Armed Forces Opportunities through CDS

The UPSC CDS exam facilitates entry into the following esteemed branches of the Indian Armed Forces:

• Indian Army

• Indian Navy

• Indian Air Force

• Naval Academy

• Officers Training Academy (OTA)

Both men and women can explore numerous career opportunities through this examination. Notably, women can apply for the CDS exam specifically for posts under the Officers Training Academy (OTA).

Why Choose CDS?

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The CDS exam is not just a path to a career; it is a journey towards a field filled with honor, glory, and respect. Aspiring candidates with a passion for defense should consider attempting the CDS 2023 exam to embark on a rewarding career with one of the prestigious institutions of the Indian Defence Forces.

Seize this chance to fulfill your dream of serving the nation and make a significant impact by becoming a part of the Indian Armed Forces through the UPSC CDS exam.

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Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS Examination

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(A) Nationality

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A candidate must meet one of the following criteria:

1. A citizen of India, or

2. A subject of Bhutan, or

3. A subject of Nepal, or

4. A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or

5. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Candidates belonging to categories (2), (3), (4), and (5) must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. However, Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not need this certificate.

(B) Educational Qualifications

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• For Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA): A degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.

• For Naval Academy: A Bachelor of Engineering degree.

• For Air Force Academy: A degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

(C) Age Requirements

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• For Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates aged between 19 and 24 years as of 1st January or 1st July of the year following the exam. Candidates must be born between 2nd July 1992 and 1st July 1997.

• For Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates aged between 19 and 22 years as of 1st January or 1st July of the year following the exam. Candidates must be born between 2nd July 1992 and 1st July 1997.

• For Air Force Academy: Unmarried male candidates aged between 19 and 23 years as of 1st January or 1st July of the year following the exam.

• For Officers Training Academy (OTA): Male candidates (married or unmarried) aged between 19 and 25 years as of 1st January or 1st July of the year following the exam. Candidates must be born between 2nd July 1991 and 1st July 1997.

For Female Candidates (OTA): Women are eligible to apply only for the OTA. Eligible candidates include unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried. They must be born between 2nd July 1991 and 1st July 1997.