CDS Entry🎖️
The CDS (Combined Defence Services) Entry is a recruitment process conducted by the UPSC to select candidates for officer training in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The selected candidates undergo training at prestigious academies like IMA, OTA, INA, and AFA, and upon completion, they are commissioned as officers.
Eligibility Criteria
Here’s eligibility criteria for candidates applying for the CDS Entry:
Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
Age Limit & Marital Status:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19 to 24 years, unmarried male candidates.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19 to 24 years, unmarried male candidates.
- Air Force Academy (AFA): 20 to 24 years, unmarried male candidates (Married candidates above 25 years can apply but will not be provided married accommodation).
- Officers Training Academy (OTA – SSC Men & Women): 19 to 25 years, unmarried male & female candidates.
Educational Qualification:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Officers Training Academy (OTA): Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): B.E./B.Tech degree from a recognized university/institute.
- Air Force Academy (AFA): B.Sc degree with Physics & Mathematics or a B.E./B.Tech degree from a recognized university/institute.
Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically and medically fit as per the standards set by the Indian Armed Forces.
Gender: Male candidates are eligible for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA (SSC-Men). Female candidates are eligible only for OTA (SSC-Women).
Selection Process
CDS Written Examination: Candidates must clear the CDS written exam conducted by UPSC.
SSB Interview (5-Day Process): Selected candidates from the written exam proceed to the SSB Interview round. The interview includes OIR Test, PPDT, Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, and Personal Interview.
Medical Examination: Candidates who qualify for the SSB interview undergo a medical examination at designated Military Hospitals.
Final Merit List & Academy Allotment: The final merit list is prepared based on the Written Exam and the SSB Interview.
Training
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – 1.5 years training for Indian Army (Permanent Commission).
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – 1.5 years training for Indian Navy officers.
Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal – 1.5 years training for Air Force officers (Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty branches).
Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 49 weeks training for Short Service Commission (SSC) officers in the Indian Army (Men & Women).
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