Latest UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam 2023-2024

Everything About UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam from Basics – exam pattern, syllabus, job profile, career growth, number of vacancies out, starting salary, preparation strategy, best books, courses, and test series, admit card, result, previous year cut-off analysis, and duration of preparation.

Name of Examination	UPSC CDS
Full-Form of CDS	Combined Defence Services
Exam Organised Body	Union Public Service Commission
Salary	₹56,100 – ₹207200 per month
Vacancy Notification	Twice a year
Notification release month	November and May
Application Mode	Online
Qualification	Garduation
Age Limite	19 years to 25 years
Application Fee	₹200/-
Selection Process	Written Examination, SSB interview, and Medical Examination
Official Website	https://www.upsconline.nic.in

Details of UPSC CDS Syllabus

About UPSC CDS Exam

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a national-level entrance exam conducted twice a year for candidates who wish to join the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. The exam is highly competitive and requires thorough preparation in all subjects. Successful candidates are offered admission to the respective academies based on their ranking in the final merit list.

Vacancy Notification

The UPSC CDS exam notification is released twice a year, usually in November and May, for the February and October examination cycles, respectively. The exact date of the release of the notification may vary from year to year. The notification provides all the necessary details such as eligibility criteria, exam pattern, application process, and important dates. The notification also includes information on the number of vacancies available for each course and academy. The number of vacancies may vary depending on the requirements of the respective academies. Candidates are advised to regularly check the UPSC official website or leading newspapers for updates and notifications regarding the UPSC CDS examination.

Number of vacancies

The number of UPSC CDS vacancies may vary each year depending on the requirement of the respective academies and the availability of seats. Generally, the vacancies are announced in the official notification released by the UPSC. In the previous years, the number of vacancies for the UPSC CDS examination has been as follows:

CDS (I) 2023: 341 (Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 100, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – 22, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – 32, Officers Training Academy, Chennai, (SSC Men) – 170, Officers Training Academy, Chennai, (SSC Women) – 17)
CDS (II) 2023: 339 (Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 100, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – 22, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – 32, Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Men) – 169, Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Women) – 16)

CDS (I) 2021: 345 (Indian Military Academy – 100, Indian Naval Academy – 26, Air Force Academy – 32, Officers Training Academy (Men) – 187, Officers Training Academy (Women) – 17
CDS (II) 2021: 344 (Indian Military Academy – 100, Indian Naval Academy – 22, Air Force Academy – 32, Officers Training Academy (Men) – 169, Officers Training Academy (Women) – 17

It is important to note that these numbers are subject to change every year, and candidates are advised to check the official notification for the latest information on vacancies.

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Job Profile after Selection in UPSC CDS Exam

The job profile after selection in the UPSC CDS exam varies depending on the academy the candidate gets selected in. Here’s a brief overview of the job profiles for each academy:

1. Indian Military Academy (IMA): The IMA is an officer training academy for the Indian Army. The selected candidates undergo a rigorous training program for one and a half years, after which they are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army. The job profile involves leadership roles in various operational areas and administrative duties.
2. Indian Naval Academy (INA): The INA is an officer training academy for the Indian Navy. The selected candidates undergo a four-year degree course in engineering, after which they are commissioned as Sub Lieutenants in the Indian Navy. The job profile involves operating and maintaining ships and submarines, managing and leading teams, and carrying out various naval operations.
3. Air Force Academy (AFA): The AFA is an officer training academy for the Indian Air Force. The selected candidates undergo a one-year training program, after which they are commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force. The job profile involves flying various types of aircraft and helicopters, managing and leading teams, and carrying out various air operations.
4. Officers Training Academy (OTA): The OTA is an officer training academy for both men and women who want to join the Indian Army. The selected candidates undergo a rigorous training program for one year, after which they are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army. The job profile involves leadership roles in various operational areas and administrative duties.

Overall, the job profile after selection in the UPSC CDS exam involves serving the nation with pride and honor, leading and managing teams, and performing various operational and administrative duties as per the requirements of the respective academy.

Posts After Selection

After clearing the UPSC CDS exam, candidates are commissioned into the Indian Armed Forces as officers. Here is the complete list of posts that candidates are eligible for after selection in the UPSC CDS exam:

1. Indian Military Academy (IMA)

• Lieutenant
• Captain
• Major
• Lieutenant Colonel
• Colonel
• Brigadier
• Major General
• Lieutenant General
• General

2. Indian Naval Academy (INA)

• Sub Lieutenant
• Lieutenant
• Lieutenant Commander
• Commander
• Captain
• Commodore
• Rear Admiral
• Vice Admiral
• Admiral

3. Air Force Academy (AFA)

• Flying Officer
• Flight Lieutenant
• Squadron Leader
• Wing Commander
• Group Captain
• Air Commodore
• Air Vice Marshal
• Air Marshal
• Air Chief Marshal

4. Officers Training Academy (OTA)

• Lieutenant
• Captain
• Major
• Lieutenant Colonel
• Colonel
• Brigadier
• Major General
• Lieutenant General
• General

It is important to note that the actual post and rank that a candidate is appointed to will depend on their performance during training and the vacancies available at the time of commissioning.

Starting Salary

Here is the list of starting salary of different posts with their respective levels in the UPSC CDS exam:

1. Indian Military Academy (IMA)

• Lieutenant: Level 10 Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500
• Captain: Level 10B Rs. 61,300 – Rs. 1,93,900
• Major: Level 11 Rs. 69,400 – Rs. 2,07,200

2. Indian Naval Academy (INA)

• Sub Lieutenant: Level 10 Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500
• Lieutenant: Level 10B Rs. 61,300 – Rs. 1,93,900
• Lieutenant Commander: Level 11 Rs. 69,400 – Rs. 2,07,200

3. Air Force Academy (AFA)

• Flying Officer: Level 10 Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500
• Flight Lieutenant: Level 10B Rs. 61,300 – Rs. 1,93,900
• Squadron Leader: Level 11 Rs. 69,400 – Rs. 2,07,200

4. Officers Training Academy (OTA)

• Lieutenant: Level 10 Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500
• Captain: Level 10B Rs. 61,300 – Rs. 1,93,900
• Major: Level 11 Rs. 69,400 – Rs. 2,07,200

It is important to note that these salaries are subject to revision from time to time based on the recommendations of the Pay Commission and other factors. Additionally, officers are eligible for various allowances such as dearness allowance, travel allowance, and medical allowance, which further increase their total pay package.

Career Growth

Career growth in UPSC CDS all posts depends on several factors such as experience, performance, and vacancies available at the time of promotion. Here is a general overview of the career growth in UPSC CDS all posts:

1. Indian Military Academy (IMA)

• Lieutenant: After two years of service, promoted to Captain. Subsequently, promoted to Major after six years of service.
• Captain: Promoted to Major after three years of service. Subsequently, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel after thirteen years of service.
• Major: Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel after three years of service. Subsequently, promoted to Colonel after fifteen years of service.

2. Indian Naval Academy (INA)

• Sub Lieutenant: After two years of service, promoted to Lieutenant. Subsequently, promoted to Lieutenant Commander after thirteen years of service.
• Lieutenant: After six years of service, promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Subsequently, promoted to Commander after thirteen years of service.
• Lieutenant Commander: Promoted to Commander after four years of service. Subsequently, promoted to Captain after thirteen years of service.

3. Air Force Academy (AFA)

• Flying Officer: After two years of service, promoted to Flight Lieutenant. Subsequently, promoted to Squadron Leader after thirteen years of service.
• Flight Lieutenant: After six years of service, promoted to Squadron Leader. Subsequently, promoted to Wing Commander after thirteen years of service.
• Squadron Leader: Promoted to Wing Commander after four years of service. Subsequently, promoted to Group Captain after thirteen years of service.

4. Officers Training Academy (OTA)

• Lieutenant: After two years of service, promoted to Captain. Subsequently, promoted to Major after six years of service.
• Captain: Promoted to Major after three years of service. Subsequently, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel after thirteen years of service.
• Major: Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel after three years of service. Subsequently, promoted to Colonel after fifteen years of service.

It is important to note that the actual career progression and time taken for promotion may vary based on the individual’s performance, vacancies available, and other factors. Additionally, there are opportunities for lateral entry and specialized training that can help officers advance their careers.

Selection Process For UPSC CDS Examination

The selection process for UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam consists of three stages as follows:

1. Written Examination: The first stage of the selection process is a written examination. The exam is conducted in two sessions, i.e., morning and afternoon, and consists of multiple-choice questions. The subjects covered in the exam are English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for the next stage.
2. SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: The candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for the SSB interview. The interview consists of two stages – Stage I and Stage II. Stage I includes Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT), while Stage II includes Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference. The SSB interview is conducted to assess the candidate’s personality, aptitude, and leadership qualities.
3. Medical Examination: The candidates who clear the SSB interview are called for a medical examination. The medical examination is conducted to check if the candidates are medically fit to join the defense services. The medical standards are different for different services, and the candidates need to meet the required medical standards to qualify.

After the completion of all the three stages, the final merit list is prepared based on the candidate’s performance in the written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination. The candidates who are selected are then offered admission to the respective academies, depending on the service preferences and vacancies available.

Preparation Strategy

The preparation strategy for UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam should be well-structured and planned. Here are some tips that can help you prepare for the exam effectively:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Before you start preparing for the exam, it is essential to understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly. This will help you to focus on the important topics and prepare accordingly.
2. Make a Study Plan: Once you have a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus, make a study plan that includes daily, weekly, and monthly goals. This will help you to cover the entire syllabus within the time available and also allow you to revise the topics.
3. Practice Previous Year Question Papers: Solving previous year question papers is an effective way to prepare for the exam. It helps you to understand the type of questions asked in the exam, the difficulty level, and the time required to solve them.
4. Read Newspapers and Magazines: Reading newspapers and magazines can help you to improve your general knowledge, current affairs, and English language skills. It is also essential to stay updated with the latest developments in the defense and international affairs.
5. Take Mock Tests: Taking mock tests can help you to evaluate your performance and identify your strengths and weaknesses. It also helps you to manage time effectively during the exam.
6. Focus on Physical Fitness: Physical fitness is an important aspect of the UPSC CDS exam. You need to be physically fit to clear the medical examination. So, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, and follow a balanced diet.
7. Stay Motivated: Stay motivated throughout the preparation process, and do not get discouraged by failures. Stay positive and believe in yourself.

Overall, a well-structured and disciplined preparation strategy with dedication and hard work is the key to cracking the UPSC CDS exam.

Best Book for Preparation

Here is a list of some of the best books for the preparation of UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in India:

1. Pathfinder CDS Examination Conducted by UPSC by Arihant Experts: This book covers all the topics required for the UPSC CDS exam, including English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. It also includes previous year question papers and practice sets.
2. Chapterwise-Sectionwise Solved Papers CDS Mathematics by Arihant Experts: This book provides chapter-wise and section-wise solved papers for Mathematics, which is a crucial subject for the UPSC CDS exam. It also includes practice questions and previous year papers.
3. Objective General Knowledge by Lucent: This book is an excellent source for General Knowledge and current affairs. It covers a wide range of topics, including History, Geography, Polity, Science, and Technology.
4. High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin: This book is a comprehensive guide to English grammar and composition. It covers all the topics required for the English section of the UPSC CDS exam.
5. Let’s Crack CDS Exam by SSB Crack: This book is a complete guide for the UPSC CDS exam. It includes a detailed syllabus, tips and tricks, and practice questions for all the subjects.
6. Objective Arithmetic by RS Aggarwal: This book covers all the mathematical concepts required for the UPSC CDS exam. It includes practice questions and solved examples.
7. Manorama Yearbook: This book is a comprehensive source of information on current affairs, general knowledge, and other important topics. It covers a wide range of topics and is useful for both the written exam and the interview.
8. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth: This book covers the Indian Constitution, governance, and other important topics related to the polity. It is useful for both the written exam and the interview.
9. History of Modern India by Bipin Chandra: This book covers the modern Indian history, including the freedom struggle, colonialism, and post-independence era. It is useful for both the written exam and the interview.
10. Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal: This book covers all the reasoning concepts required for the UPSC CDS exam. It includes practice questions and solved examples.

These books are highly recommended by the experts and are useful for both the written exam and the interview.

Test Series

Nishant eAcademy is a highly recommended online learning platform for UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam preparation. It provides top-quality coaching and guidance to the students through its team of highly experienced and qualified faculty members. The academy offers well-structured courses, study materials, video lectures, practice tests, and doubt-clearing sessions to help the students prepare thoroughly for the exam. The academy has a track record of producing a large number of successful candidates who have cleared the UPSC CDS exam with top ranks. Overall, Nishant eAcademy is an excellent platform for UPSC CDS aspirants who want to achieve success in the exam.

Duration of Preparation

The duration of preparation for the UPSC CDS exam may vary from student to student and their level of preparedness. However, on average, it is recommended that an aspirant should devote a minimum of 6 months to 1 year of consistent and focused preparation to crack the exam. This duration is sufficient for an average student who has a good understanding of the syllabus and can follow a structured study plan.

During this period, the aspirant should focus on covering all the subjects in the syllabus, revise the concepts regularly, solve practice questions and previous year papers, and take mock tests to assess their progress. Consistency and discipline in preparation are key to achieving success in the UPSC CDS exam.

FAQ – UPSC CDS Exams