptitude for military service. 

Contents
CDS Exam Date 2024How to Apply for the CDS Exam?How to Download UPSC CDS Admit Card?What is the CDS exam?Why Should One Take the UPSC CDS Exam?CDS Exam Eligibility 2024CDS Exam Selection ProcessCDS Selection Process Phase I: CDS Written ExamsCDS Selection Process Phase II: CDS SSB InterviewCDS Exam Pattern 2024UPSC CDS 1 Marking SchemeUPSC CDS 1 Exam Pattern for SSB InterviewCDS Exam SyllabusCDS English Exam SyllabusCDS Mathematics Exam SyllabusCDS General Knowledge Exam SyllabusCDS Exam Result 2024CDS 1 2024 Expected Cut-OffCDS Exam Posts: Job VacancyCDS Exam Salary & Job ProfileFAQs

CDS full form is Combined Defence Services.

Offering opportunities for graduates to join the armed forces as officers, the CDS Exam assesses candidates in English, General Knowledge, and elementary mathematics. Successful candidates embark on a challenging and honourable journey, becoming leaders in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, contributing to the nation’s defence.

CDS Exam Date 2024

UPSC CDS 1 2024 exam dates have been announced on the official website at upsc.gov.in. UPSC website released CDS notification 2024 for CDS 1 on Dec 20, 2023. UPSC CDS 1 2024 application form and the official notification on upsc.gov.in are available.

Candidates interested in CDS 1 2024 can apply till Jan 9, 2024. UPSC CDS 1 test 2024 will be held on Apr 21, 2024. Before filling out the application form, candidates must carefully review the UPSC CDS 1 2024 eligibility.

UPSC website will release CDS notification 2024 for CDS 2 on May 15, 2024. UPSC CDS 2 2024 test will be held on Sep 1, 2024. Candidates who pass the CDS exam will be trained at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), the Indian Naval Academy (INA), the Air Force Academy (AFA), and the Officers Training Academy (OTA).

EventsCDS IICDS I
UPSC CDS Exam Application Form Start DateMay 15, 2024Dec 20, 2023
Last Date to Submit UPSC CDS Exam Application FormJun 4, 2024Jan 9,  2024
UPSC CDS Online Application WithdrawNAJan 9, 2024
Release of UPSC CDS Admit CardAug 2024Mar 2024
UPSC CDS Exam DatesSep 1, 2024Apr 21, 2024
Announcement of UPSC CDS Exam ResultsSep 2024May 2024
Announcement of UPSC CDS Exam Final ResultsNov 2024Nov 2024
CDS Exam Admit Card

How to Apply for the CDS Exam?

To apply for UPSC CDS the candidates must follow the steps below:

apply for CDs exam
  • Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC – upsc.gov.in.
  • Step 2: Click the link pointing at Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2024.
  • Step 3: Fill in your personal and academic details.
  • Step 4: After completing Part I, the candidate will be given a registration ID.
  • Step 5: Go to Part II, and enter the registration ID and date of birth.
  • Step 6: Complete the payment procedure. After completing Part II, the application process is over.

How to Download UPSC CDS Admit Card?

Candidates can follow the steps mentioned below to download Admit card for the CDS Exam.

CDS Exam application

Step 1: Go to the official UPSC website and click on the admit card link.

Step 2: A new page will open where you should click the ‘E-Admit card for various UPSC exams’ link.

CDS Exam Admit card downloads

Step 3: A page will open where you can see the list of exams for which the admit card is available. Click on the ‘Click here’ link under the ‘View online’ column for the relevant exam.

Step 4: A new window will open where you can click on the download link.

Step 5: E-Admit Cards can be downloaded by the candidate from the site by putting his/her details like RID & Date of Birth or Roll No. (if received) & date of birth or name, Father’s name & Date of Birth.

The admit card should be brought to the exam centre without fail and the details in the admit card should match the original ID/ document submitted while registering for the UPSC CDS 2 Exam.

What is the CDS exam?

The full form of CDS is Combined Defence Service. UPSC CDS Exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. UPSC is responsible for conducting recruitment exams for Class A & Class B employees in Govt. Organisations. 

Through this exam, candidates are also appointed as Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army., Navy and Air Force. The recruitment process consists of a Written Test and a Personal Interview and ends with a medical examination. Every year lakhs of aspiring candidates appear for the exam to grab the opportunity to work for the prestigious defence services.

CDF full form

CDS Exam Details

Exam NameUPSC CDS
CDS Exam Full FormUnion Public Service Commission – Combined Defence Services
Conducting BodyUnion Public Service Commission
Exam PeriodicityTwice a year
Exam ModeOnline
Exam TypeNational Level
Application ModeOnline
Exam PurposeTo recruit candidates as Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army, Navy & Air Force.
Official Websiteupsc.gov.in

Why Should One Take the UPSC CDS Exam?

Choosing the Combined Defence Services (CDS) as a profession is a unique and prestigious decision that comes with a range of compelling reasons:

  • Service to the Nation:

Joining the armed forces through CDS allows individuals to serve their nation with honour and dedication, contributing to national security and safeguarding the interests of the country.

  • Leadership Roles:

CDS opens avenues for leadership roles in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, providing the opportunity to lead and inspire teams in challenging environments.

  • Diverse Career Options:

CDS offers diverse career options, allowing candidates to choose between the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) based on their preferences and qualifications.

  • Professional Growth and Development:

A career in the armed forces provides continuous opportunities for professional growth and development, with training programs, specialised courses, and promotions based on merit.

  • Global Exposure:

Armed forces personnel often get the opportunity for international assignments, collaborations, and exposure, enhancing their global perspective and experience.

  • Challenging and Dynamic Environment:

CDS offers a challenging and dynamic work environment where individuals are trained to adapt to various situations, make quick decisions, and demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.

  • State-of-the-Art Training:

CDS provides state-of-the-art training facilities, enabling candidates to acquire skills in military tactics, leadership, strategic planning, and other specialised areas.

  • Attractive Compensation and Benefits:

Armed forces personnel receive competitive compensation packages, along with benefits such as housing, medical facilities, and pension plans, ensuring financial stability and security.

  • Adventurous Lifestyle:

A career in the armed forces offers an adventurous lifestyle, with opportunities for travel, outdoor activities, and experiences that are unique to military service.

  • Sense of Pride and Honor:

Being a part of the armed forces instils a profound sense of pride, honour, and commitment to duty, as individuals contribute to the defence and well-being of the nation.

  • Camaraderie and Team Spirit:

Military service fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and team spirit, creating bonds with fellow officers and personnel that last a lifetime.

  • Opportunity for Specializations:

CDS allows individuals to specialise in various fields such as aviation, maritime operations, engineering, intelligence, and more, providing a platform for career diversification.

  • Community Respect and Recognition:

Armed forces personnel are highly respected and recognized within their communities and society, earning admiration for their sacrifices and commitment to the nation.

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CDS Exam Eligibility 2024

To be eligible to apply for the UPSC CDS 1 exam the willing candidates should fulfil the below-given criteria:

CDS Age Limit

CategoryAgeGenderMarital Status
Indian Military Academy (IMA)19 – 24 YearsMaleUnmarried
Indian Naval Academy (INA)19 – 22 YearsMaleUnmarried
Air Force Academy19 – 23 YearsMale25 years married or not
Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for Men)19 – 25 YearsMaleMarried or Unmarried
Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course)19 – 25 YearsFemaleUnmarried Women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible

The candidates who fulfil the above-mentioned criteria are eligible to apply for the UPSC CDS 1 Exam and after applying the candidate can start preparing for the Exam.

CDS Exam Eligibility Based on Nationality

A candidate must be any of the following:

  • A citizen of India.
  • A subject of Bhutan.
  • A subject of Nepal.
  • A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before the 1st of January 1962 to permanently settle in India.
  • A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam to permanently settle in India.

CDS Exam Eligibility Based on Educational Qualifications

The following are the educational qualifications required to apply for UPSC CDS 1 2024:

  • IMA /OTA: A degree from a recognized University or equivalent.
  • Indian Naval Academy: Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.)
  • Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10 +2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
CDS Exam Eligibility

CDS Exam Eligibility Based on Physical Standards

Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to the Combined Defence Services Examination, 2017 as per the guidelines:

  • Applicants must be physically fit as per the prescribed physical standard of UPSC and the relevant defence department
  • Applicants must be in good physical and sound mental health and free from any disease/ disability that can interfere with the performance of their duties
  • There should be no evidence of bodily defects or overweight
  • The minimum height requirement for male applicants is 157.5 cm. for the Army, 157 cm for the Navy and 162.5 cm for the Air Force
  • The minimum height of female candidates should be 152 cm for OTA (non-technical).
  • For candidates belonging to Gorkhas and hills of the North-Eastern region of India, Garhwali and Kumaon, 5 cm height relaxation is provided at the minimum acceptable height. In the case of applicants from Lakshadweep, 2cm relaxation is provided
  • Applicants should have a sufficient number of natural teeth. A minimum of 14 dental points will be acceptable for CDS 1 recruitment. If all 32 teeth are present, the total dental points are 22.

CDS Exam Eligibility based on Visual Standard for Air Force

The standards for UPSC CDS 1 Air Force are mentioned below in the table:

MaleFemale
Vision (corrected) better eye 6/6 and worse eye 6/12Vision (corrected) better eye 6/6, worse eye 6/12
Myopia of not more than minus 3.5 DMyopia of not more than minus 5.5 D
Manifest hypermetropia of not more than plus 3.5 D including AstigmatismManifest hypermetropia of not more than 3.5 D including Astigmatism.

CDS Exam Selection Process

The eligible candidates are required to participate in a three-stage process as part of the CDS Recruitment 2024. This process includes a written examination, SSB Interview, Medical Examination, and final merit list, all of which are conducted by the CDS Recruitment Board. The final selection will be based on the performance in these stages.

  • Written Test
  • SSB Interview
  • Medical Examination

At last, the Merit List is prepared by the authorities after the successful completion of the CDS Selection Process 2024.

CDS Selection Process Phase I: CDS Written Exams

The First Phase of the CDS Selection Process is the CDS Written Exam. In the written exam, candidates will be awarded 1 mark for each correct answer, For each incorrect answer, a penalty of 0.33 marks will be deducted as a negative marking.

Regarding the CDS Examination Pattern for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), the following subjects are taken into consideration.

A) For Admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy, the following exam pattern is to be followed:

SubjectDurationMaximum Marks
English2 Hours100
General Knowledge2 Hours100
Mathematics2 Hours100
SSB Test/Interview5 Days300

B) For Admission to the Officers’ Training Academy, the following exam pattern is to be followed:

The written examination for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) consists of two papers, totaling 200 marks. Candidates who successfully pass this examination by attaining the minimum qualifying marks will progress to the next stage, which is the interview round.

SubjectDurationMaximum Marks
English2 Hours100
General Knowledge2 Hours100
SSB Test/Interview5 Days300

CDS Selection Process Phase II: CDS SSB Interview

Candidates who successfully pass the written examination are then called to the Service Selection Board (SSB) for the intelligence and personality test. The allocation of candidates to the SSB will be based on their preferences and determined by the respective service headquarters. The SSB Interview for CDS exam comprises two stages, as follows:

SSB Interview is an extensive process that takes place over five days and involves two distinct stages: Stage I and Stage II. These interviews are conducted at specifically designated SSB Centers.

  • Stage 1: This stage involves an officer intelligence rating, picture perception, and description test.
  • Stage 2: In this stage, candidates undergo a psychology test, interview, group testing officer task, and conference.

Candidates who have chosen the Army (IMA/OTA) as their first choice and have qualified in the written examination, must register on the recruiting directorate website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. This registration will ensure that they receive the necessary call-up information for the SSB Interview. Candidates who have already registered on the recruiting directorate website are advised not to register again.

SSB Interview Day 1 Screening Test

The SSB Screening test consists of:

  • The Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and the Picture Perception and Description Test (PP & DT) are two components of the selection process.
  • The OIR evaluates the intelligence rating of the officer, while the PP & DT assesses the candidate’s ability to perceive and describe images.

SSB Interview Day 2 Psychology Tests

The psychological test conducted during the SSB Interview is considered to be challenging to pass, as it is evaluated using scientific methods by the SSB assessors.

The psychological test in the SSB Interview comprises the following series:

  • Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): Candidates are required to interpret and narrate stories based on given pictures.
  • Word Association Test (WAT): Candidates have to respond with the first word that comes to their mind upon seeing a stimulus word.
  • Situation Reaction Test (SRT): Candidates are presented with various situations and asked to provide their responses or reactions.
  • Self-Description Test (SDT): Candidates are asked to describe themselves in various aspects, such as strengths, weaknesses, aspirations, and achievements.

SSB Interview, Day 3 & 4 Group Testing (GTO Tasks)

The SSB Interview includes various activities and tasks designed to assess candidates’ abilities and qualities.

These activities include:

  • Group Discussion
  • Group Planning Exercise
  • Progressive Group Tasks (PGT)
  • Half Group Tasks
  • Individual Obstacles
  • Group Obstacles Race or Snake Race
  • Command Task
  • Lecturette
  • Final Group Task

These tasks aim to evaluate candidates’ teamwork, problem-solving skills, leadership potential, communication abilities, and overall performance in group settings.

SSB Interview Day 5 Conference

Once all the tasks and assessments in the SSB Interview are completed, the results are announced on the final day of the interview process. The selected candidates then proceed to undergo a medical examination. After a few months, a final merit list of the recommended candidates is published.

CDS Exam pattern | CDS syllabus | CDS Exam syllabus

CDS Exam Pattern 2024

These tables provide a clear and organised format of the CDS Exam Pattern, including the subjects, duration, and maximum marks for each stage.

For Admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy:

SubjectDurationMaximum Marks
English2 Hours100
General Knowledge2 Hours100
Mathematics2 Hours100
SSB Test/Interview5 Days300

For Admission to the Officers’ Training Academy:

SubjectDurationMaximum Marks
English2 Hours100
General Knowledge2 Hours100
SSB Test/Interview5 Days300

UPSC CDS 1 Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for the UPSC CDS 1 exam is given below:

SpecificationsEnglishGKMathematics
Maximum Marks100100100
Marks for Correct Answer+1 mark for each correct option+1 mark for each correct option+1 mark for each correct option
Negative Marking-0.33 marks for each wrong answer-0.33 marks for each wrong answer-0.33 marks for each wrong answer

UPSC CDS 1 Exam Pattern for SSB Interview

The candidates who qualify UPSC CDS 1 written exam are required to appear in the SSB interview. For the CDS 1 interview round, candidates will be called at one of the Services Selection Centres. According to the UPSC CDS exam pattern 2024, the interview will be conducted in two stages. Only those candidates who clear stage I of the CDS interview are permitted to appear for stage II.

Check below the details about both stages of the CDS interview:

  • Stage I: Stage I of the CDS interview consists of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Tests (PP and DT).
  • Stage II: The CDS 2 interview stage II includes a personal interview, Group testing officer tasks, psychology Tests and the conference.

How to Prepare for Competitive Exams as a College Student?

Create a study schedule, understand the exam, organise your study plan topic-wise, utilise free college resources, practise regularly and be consistent, stay motivated, stay healthy and keep fighting till you crack the exam. For more info, click here.

CDS Exam Syllabus

CDS syllabus mostly consists of 3 sections namely:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • General Knowledge

CDS English Exam Syllabus

To enhance their performance in the English section, candidates are advised to cultivate a habit of daily newspaper reading. They should identify challenging words and seek their meanings, thereby improving both their vocabulary and comprehension of passages. This section aims to evaluate candidates’ proficiency in English and their capacity to employ language effectively and professionally.

  • Reading Comprehension Questions.
  • Spotting the Error Questions.
  • Fill in the blank questions.
  • Synonyms & Antonyms Questions.
  • Idioms and Phrases Questions.
  • Sentence Arrangement or Jumbled Questions.
  • Ordering of words in Sentence Questions.
  • Sentence Improvement or Sentence Correction Questions

CDS Mathematics Exam Syllabus

The CDS Elementary Mathematics syllabus consists of topics such as arithmetic, trigonometry, geometry, measurements, statistics, and more. To enhance preparation and achieve favourable outcomes in this paper, consistent practice and dedicated efforts are necessary.

Applicants need to maintain both accuracy and speed to answer the questions within the allotted time frame. For a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus, referring to the provided table for the mathematics syllabus of the CDS 1 2024 exam is recommended.

ArithmeticNumber System: Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers; Fundamental operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, Square roots, Decimal fractions; Unitary method, time and work, time and distance, percentages; Applications of profit and loss, simple and compound interest, ratio and proportion, variation.

Elementary Number Theory: Division algorithm; Prime and composite numbers; Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11; Multiples and factors; Factorisation Theorem; H.C.F. and L.C.M; Euclidean algorithm; Logarithms to base 10, use of logarithmic tables, laws of logarithms.
AlgebraBasic operations and Simple factors; Remainder Theorem; H.C.F. and L.C.M.; Theory of polynomials, the relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered), solutions of quadratic equations; Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns — analytical & graphical solutions; Simultaneous linear inequalities in two variables & their solutions; Practical issues with solutions that result in two simultaneous linear equations, inequalities in two variables, or quadratic equations in one variable; Set notation and set language; Rational expressions and conditional identities; Laws of indices.
TrigonometrySine x; cosine x; tangent x when 0° < x < 90°; Values of sin x, cos x & tan x for x = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° & 90°; Simple trigonometric identities; Use of trigonometric tables; Simple cases of heights and distances.
GeometryPlane and plane figures, Lines and angles, Theorems on Properties of angles at a point; Parallel lines; Sides and angles of a triangle; Congruence of triangles; Similar triangles; Concurrence of medians and altitudes; Properties of sides, angles and diagonals of a rectangle, parallelogram and square; Circles and their properties including tangents and normals; Loci.
MensurationAreas of parallelograms, squares, rectangles, triangles and circles; Areas of figures can be split up into these figures (Field Book), lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, Surface area and volume of cuboids, and surface area and volume of spheres.
StatisticsCollection and tabulation of statistical data; Graphical representation of frequency polygons, bar charts, histograms, pie charts etc; Measures of central tendency.

CDS General Knowledge Exam Syllabus

General knowledge consists of current affairs and having a broad understanding of everyday observations and experiences, including a scientific aspect, which is expected from an educated individual who hasn’t specialised in any scientific field.

Furthermore, the examination will include questions related to geography and Indian history, which any competent candidate should be able to answer without requiring additional study.

  • Indian History
  • Political Science
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • Environment
  • General Science – Physics, Chemistry, Biology
  • Current Affairs– National & International Awards, Summits, Sports, Conference; Books & Authors etc.
  • Defence Related Questions – Army, Navy, Air Force

CDS Exam Result 2024

CDS cutoff for the written exam is calculated based on the minimum qualifying marks in each subject and the minimum aggregate marks of the last qualified candidate. The final CDS cutoff is decided based on the marks of the last recommended candidate. After the release of the CDS cut off the CDS result is released. 

  • The minimum qualifying score for each subject is 20 per cent. 
  • Candidates need to secure separate qualifying marks in the written exam and SSB Interview. 
  • Based on the CDS cutoff, candidates are selected for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

CDS 1 2024 Expected Cut-Off

After taking into consideration the difficulty level of the paper, we have provided CDS 1 expected cut-off in 2024. The number of CDS 1 vacancies and the difficulty level of the exam play an important role in deciding the expected cut-off.

The cut-off marks of the CDS exam are determined based on the following factors:

  • Number of vacancies
  • Total number of candidates
  • The Difficulty level of the exam
AcademyWritten ExamFinal Exam
IMA (Indian Military Academy)120 – 130245 – 255
INA (Indian Naval Academy)105 – 120233 – 245
AFA (Air Force Academy)145 – 150268 – 270
OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) men73 – 85162 – 170
OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) women74 – 85164 – 170
CDS Exam Job Vacancy

CDS Exam Posts: Job Vacancy

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the vacancies for the Combined Defense Services Examination (CDS) 2024 on 20th December 2023. The CDS 1 2024 exam is offering 457 vacancies across various defence services.

Name of the AcademyNumber of Vacancies
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun100
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala32
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad32
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) SSC Men275
Officers Training Academy, Chennai SSC Women18
Total Vacancies457

CDS Exam Salary & Job Profile

The salary structure for candidates selected through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination varies depending on their rank and the branch they are commissioned into.

In addition to the basic pay, CDS officers receive various allowances and benefits, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other amenities such as medical facilities, accommodation, and pension.

CDS Exam Salary Structure

RankLevelPay Scale
Lieutenant10Rs 56,100 – 1,77,500
Captain10BRs 61,300 – 1,93,900
Major11Rs 69,400 – 2,07,200
Lieutenant Colonel12ARs 1,21,200 – 2,12,400
Colonel13Rs 1,30,600 – 2,15,900
Brigadier13ARs 1,39,600 – 2,17,600
Major General14Rs 1,44,200 – 2,18,200
Lieutenant General HAG Scale15Rs 1,82,200 – 2,24,100
HAG+ Scale16Rs 2,05,400 – 2,24,400
VCOAS/Army CDR/Lieutenant General (NFSG)17Rs 2,25,000 (fixed)
COAS18Rs 2,50,000 (fixed)

CDS Job Profile

  • The CDS job profile includes responding to emergencies and disasters, providing immediate assistance, and coordinating rescue and relief operations. This may include firefighters, paramedics, search and rescue teams, and hazardous materials response teams. 
  • The CDS salary structure is transparent and clear, allowing individuals to understand their earnings in their respective roles. Compensation for each job post is different based on factors such as seniority, skill requirements, and the level of responsibility associated with the post.
  • Candidates who pass the CDS exam will undergo cadet training in the Army, Air Force, and Navy. After that, they will be commissioned as officers in any of these three branches of the armed forces. 
  • To be eligible for the CDS exam, candidates must be graduates or are in their final year of graduation. The minimum age limit for the exam is 19 years. 

FAQs

Q1. Is the SSB interview process for the CDS exam a one-day process?

No, the SSB interview doesn’t take place on a single day. Stage 1 and Stage 2 are also involved. Each step takes four days to complete.

Q2. What are the important dates for the CDS exam?

For CDS 1 2024, the exam will be held on April 21, 2024, with the application deadline on January 9, 2024. For CDS 2 2024, the exam is scheduled for September 1, 2024, and the application deadline is June 4, 2024.

Q3. What is the application fee for the CDS exam?

The application fee for the CDS exam is Rs. 200/- for all categories except SC/ST/Females. Payment can be made through online/offline modes.

Q4. Can candidates choose their preferred service (Army, Navy, Air Force) and academy (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA)?

Yes, candidates can express their preferences, and the allocation of candidates to the respective services and academies is based on merit and the preferences they have indicated.

Q5. How can candidates apply for the CDS exam?

Candidates can apply for the CDS exam by visiting the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and following the step-by-step application process provided there.

Q6. If candidates do not qualify, what other government exams can they take?

There are various other government exams like UPSC CSE, UPSC IES, SBI PO, RRB GROUP D, IBPS SO and many more.

Q7. Who is the current CDS of India?

General Anil Chauhan PVSM.

VIA: Sreejit Guha
admin May 2, 2024
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