CDS Exam Date 2024, Notification, Syllabus and Exam Pattern

The CDS (Combined Defense Services) exam, held biannually, comprises two stages: a written exam and an SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview. Aspiring candidates must thoroughly review the UPSC CDS eligibility criteria before completing the application process. The CDS exam for 2024 is scheduled for April 21, 2024. Here’s a brief overview of the CDS 2024 exam:

CDS Notification 2024 Out

CDS Apply Online 2024

Online registration for the CDS 1 Exam 2024 has started on December 20, 2023. Candidates interested in appearing for the exam can submit their CDS Application Form 2023 online until January 9, 2024 till 6pm. It is recommended for aspirants to complete their applications well in advance of the deadline to prevent any last-minute complications. The direct link for candidates to apply for the CDS exam application form 2024 is provided below:

CDS Apply Online : Click to Check

CDS Vacancy 2024

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) reveal the number of positions available for the Combined Defense Services Examination (CDS) 2024. The upcoming CDS 1 2024 exam is anticipated to offer approximately 457 vacancies spanning various branches of the Indian Armed Forces.

CDS Exam 2024 Important Dates

CDS Exam Pattern 2024

Aspirants preparing for the CDS exam in 2024 need to understand the paper pattern for effective preparation. The CDS Exam Pattern 2024 varies for Officer Training Academy (OTA) and Indian Naval Academy/Indian Military Academy/Indian Air Force, with two main sections:

CDS Exam Pattern for Indian Naval Academy/Indian Military Academy/Indian Air Force

CDS Exam Pattern for Officer Training Academy (OTA)

CDS Eligibility Criteria 2024

Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria for the CDS 2024 selection process, encompassing physical standards, nationality, education qualifications, and age limits as outlined by the UPSC. It is imperative for applicants to satisfy these conditions to progress in the selection process:

Physical and Medical Standards For admission to the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2022, candidates must meet specific physical fitness criteria outlined in the official CDS notification. Armed Forces Medical Services Medical Officers conduct thorough medical examinations, and the Board of Medical Officers’ decision is final. Candidates need to be in good physical and mental health, free of any condition that could hinder military duties in various environments and conditions. They should not require frequent medical visits, aids, or drugs. Medical examinations focus on intelligence, hearing, vision, speech, glandular swelling, cardiovascular and respiratory health, limb development, joint functionality, absence of hernia, well-formed feet, and absence of congenital malformations. Candidates should show no signs of past acute or chronic illnesses indicating impaired constitution.

Height & Weight Standards

• Male candidates must be at least 157 cm tall, with exceptions for Gorkhas and candidates from specific regions.
• Female candidates must be at least 152 cm tall, with exceptions for Gorkhas and candidates from specific regions.

Visual Standards Candidates must not have any eye defects. Refractive surgery (PRK/LASIK/SMILE) is allowed for all branches except special forces personnel like submarines, divers, and MARCO. Radial Keratotomy disqualifies candidates for recruitment. In summary, candidates must be physically and mentally fit, meeting specified height, weight, and visual standards, with exceptions for certain regions and special forces personnel.

Nationality To qualify for the CDS 1 exam 2024, candidates must be either:

• Citizens of India
• Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan
• Tibetan refugees who migrated to India before January 01, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement.

CDS Educational Qualification

Educational criteria for different job posts are as follows:

CDS Age Limit 2024

The commission has established a fixed age limit for all posts. Aspirants must fall within the specified criteria, failing which their candidature can be cancelled at any stage of the selection process. The CDS age limit 2024 for all posts is 20 to 24 years, implying:

• For IMA, INA, AFA: Candidates must be born between 2nd Jan 2001 and 1st Jan 2006.
• For Officers’ Training Academy (Men and Women): Candidates must be born between 2nd Jan 2000 and 1st Jan 2006.

CDS Syllabus 2024

CDS Syllabus 2024 : Click to Check

CDS Salary 2024

During the training period, officers at the equivalent levels in the Army, Navy, and Air Force will receive a fixed stipend, currently set at ₹56,100 per month.

CDS Officer Salary at Different Ranks

CDS Career Growth and Promotion

The career growth and promotions for CDS officers during their tenure are as follows:

• Lieutenant: Promotion after completion of training.
• Captain: Two years of commissioned service.
• Major: Six years of commissioned service.
• Lieutenant Colonel: Thirteen years of commissioned service.
• Colonel: Fifteen years of commissioned service.
• Colonel (TS): Twenty-six years of commissioned service.
• Major General: Twenty-five years of commissioned service.
• Brigadier: Twenty-three years of commissioned service.
• Lieutenant General: Twenty-eight years of commissioned service.
• General: No restrictions.

CDS Exam Important Instructions

• Write only in black ballpoint pen.
• In the appropriate space on the answer sheet, provide your Centre and subject, followed by the CDS 2024 test booklet series (in brackets), subject code, and the exam roll number.
• Encode your CDS 2024 booklet series (A, B, C, or D), subject code, and roll number in the circles provided on the answer sheet.
• If the CDS booklet series is not printed on the test booklet or the answer sheet is unnumbered, report immediately to the invigilator for replacement.
• Any omission/mistakes/discrepancy in encoding/filling details, especially Roll Number and Test Booklet Series Code, may lead to rejection of the answer sheet.
• Before starting the CDS 2024, check the test booklet for any unprinted, torn, or missing pages/items. If found, replace it with a complete test booklet of the same series and subject.
• Do not write your name or anything other than the specific items of information on the CDS answer sheet/test booklet/sheet for rough work.
• Do not fold, damage, or put extraneous markings on the CDS Answer Sheet. Avoid writing on the reverse side of the answer sheet.