The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recently announced the Combined Defence Services (CDS) First Examination 2024. This examination, scheduled for April 21, 2024, is a crucial step for those seeking to serve their nation with honor and distinction. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the key details of the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination, including the vacancies, eligibility criteria, selection process, and important dates, to help candidates navigate the application process and make an informed decision about their future.
Vacancies and Posts
The UPSC CDS I 2024 examination is offering a total of 457 posts across various branches of the Indian Armed Forces. The breakdown of the available positions is as follows:
| Post Name | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 32 |
| Air Force | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 275 |
| OTA Women | 18 |
It is important for candidates to carefully review the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for each of these positions to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications.
Eligibility Criteria
The UPSC CDS I 2024 examination is open to candidates who meet the following eligibility criteria:
| Post | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Passed/Appearing Bachelor's Degree in any stream from a recognized university. |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Passed/Appearing Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from a recognized university. |
| Air Force | Bachelor's Degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Passed/Appearing Bachelor's Degree in any stream from a recognized university. |
| OTA Women | Passed/Appearing Bachelor's Degree in any stream from a recognized university. |
Additionally, the age limit for all the posts is between 02/01/2001 to 01/01/2006, except for the OTA Women position, which has an age limit of 02/01/2000 to 01/01/2006.
Application Process and Important Dates
The application process for the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination is entirely online. Candidates can begin the application process from December 20, 2023, and the last date to submit the application form is January 9, 2024, until 6:00 PM. The application fee for the examination is as follows:
- General/OBC candidates: Rs. 200/-
- SC/ST/Female candidates: Exempted from paying the fee
Candidates can pay the examination fee through various modes, including challan, net banking, debit card, or credit card.
It is important to note that the UPSC has implemented a One Time Registration (OTR) system for all its recruitment processes, including the CDS I 2024 examination. Candidates who have not yet registered under the OTR system will need to do so before they can apply for the CDS I 2024 examination.
The admit cards for the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination will be available for download from the UPSC website on April 12, 2024. Candidates are advised to carefully review the information on their admit cards and report any discrepancies to the UPSC immediately.
Selection Process
The selection process for the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination consists of two stages:
- Written Examination: The written examination will be held on April 21, 2024, and will consist of two papers: Paper I (Mathematics and General Ability Test) and Paper II (English Language and Comprehension). The duration of each paper is 2 hours, and the maximum marks for each paper is 300.
- Interview/Personality Test: Candidates who clear the written examination will be called for an interview/personality test, which will be conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) of the Indian Armed Forces. The interview/personality test will assess the candidate's suitability for a commission in the Indian Armed Forces.
The final selection will be based on the combined performance of the candidates in the written examination and the interview/personality test. The UPSC will release the final results of the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination in due course, and the selected candidates will be offered a commission in the Indian Armed Forces.
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS I 2024 examination is a prestigious opportunity for aspiring candidates to serve the nation with honor and distinction. With a total of 457 posts available across various branches of the Indian Armed Forces, this examination offers a diverse range of career paths for candidates. By understanding the key details, eligibility criteria, and selection process, candidates can better prepare themselves for the challenges ahead and increase their chances of success. We encourage all eligible candidates to carefully review the UPSC CDS I 2024 notification, complete the application process within the stipulated timelines, and work diligently towards their goal of serving the country.
Click Here: Admit Card
FAQ
Q1: What is the total number of posts available in the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination?
A1: The UPSC CDS I 2024 examination is offering a total of 457 posts across various branches of the Indian Armed Forces, including 100 posts at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), 32 posts at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), 32 posts in the Air Force, 275 posts at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), and 18 posts at the OTA Women.
Q2: What are the eligibility criteria for the different posts in the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination?
A2: The eligibility criteria for the different posts are as follows: for the IMA and OTA (including OTA Women), candidates must have a passed/appearing Bachelor's Degree in any stream from a recognized university; for the INA, candidates must have a passed/appearing Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from a recognized university; and for the Air Force, candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.
Q3: What is the age limit for the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination?
A3: The age limit for all the posts in the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination is between 02/01/2001 to 01/01/2006, except for the OTA Women position, which has an age limit of 02/01/2000 to 01/01/2006.
Q4: What is the application fee for the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination?
A4: The application fee for the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination is as follows: General/OBC candidates have to pay Rs. 200/-, while SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
Q5: What is the selection process for the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination?
A5: The selection process for the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination consists of two stages: a written examination and an interview/personality test. The written examination will be held on April 21, 2024, and will consist of two papers: Paper I (Mathematics and General Ability Test) and Paper II (English Language and Comprehension). Candidates who clear the written examination will be called for an interview/personality test, which will be conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) of the Indian Armed Forces.
Q6: When will the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination results be announced?
A6: The UPSC will release the final results of the UPSC CDS I 2024 examination in due course, and the selected candidates will be offered a commission in the Indian Armed Forces.
