The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India. It is held twice a year to select candidates for admission into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. This article provides an overview of the CDS-2 2023 notification, including important dates, eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation tips, and more.
CDS-2 2023 Notification
CDS-2 2023 is the second examination of the year and offers an opportunity for individuals to join the prestigious Indian Armed Forces. The CDS-2 2023 notification presents a wonderful opportunity for individuals aspiring to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. It is important for candidates to stay updated with the official notification, eligibility criteria, and exam pattern. With proper preparation and dedication, candidates can increase their chances of success in the CDS-2 2023 examination. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the examination and compete for various positions in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
UPSC CDS-2 2023 Exam Eligibility
To be eligible for the CDS-2 2023 examination, candidates must fulfill certain criteria. The eligibility requirements include:
Nationality
The candidate must be an Indian citizen or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan.
Age Limit
- For IMA & Indian Naval Academy: Candidates born not earlier than July 2, 2000 and not later than July 1, 2005.
- For Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years (Candidates born not earlier than July 2, 2000 and not later than July 1, 2004).
- Age relaxation is allowed under the criteria.
Educational Qualification
- Degree from a recognized university or equivalent is required for the IMA and Officers’ Training Academy.
- Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution required for Indian Naval Academy.
- Degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering is required for admission to the Air Force Academy.
UPSC CDS-2 Exam 2023 – Important Dates
Date that Online Applications will Begin | 17-05-2023 |
Last Date to Apply Online | 6-06-2023 |
Date of Online Application Correction | 07 to 13-06-2023 till 06:00 PM |
Examination date | 3-09-2023 |
Date for Admit Card Download | Before Exam |
CDS-2 2023 Application Process
The application process for CDS-2 2023 will be conducted online. Candidates need to visit the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in and fill out the application form with accurate details. They will also need to upload scanned copies of their photograph and signature. After submitting the application, candidates must pay the required application fee as specified in the notification.
Application Fee for CDS-2 Exam 2023
Candidates (excepting Female/SC/ST candidates who are exempted from payment of fee) are required to pay a fee of Rs. 200/- (Rupees Two Hundred Only) 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 internet banking facility of any Bank.
CDS-2 2023 Exam Pattern
The CDS-2 2023 examination consists of a written exam and an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). The written exam includes multiple-choice questions covering topics such as English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The SSB interview assesses the candidate’s personality, intelligence, and suitability for a career in the armed forces.
(a) Admission to the Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy, and the Indian Air Force Academy
Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
English | 100 | 2 Hours |
General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
Elementary Maths | 100 | 2 Hours |
(b) For Admission to the Officers’ Training Academy
Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
English | 100 | 2 Hours |
General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
The maximum marks allotted to the written examination and the interviews will be equal for each course, i.e. 300, 300, 300, and 200 for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy, respectively.
Syllabus for the CDS-2 Exam 2023
The syllabus for the CDS-2 2023 examination is vast and covers various subjects. The written exam syllabus includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the detailed syllabus and prepare accordingly.
CDS-2 2023 Vacancy Details
Name of the Course | No. of Vacancies |
Indian Military Academy (Dehradun) | 100 |
Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala) | 32 |
Air Force Academy (Hyderabad) | 32 |
Officers’ Training Academy Chennai (Madras) – 120th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course Commencing in October, 2024 | 169 |
Officers Training Academy Chennai (Madras) – The 34th SSC (Women) (NT) (UPSC) Course will begin in October, 2024 | 16 |
CDS-2 2023 Exam Preparation Tips
To excel in the CDS-2 2023 examination, candidates should follow some effective preparation tips. These include:
- Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
- Creating a study schedule and allocating time for each subject.
- Practicing past years’ question papers and mock tests.
- Reading newspapers and staying up to date on current events.
- Joining coaching institutes or online platforms for guidance and preparation resources.
CDS-2 2023 Admit Card
Candidates who successfully submit their application for CDS-2 2023 will be issued an admit card by the UPSC. The admit card will contain important details such as the candidate’s roll number, exam center, and instructions for the examination day. Candidates must download and print the admit card, as it is a mandatory document for appearing in the examination.
CDS-2 2023 Result and Selection Process
After the completion of the CDS-2 2023 examination and SSB interview, the UPSC will declare the results on its official website. The selection process involves a merit-based selection, and candidates who qualify both the written exam and interview will be eligible for further training at their respective academies.
FAQs for the CDS-2 Exam 2023
Q1: Is there any relaxation in age limit for reserved category candidates?
Ans: No, the age limit criteria are applicable to all candidates irrespective of their category.
Q2: Are there any specific physical fitness requirements for the CDS-2 2023 exam?
Ans: Yes, candidates are required to meet certain physical fitness standards as specified by the respective academies.
Q3: Can final-year students apply for the CDS-2 2023 exam?
Ans: Yes, final-year students can apply for the examination, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Q4: Is there any negative marking in the CDS-2 2023 written exam?
Ans: Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. One-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
Q5. Can candidates from non-science backgrounds apply for the CDS-2 2023 exam?
Ans: Yes, candidates from non-science backgrounds can apply for the CDS-2 2023 exam. The eligibility criteria focus on educational qualifications and age limits rather than specific academic backgrounds.