Apply Online for CDS Exam 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the CDS Exam 2024, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Nationality:
- Must be a citizen of India.
Age Limit:
- For IMA and INA: 19 to 24 years of age (born between 02 Jan 2000 and 01 Jan 2005, both dates inclusive).
- For AFA: 19 to 25 years of age (born between 02 Jan 1999 and 01 Jan 2005, both dates inclusive).
- For OTA: 19 to 25 years of age (born between 02 Jan 1999 and 01 Jan 2005, both dates inclusive).
Educational Qualifications:
- For IMA and AFA: A graduate degree from a recognized university.
- For INA: A graduate degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
- For OTA: A graduate degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
Physical Standards:
- For IMA, INA, and AFA: Candidates must meet the physical standards prescribed by the respective academies.
- For OTA: Candidates must meet the physical standards prescribed by the OTA.
Note: Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government rules.
Important Dates for CDS Exam 2024
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | |
| Online Application Start Date | |
| Online Application Last Date | |
| Admit Card Release | |
| Exam Date | |
| Result Declaration |
Note: The exact dates will be announced by the UPSC on their official website.
How to Apply Online for CDS Exam 2024
Step 1: Visit the UPSC Website
- Go to the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) – https://upsc.gov.in/
Step 2: Access the Online Application Form
- Click on the “Online Application” link on the UPSC website.
- Select “Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2024” from the list of available examinations.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
- Fill the application form carefully and accurately.
- Ensure that all the information provided is correct and complete.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified size and format.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
- The application fee can be paid online through debit card, credit card, or net banking.
- The fee can also be paid offline through a bank challan.
- The fee for the CDS Exam is INR 200 for General and OBC candidates and INR 0 for SC/ST candidates.
Step 5: Submit the Application Form
- After filling the application form and paying the fee, submit the application form.
- Take a printout of the application form for future reference.
Important Points to Remember While Applying
- Read the official notification carefully before filling the application form.
- Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria before applying.
- Fill the application form accurately and completely.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified size and format.
- Pay the application fee on time.
- Submit the application form before the last date.
- Keep a printout of the application form for future reference.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Exam Pattern:
The CDS Exam is conducted in two stages:
-
Written Examination: The written examination is conducted offline (pen-and-paper based) and consists of three papers:
- English: 100 marks, 2 hours
- General Knowledge: 100 marks, 2 hours
- Mathematics: 100 marks, 2 hours
-
Interview: The interview is conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) for candidates who qualify the written examination.
Syllabus:
- English: The English paper tests the candidate’s understanding and usage of the English language. It includes topics like grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and essay writing.
- General Knowledge: The General Knowledge paper covers a wide range of topics, including history, geography, economics, polity, current affairs, and general science.
- Mathematics: The Mathematics paper covers topics like algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus, and statistics.
Preparation Tips for CDS Exam 2024
- Start Early: Begin your preparation well in advance of the exam date.
- Know the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Refer to Good Study Material: Use reliable study materials like textbooks, reference books, and online resources.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year papers to get an idea of the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly to assess your preparation level and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Time Management: Learn to manage your time effectively during the exam.
- Stay Healthy: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and get enough sleep to stay focused and energized.
After the Exam
- Result Declaration: The UPSC will declare the result of the written examination on its official website.
- SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify the written examination will be called for the SSB interview.
- Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the SSB interview will have to undergo a medical examination.
- Final Merit List: The final merit list will be prepared based on the performance of candidates in the written examination, SSB interview, and medical examination.
Important Resources
- UPSC Website: https://upsc.gov.in/
- CDS Exam Notification: https://upsc.gov.in/
- CDS Exam Syllabus: https://upsc.gov.in/
- Previous Year Papers: https://upsc.gov.in/
Table 1: CDS Exam 2024 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | |
| Online Application Start Date | |
| Online Application Last Date | |
| Admit Card Release | |
| Exam Date | |
| Result Declaration |
Table 2: CDS Exam 2024 Syllabus
| Paper | Topics |
|---|---|
| English | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Essay Writing |
| General Knowledge | History, Geography, Economics, Polity, Current Affairs, General Science |
| Mathematics | Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the exam?
You must be a citizen of India and meet the age and educational qualifications specified for the respective academy (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA).
2. How do I apply for the CDS Exam 2024?
You can apply online through the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
3. What is the application fee for the exam?
The application fee is INR 200 for General and OBC candidates and INR 0 for SC/ST candidates.
4. What is the exam pattern for the CDS Exam?
The exam is conducted in two stages: a written examination and an interview. The written exam consists of three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.
5. What is the syllabus for the CDS Exam?
The syllabus covers topics like English language, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. You can find the detailed syllabus on the UPSC website.
6. How can I prepare for the CDS Exam?
Start your preparation early, understand the syllabus, refer to good study material, practice previous year papers, take mock tests, and manage your time effectively.
7. When will the results of the CDS Exam be declared?
The UPSC will declare the results on its official website.
8. What happens after I qualify the written exam?
You will be called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
9. What is the medical examination process?
Candidates who clear the SSB interview will have to undergo a medical examination.
10. How is the final merit list prepared?
The final merit list is prepared based on the performance of candidates in the written examination, SSB interview, and medical examination.