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UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination in India. It offers a direct entry to a glorious career in the military. If you are preparing for upcoming government exams in the defence sector or joining the armed forces, understanding the CDS eligibility criteria for 2023 is essential.
In this comprehensive blog, we will delve into the various aspects of UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria, including age limits, nationality, educational qualifications, and medical standards.
| Organising Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Service Examination (II) 2023 |
| CDS Vacancy 2023 | CDS 1 Vacancy – 341, CDS 2 Vacancy – 349 |
| Job Description | Officer Grade in Armed Forces ( Army, Navy and Air Force ) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Selection Process 2023 | Written Test, SSB, and Medicals |
| Language of Written Exam | English and Hindi |
| Mode of Examination | Offline |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-choice questions |
| CDS Eligibility 2023 | Unmarried Males & Females |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours (each paper) |
| Marking Scheme | 1/3 for each incorrect answer |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Table of Contents
Must Read: CDS Exam 2022
UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria
The Union Public Service Commission announces CDS eligibility criteria for the students who want to appear in the exam. It is important that candidates ensure that they fulfil UPSC CDS Eligibility criteria before submitting the application form. Below, we have mentioned point-wise eligibility to appear in this exam.
About CDS Exam
The CDS exam, held twice a year, is a gateway for candidates to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Indian Air Force Academy (AFA). This highly competitive exam assesses candidates’ knowledge, aptitude, and skills in subjects like mathematics, general knowledge, and English language.
IMA (Indian Military Academy) Eligibility 📝
To apply for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) through the CDS examination, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Age: Unmarried male candidates aged 19 to 24 years are eligible.
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens or subjects of Bhutan, Nepal, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of settling in India.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university is required.
For those aspiring to join the Indian Naval Academy (INA), the following eligibility criteria apply:
- Age: Unmarried male candidates aged 19 to 24 years can apply.
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens or subjects of Bhutan, Nepal, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of settling in India.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree in engineering from a recognized university or institution.
AFA (Indian Air Force Academy) Eligibility 🎯
The Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) has specific eligibility requirements:
- Age: Unmarried male candidates aged 19 to 24 years are eligible.
- Nationality: Indian citizens are eligible.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree in engineering from a recognized university or institution.
OTA (Men and Women) Eligibility
The Officers Training Academy (OTA) has separate eligibility criteria for men and women:
OTA (Men)
- Age: Unmarried male candidates aged 19 to 25 years can apply.
- Nationality: Indian citizens are eligible.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution.
OTA (Women)
- Age: Unmarried women candidates aged 19 to 25 years can apply.
- Nationality: Indian citizens are eligible.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution.
CDS Medical Eligibility
After we have discussed the specific eligibility criteria for each academy, it’s crucial to understand the general medical standards set by the Armed Forces. These standards are critical, as candidates must be physically fit to undergo rigorous military training. Some important points to note include:
- Candidates should be physically fit according to prescribed physical standards.
- Permanent tattoos are only allowed on the inner face of the forearm and the reverse side of the hand, subject to certain conditions.
- Candidates are advised to undergo a preliminary medical checkup for ear, eye, and skin conditions before the exam.
Location for Medicals After CDS SSB: AFCME Delhi
Gaining an understanding of what life will be like at the academy Look at this video to see a day in the life of a flight cadet.
Therefore, it’s essential that you maintain physical fitness standards even while preparing for the exam.
Eligibility for SSC and PC in Armed Forces
Eligibility for the Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC) in the Indian Army varies based on the nature of the service and the specific entry schemes. Here’s a concise overview:
SSC (Short Service Commission):
- Age Limit: The age limit for SSC entry varies between 19 and 25 years, depending on the specific branch or scheme.
- Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- Educational Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is generally required for SSC entry. However, specific qualifications may vary based on the branch or scheme.
PC (Permanent Commission):
- Age Limit: The age limit for PC entry is typically higher than SSC and varies based on the branch and scheme. It can range from 19 to 27 years or more.
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens.
- Educational Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is generally required. However, certain technical and specialized branches may have specific educational requirements.
Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC?
FAQs
Candidates must be unmarried Indian males and females. They should meet educational criteria specific to each academy (e.g., Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Officers’ Training Academy) as per UPSC CDS notification.
Qualification and Age Limit for UPSC CDS:
1. Indian Military Academy/Officers’ Training Academy: A degree from a recognised university or equivalent; age between 19-24 years.
2. Indian Naval Academy: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; age between 19-24 years.
3. Air Force Academy: Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics in 10+2; age between 20-24 years.
4. Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Men & Women): A degree from a recognised university or equivalent; age between 19-25 years.
The Maximum Age Limit for the CDS Exam is Below 25 Years Or 25 Years on the Date of Joining the Academy. However, if You are Above 25 and Want to Apply, You can apply to Certain branches like the Education Branch of the Airforce Or the Army up to the Age of 27.
In conclusion, the CDS examination offers an incredible opportunity for 12th-grade science students in India to pursue a fulfilling career in the armed forces. Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first step towards achieving your dream of serving your nation. Ensure you meet all the necessary requirements, and prepare rigorously for the written test, interview, and medical examination to secure your place in one of the prestigious defense academies.
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This was all about the UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria. For more such informative blogs, check out our Defense Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.