The Union Public Service Commission has released the CDS 2 2024 Notification, inviting candidates to apply for over 495 vacant posts.
You can find detailed information about this vacancy, including the application process, required documents, salary, syllabus, exam pattern, and more.
Contents
- 1 Quick Overview of the UPSC CDS 2 Exam
- 2 UPSC CDS 2 Important Dates
- 3 What are the eligibility criteria for the UPSC CDS 2 exam?
- 4 UPSC CDS 2 Selection Process
- 5 What is the UPSC CDS 2 Application fee?
- 6 UPSC CDS 2 Selection Process
- 7 UPSC CDS 2 Exam Pattern
- 8 What is the expected salary of UPSC CDS 2?
- 9 Vacancy Breakdown of UPSC CDS 2
- 10 How to apply for UPSC CDS 2?
- 11 FAQs
Quick Overview of the UPSC CDS 2 Exam
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Service Examination 2024 |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission |
| Vacancy | 495 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Notification Release Date | May 15, 2024 |
| Online Registration for Exam | May 15, 2024 to June 4, 2024 |
| Selection Process | Written Test- Interview- Medical Examination |
| Language | bilingual |
| Mode of Examination | Offline |
| Eligibility | Unmarried Males & Females |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS 2 Important Dates
The UPSC has announced the exam date for CDS 2 2024.
Aspiring candidates should review all the important CDS 2 2024 Exam dates to stay informed and updated –
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | May 15, 2024 |
| Online Application Start Date | May 15, 2024 |
| Online Application End Date | June 4, 2024 (06:00 pm) |
| Last Date to Pay Fee | June 11, 2024 (06:00 pm) |
| Admit Card Release Date | 3 Weeks before the Exam |
| Exam Date 2024 | Sep 1, 2024 |
What are the eligibility criteria for the UPSC CDS 2 exam?
Ensure you meet these criteria before submitting your application –
Nationality
It includes Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who migrated to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement, and individuals of Indian origin who migrated from various countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, Zaire, and Vietnam for permanent settlement in India.
Age Limit
- For Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than July 2, 2001, and not later than July 1, 2006, are eligible.
- For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than July 2, 2001, and not later than July 1, 2006, are eligible.
- For Air Force Academy (AFA): Candidates aged between 20 to 24 years as of July 1, 2025, are eligible.
- For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Male candidates (married or unmarried) born not earlier than July 2, 2000, and not later than July 1, 2006, are eligible.
- For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Female candidates (unmarried) born not earlier than July 2, 2000, and not later than July 1, 2006, are eligible.
Educational Qualification
- For Indian Military Academy/Officers’ Training Academy: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
- For Indian Naval Academy: Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology degree.
- For Air Force Academy: Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards set by the UPSC.
Candidates should carefully go through the detailed eligibility criteria provided in the official notification before applying for the CDS 2 2024 Exam.
UPSC CDS 2 Selection Process
The selection process for CDS 2024 is carefully structured to evaluate candidates’ aptitude, intelligence, and physical fitness. Administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the CDS selection process encompasses several stages:
Written Examination
Candidates will have to first qualify for the CDS written examination. This test covers multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge in subjects such as English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Separate written exams are held for each Academy.
Interview/Personality Test
Successful candidates from the written examination proceed to the interview/personality test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
Here, candidates’ officer-like qualities, leadership skills, and suitability for a career in the defense forces are evaluated. This stage involves various tasks, group discussions, and personal interviews.
Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates are required to submit their original documents for verification, including educational certificates, age proof, and other relevant documents.
Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the interview/personality test undergo a comprehensive medical examination conducted by a Military Hospital to determine their medical fitness. This ensures that candidates meet the physical and medical standards required for military service.
Final Merit List
The final selection is based on candidates’ performance in the written examination, interview/personality test, and medical examination. A merit list is prepared, and candidates are allocated seats in the respective academies based on their ranks and preferences.
This structured selection process ensures that only the most suitable and capable candidates are chosen for training and eventual service in the defense forces.
What is the UPSC CDS 2 Application fee?
Here’s the breakdown of the CDS 2 exam application fees –
The application fee for the CDS 2024 Exam is Rs 200 for all categories except SC/ST/Females.
Candidates can pay the application fee for CDS 2 2024 through online or offline modes. These include Net Banking, Mastercard/Debit Card, or cash deposit in any branch of the State Bank of India (SBI).
UPSC CDS 2 Selection Process
Here’s a structured format detailing the CDS 2024 Selection Process –
Written Examination
- Consists of multiple-choice questions.
- Subjects include English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics for IMA, INA, and AFA. For OTA, it includes English and General Knowledge.
- Duration is 2 hours for each stage of the written examination.
- Maximum marks vary based on the academy applied for.
Interview/Personality Test
- Conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
- No specific subjects; evaluates officer-like qualities, leadership skills, etc.
- Duration and maximum marks are standardized across all academies for this stage.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Pattern
Candidates should familiarize themselves with the exam pattern to prepare effectively for each stage of the CDS 2024 Exam –
For Admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy-
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
For Admission to the Officers’ Training Academy-
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
What is the expected salary of UPSC CDS 2?
The salary structure for candidates selected through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is comprehensive and includes various components –
Basic Pay is the fixed salary paid to CDS officers based on their rank and the branch into which they are commissioned.
| Rank | Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | 10 | Rs 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain | 10B | Rs 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Major | 11 | Rs 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | 12A | Rs 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | 13 | Rs 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | 13A | Rs 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Major General | 14 | Rs 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General HAG Scale | 15 | Rs 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 |
| HAG+ Scale | 16 | Rs 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/Army CDR/Lieutenant General (NFSG) | 17 | Rs 2,25,000 (fixed) |
| COAS | 18 | Rs 2,50,000 (fixed) |
Allowances
- Dearness Allowance (DA): A cost of living adjustment allowance paid to officers to mitigate the impact of inflation.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided to officers to cover their rental accommodation expenses if government quarters are not provided.
- Transport Allowance (TA): Given to officers to meet their commuting expenses.
- Other Allowances: Various other allowances, such as Kit Maintenance Allowance, Field Area Allowance, Special Forces Allowance, etc., may also be applicable depending on the officer’s posting and duties.
Benefits
- Medical Facilities: Comprehensive medical facilities are provided to CDS officers and their families.
- Accommodation: Government accommodation is provided to officers, or they receive a House Rent Allowance (HRA) if they opt for private accommodation.
- Pension: CDS officers are entitled to a pension after retirement, ensuring financial security in their later years.
The salary structure and benefits provided to CDS officers are designed to ensure their well-being and to attract and retain talented individuals in the defense forces.
Vacancy Breakdown of UPSC CDS 2
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the vacancies for the Combined Defense Services Examination (CDS) 2024 on May 15, 2024. The CDS 2 2024 exam presents 459 vacancies spread across various defense services –
| Name of the Academy | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | 32 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) SSC Men | 276 |
| Officers Training Academy, Chennai SSC Women | 19 |
| Total Vacancies | 459 |
How to apply for UPSC CDS 2?
Step 1: Visit the official website
Go to the official UPSC website and find the CDS 2 2024 exam section.
Step 2: Register yourself on the portal
To register yourself on the portal, fill in your basic info like name, birthdate, email, and phone number. Make a unique username and password.
Step 3: Fill out the application form
Log in with your new details. Please provide additional details about where you are located, your educational background, and which branch of service you prefer.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload the required documents carefully.
Step 5: Pay the application fees
Pay the application fee online. Candidates can pay the application fee for CDS 2 2024 through online or offline modes. These include Net Banking, Mastercard/Debit Card, or cash deposit in any branch of the State Bank of India (SBI).
Step 6: Submit the application fees
Ensure all information and documents are accurate before submitting. After submitting, print a copy of your application form. Keep it safe for later.
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FAQs
How many seats are in UPSC CDS in 2024?
The UPSC CDS 2 2024 exam is offering 459 vacancies across various defense services.
What is UPSC CDS salary?
CDS Salary is INR 56,100 per month during training, and after that, the Officers get a salary ranging from INR 56,100 to INR 1,77,500 plus allowances.
What are the key differences in the training approach of NDA and CDS?
NDA provides joint training for Army, Navy, and Air Force cadets, while CDS selects candidates for specific academies like the Indian Military Academy and Indian Air Force Academy.
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