UPSC CDS (I) Recruitment 2024

 Introduction:

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recently released the notification for the Combined Defense Services (CDS) Exam I 2024, providing a golden opportunity for individuals aspiring to serve in the defense forces. With a total of 457 vacancies across various categories, this examination calls upon eligible candidates to apply and join the prestigious ranks of the armed forces.

                                                                

UPSC CDS (I) 2024

Name of the Post: UPSC CDS (I) 2024 Online Form

Post Date: 21-12-2023

Total Vacancy: 457

                               

    Important Dates:

    Last Date to Apply Online: 09-01-2024 till 06:00 PM

    Last Date for Fee Payment (Pay by cash): 08-01-2024 at 11:59 pm

    Last Date for Fee Payment (online): 09-01-2024 till 06:00 PM

    Date of Modification in application form: From 10-01-2024 to 16-01-2024

    Last Date for modification of OTR: 16-01-2024

    Date of Exam: 21-04-2024

    Age Limit (as of 01-01-2024):

    Minimum Age: 20 Years

    Maximum Age: 24 Years

    (i.e., born not earlier than 2nd January 2001 and not later than 1st January 2005)

    Age relaxation is applicable as per the rules.

    Application Fee:

    For Others: Rs. 200/-

    For Female/SC/ST Candidates: NIL

    Payment Mode: Either by remitting the money in any Branch of SBI by cash or by using Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or by using the internet banking facility of any Bank.

    Qualification:

    The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has outlined specific eligibility criteria and educational qualifications for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam I 2024. Aspiring candidates must meet these criteria to be eligible for various academies. Below is a detailed table summarizing the educational requirements for each academy:

    AcademyEducational Qualification
    I.M.A. and Officers’ Training AcademyDegree of a recognized University or equivalent.
    Indian Naval AcademyDegree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
    Air Force AcademyDegree from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

    Additionally, candidates with their first choice as Army/Navy/Air Force are required to submit proof of graduation or provisional certificates on the date of commencement of the SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview at the SSB.

    Pay Scale:

    For candidates aspiring to join the defense forces through the UPSC CDS (I) 2024 Exam, understanding the salary structure and allowances is crucial. Here is a detailed breakdown of the rank levels, pay scales, and various allowances offered to officers:
    RankLevelPay Range
    Lieutenant10Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500
    Captain10 BRs. 61,300 - Rs. 1,93,900
    Major11Rs. 69,400 - Rs. 2,07,200
    Lieutenant Colonel12ARs. 1,21,200 - Rs. 2,12,400
    Colonel13Rs. 1,30,600 - Rs. 2,15,900
    Brigadier13ARs. 1,39,600 - Rs. 2,17,600
    Major General14Rs. 1,44,200 - Rs. 2,18,200
    Lieutenant General HAG15Rs. 1,82,200 - Rs. 2,24,100
    HAG+Scale16Rs. 2,05,400 - Rs. 2,24,400
    VCOAS/Army Cdr/ COAS17Rs. 2,25,000/- (fixed)
    COAS18Rs. 2,50,000/- (fixed)

    Allowances:

    1. Military Service Pay (MSP):

      • Officers from Lieutenant to Brigadier: Rs. 15,500 p.m. fixed
    2. Stipend for Cadet Training:

      • During training at IMA and OTA: Rs. 56,100/- p.m.* (Starting pay in Level 10) *On successful commissioning, pay will be fixed in the first Cell of Level 10.
    3. Flying Allowance (for Army Aviators):

      • Lieutenant and above (Level 10 and above): Rs. 25,000/- p.m. fixed (R1H1 of Risk and Hardship Matrix)
    4. Other Allowances:

      • Dearness Allowance, Kit maintenance allowance (subsumed into Dress Allowance), Field Area Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowances, High Altitude Allowance, Siachen Allowance, and Uniform Allowance.
    5. Transport Allowance (TPTA):

      • Higher TPTA Cities: Rs. 7,200 + DA thereon per month
      • Other Places: Rs. 3,600 + DA thereon per month
    6. Children Education Allowance (CEA):

      • Rs. 2,250/- per month per child for the two eldest surviving only.

    1. Vacancy Details:

    1. Here is a detailed table outlining the name of the course along with the approximate number of vacancies for each academy under the UPSC CDS (I) 2024 Exam:

      No.Name of the Course and AcademyApproximate No. of Vacancies
      1.Indian Military Academy, Dehradun— 100 158th (DE) Course commencing in January 2025 [including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC 'C' (Army Wing) holders]100
      2.Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala—Course 32 commencing in January 2025 Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro [including 06 vacancies for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) holders]32
      3.Air Force Academy, Hyderabad—(Pre-Flying) 32 Training Course commencing in January 2025 i.e. No. 217 F(P) Course. [including 03 vacancies reserved for NCC 'C' Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Special Entry]32
      4.Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 121st SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course Commencing in April, 2025.275
      5.Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 35th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in April 2025.18
      Total Vacancies457

      This table provides a comprehensive overview of the courses offered by each academy and the corresponding number of vacancies. Aspiring candidates can use this information to make informed decisions about their preferences and choices while applying for the UPSC CDS (I) 2024 Exam.

    Application Process:

    Candidates are required to apply online by using the website upsconline.nic.in. The applicant needs to register himself/herself first at One Time

    Registration (OTR) platform, available on the Commission’s website, and then

    proceed to fill up the online application for the examination. OTR has to be

    registered only once in a lifetime. This can be done anytime throughout the year.

    If the candidate is already registered, he/she can proceed straightway to filling

    up the online application for the examination.

     Modification in OTR Profile

    In case, the candidate wants to effect any change in his/her OTR profile,

    it shall be allowed only once in the lifetime after the registration at the OTR platform.

    The option to change in OTR profile data shall be available till the expiry of 7 days

    from the next day after the closure of the application window of his/her first final

    application for any Examination of the Commission. In case the candidate after

    registration of OTR applies for the first time in this examination, the last date of

    modification of OTR would be 16.01.2024.

     Modification in application form (Other than OTR Profile):

    The Commission has also decided to extend the facility of making

    corrections)s) in any field(s) of the application form for this examination from next

    day of the closure of the application window of this Examination. This window

    will remain open for 7 days from the date of opening of the same, i.e. from

    10.01.2024 to 16.01.2024. In case a candidate wants to carry out any change

    in his/her OTR profile during this period, then he/she should log in to the OTR

    platform and do the needful accordingly. In other words, no change in the OTR

    profile can be made by visiting the window for Modification in the application form.

    Read Full Notification Here - UPSC CDS (I) Recruitment 2024

    Official Website - UPSC

    Apply - UPSC CDS (I) 2024 Online Form

    Selection Process:

    Selection is completely merit basis. There are the following steps for this selection procedure. 
    (1) MCQ-type written examination (2) Interviews (3) Medical Examination .

    For candidates gearing up for the UPSC CDS (I) 2024 Exam, understanding the examination pattern and subjects is vital. Here's a detailed breakdown presented in a table:

    1. Written Examination:

    CourseSubjectsSubject CodeDurationMaximum Marks
    Indian Military AcademyEnglish112 Hours100
    General Knowledge122 Hours100
    Elementary Mathematics132 Hours100
    Indian Naval AcademyEnglish112 Hours100
    General Knowledge122 Hours100
    Air Force AcademyEnglish112 Hours100
    General Knowledge122 Hours100
    Officers’ Training AcademyEnglish112 Hours100
    General Knowledge122 Hours100

    2. Interview (Part 'B' of the Appendix):

    • Interview for intelligence and personality test at Services Selection Centres.

    3. Exam Details:

    • Maximum Marks for Written Exam and Interview: 300 each for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy; 200 for the Officers’ Training Academy.
    • Papers in all subjects will consist of objective-type questions.
    • Question papers for General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set bilingually in Hindi and English.
    • Questions may involve the metric system of Weights and Measures.
    • Candidates must write the papers in their own hand; no scribe assistance is allowed.
    • Qualifying marks at the discretion of the Commission.
    • Use of calculators is not permitted for answering objective-type papers.

    As candidates prepare for this highly competitive examination, it's essential to be well-versed in the exam structure, subjects, and guidelines. The written examination, combined with the interview, serves as a comprehensive assessment of candidates' abilities and readiness for admission to the prestigious academies.

    Conclusion:

    The UPSC CDS (I) 2024 Exam presents a significant opportunity for individuals with a passion for serving the nation in the defense forces. Aspirants must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and complete the application process within the specified timelines. The thorough selection process and high standards set by the UPSC make this examination a benchmark for those seeking a career in the armed forces.

    Candidates are encouraged to carefully go through the detailed notification provided by UPSC, considering all aspects of eligibility, application procedure, and examination pattern. The journey towards becoming a defense officer is both challenging and rewarding, requiring dedication, discipline, and a strong sense of duty.

    In conclusion, the UPSC CDS (I) 2024 Exam is not just an opportunity for a career; it's a call to serve the nation with honor and integrity. Aspirants should approach the preparation process with dedication, and success in this examination will not only open doors to a fulfilling career but also contribute to the defense and security of the nation. Good luck to all the candidates aspiring to be a part of the esteemed armed forces!