The UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year for the recruitment of officers into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Here’s an overview of the UPSC CDS exam:
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: Indian citizenship, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
- Educational Qualifications: Varies based on the academy applied for, generally a degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification.
- Age Limit: Varies based on the academy and branch applied for, generally between 19 to 24 years.
- Selection Process:
- Written Examination: Consists of objective type questions covering English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for all academies, with additional subjects for specific academies (e.g., Physics and Mathematics for AFA).
- Interview/Personality Test: Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). The interview assesses candidates’ suitability for the armed forces based on various psychological and physical aspects.
- Medical Examination: Candidates who qualify the interview undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the required medical standards for service in the armed forces.
- Training Academies:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: Training for Indian Army officers.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: Training for Indian Navy officers.
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: Training for Indian Air Force officers.
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai: Training for Short Service Commission (SSC) officers for both men and women.
- Examination Dates:
- The UPSC CDS exam is typically held twice a year, usually in February and November.
Candidates aspiring to join the armed forces through the UPSC CDS exam should prepare diligently by studying the syllabus, practicing previous years’ question papers, and improving their physical fitness. Additionally, they should stay updated with current affairs and develop their communication and leadership skills to perform well in the SSB interview.
