Introduction To CDS UPSC
The following article provides an outline for CDS UPSC. Looking for a prestigious job? Then you must go for defence services. No other sector can compete for this sector in terms of prestigious jobs, respect earned, facilities offered. If you are looking to get to ride the wave, then CDS exams are round the corner. The Union Public Service Commission has already declared the dates for CDS Exam-II on 14th November 2021. So, if you want to see yourself selected in one of the defence academies then start preparing hard.
What Is Defence CDS Exam?
CDS Exams or Combined Defence Services Exams are popular exams that are conducted to select the candidates for the Indian Defence academies like Indian Naval Academy, Indian Air Force Academy, Indian Military Academy, Officer’s Training Academy on officer level. The exam is conducted twice a year in the month of February and September.
Key Takeaways
- Students who have been waiting for joining the defence services, UPSC has brought exciting opportunities in terms of CDS Exams.
- Students need to stretch themselves to qualify through this exam as there is a lot of competition and the exam is quite complex.
- The conducting body strictly follows the eligibility and other criteria rules during each phase of the exam.
- As dates for CDS Exam -2 are already declared, aspirants should start preparing with more dedication and focus.
CDS UPSC Admit Card
The conducting body of the CDS – 2 Exam will release the admit cards for the candidates in the last week of October 2021. Candidates can refer to their registration number to download the admit card.
The process of downloading the admit card:
- Students needed to visit the official website.
- Click on the link of ‘Download admit card’.
- Download it either using your registration number or your roll number.
- The screen will display your digital admit card. Download it and take the printout.
CDS UPSC Eligibility
The UPSC has already set the eligibility criteria for CDS Exams. Students need to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria to get qualified.
1. Nationality
Candidate must fulfill either one condition of the following:
- Citizen of India.
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
- A refugee from Tibet who has moved to India before 01 January 1962 for permanent settlement.
- An IOP who moved to India with the aim of permanent settlement from the countries mentioned Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, The United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Zaire, Vietnam, Burma, Pakistan, Uganda.
Candidates from the last three conditions must provide an eligibility certificate issued by the Indian Govt.
2. Educational Qualification
Given below table shows educational qualification:
| Cadre | Educational Qualification |
| IMA and OTA | Degree from any recognized university or equivalent. |
| INA | Engineering degree from a recognized university. |
| IFA | Degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at 10 2 or a bachelor’s degree. |
3. Age Eligibility
Given below table shows age eligibility:
| Name Of The Academy | Gender | Age Limit In Years | Marital Status |
| IMA | Male | 19-24 | Unmarried |
| INA | Male | 19-22 | Unmarried |
| IAF | Male | 19-24 | < 25 unmarried or >25 both married and unmarried |
| OTA – SSC Non-Technical Course For Women | Female | 19-25 | Unmarried women, issueless widows but should not be remarried, issueless divorcees who are not remarried |
| OTA – SSC Course For Men | Male | 19-25 | Unmarried |
CDS UPSC Notification
The conducting body UPSC releases the official notification for the CDS Exams twice a year in the months of October and August. The official notification generally includes vacancies for almost 400 posts, but still, the number may vary depending upon the requirements.
| CDS Exam | Event Details | Event Date |
| CDS Exam – 1 | Notification date 2021 | 28 October 2020 |
| End date of application 2021 | 17 November 2020 | |
| Date of exam 2021 | 07 February 2021 | |
| Result declaration date 2021 | 23 March 2021 | |
| CDS Exam – 2 | Notification date 2021 | 04 August 2021 |
| Opening date of application 2021 | 04 August 2021 | |
| End date of application 2021 | 24 August 2021 | |
| Admit card availability | Last week of October 2021 | |
| Exam date 2021 | 14 November 2021 |
The conducting body has released notification for the vacancies of 339 on 04 August 2021 under the name of “Combined Defence Service Examination (II) 2021 (including non-technical course and SSC Women)”.
CDS Examination – 2 Notification For Vacancies
Given below table shows CDS examination – 2 notification for vacancies:
| Academy | Course | Reserved For NCC Quota | Vacancies |
| IMA, Dehradun | 153rd course | 13 | 100 |
| INA, Ezhimala | Executive (general service)/ hydro | 03 | 22 |
| IFA, Hyderabad | Pre-flying training course | 03 | 32 |
| OTA, Chennai | 116th SSC men course (NT) | Nil | 169 |
| OTA, Chennai | 28th SSC women (non-technical) course | Nil | 16 |
| Total | 19 | 339 |
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This is a guide to CDS UPSC. Here we discuss the introduction, CDS UPSC admit card, eligibility & CDS examination – 2 notification for vacancies. You can also go through our other suggested articles to learn more –
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