The UPSC, the esteemed governing body responsible for administering the CDS examinations, has meticulously crafted the CDS 2 2024 notification, providing aspirants with a comprehensive roadmap to navigate the selection process. This notification, available on the official UPSC website, serves as a beacon of guidance, illuminating the key details that candidates must familiarize themselves with.
Examination Overview
The CDS 2 2024 exam is the second in the series of CDS examinations conducted by the UPSC during the year. This national-level examination is designed to select the most promising individuals for prestigious defense academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
Examination Dates
The CDS 2 2024 exam is scheduled to be held on September 1, 2024, a Sunday. This date holds immense significance, as it marks the culmination of a meticulous planning and preparation process that began with the release of the notification on May 15, 2024.
The online registration for the CDS 2 2024 exam will commence on the same day as the notification release and will remain open until June 4, 2024. This window of opportunity allows aspiring candidates ample time to complete their applications and ensure their eligibility for the examination.
Vacancy Details
The CDS 2 2024 notification has revealed a total of 459 vacancies across various defense academies. The breakdown of these vacancies is as follows:
| Academy | Vacancies | Course Details | Commencement Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | 100 | 159th (DE) Course | January 2025 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | 32 | Course commencing | January 2025 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 | Training course | January 2025 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) SSC Men | 276 | 122nd SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course | April 2025 |
| Officers Training Academy, Chennai SSC Women | 19 | 36th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) | April 2025 |
CDS 2 2024 Important Dates
| Examinations | Combined Defence Service Examinations (II) 2024 |
| Conducted by | UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) |
| Frequency | Twice a year |
| Level of Exam | National |
| Release Date | 15 May 2024 |
| Application Date | 15 May 2024 to 4 June 2024 |
| Examination Date | 1 September 2024 |
| Apply Link | Check Here |
| Notification PDF | Check Here |
| Official website | upsc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria for CDS 2 2024
The CDS 2 2024 notification outlines the eligibility criteria that candidates must meet to be considered for the examination. These criteria encompass various aspects, including citizenship, age, and educational qualifications.
Citizenship
The CDS 2 2024 exam is open to candidates who are citizens of India or Nepal. Additionally, individuals who have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or Eastern African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India are also eligible to apply.
Age Limit
The age limit for the CDS 2 2024 exam is 20 to 24 years as on July 1, 2025. This range ensures that candidates are at the optimal age to commence their training and embark on their military careers.
| Academy | Eligibility | Age Limit | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Unmarried male candidates | Born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2006 | Must be unmarried |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Unmarried male candidates | Born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2006 | Must be unmarried |
| Air Force Academy | Unmarried male candidates | 20 to 24 years as on 1st July 2025 (26 if holding a Commercial Pilot Licence) | Unmarried below 25 years; married above 25 permitted but with restrictions during training |
| Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Men) | Unmarried male candidates | Born between 2nd July 2000 and 1st July 2006 | Must be unmarried |
| Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical) | Unmarried women, issueless widows, issueless divorcees | Born between 2nd July 2000 and 1st July 2006 | Unmarried, issueless widows, issueless divorcees (with documents) |
Educational Qualifications
Candidates vying for the CDS 2 2024 exam must possess a degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification. The specific educational requirements vary based on the defense academy they are applying for:
| Academy | Educational Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | Degree of a recognized university or equivalent | Final year students can apply if no backlogs |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai | Degree of a recognized university or equivalent | Final year students can apply if no backlogs |
| Indian Naval Academy | Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution | Final year students can apply if no backlogs |
| Air Force Academy | Degree of a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering | Final year students can apply if no backlogs |
It is important to note that candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they do not have any pending backlogs.
Application Process for CDS 2 2024
The CDS 2 2024 notification outlines a straightforward application process that candidates must follow to be considered for the examination.
Online Registration
The first step in the application process is to visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) and navigate to the CDS 2 2024 examination section. Candidates will be required to register themselves on the One-Time Registration (OTR) platform, which is a lifetime registration process.
Submission of Application
After completing the OTR, candidates can proceed to fill out the online application form for the CDS 2 2024 exam. This form will require them to provide various details, such as their personal information, educational qualifications, and exam center preferences.
Application Fee
Candidates, except for those belonging to the Female/SC/ST categories, are required to pay an application fee of ₹200. This fee can be paid either through online payment methods or by visiting a State Bank of India (SBI) branch and making a cash payment.
Correction Window
In the event of any errors or discrepancies in the submitted application, candidates will have a correction window from June 5 to June 11, 2024, to make the necessary changes.
CDS 2 2024 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The CDS 2 2024 examination will consist of three papers: English, General Knowledge (GK), and Elementary Mathematics. Each paper will have a duration of 2 hours, with the exam timings as follows:
| Paper | Exam Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge (GK) | 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM | 2 hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM | 2 hours |
The syllabus for the CDS 2 2024 exam covers a wide range of topics, including:
- English: Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and composition
- General Knowledge: Current affairs, history, geography, science, and Indian polity
- Elementary Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
Candidates are advised to thoroughly prepare for the examination by referring to the official syllabus and practicing previous year’s question papers to familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and the types of questions asked.
Selection Process for CDS 2 2024
The selection process for the CDS 2 2024 exam comprises two stages: the written examination and the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview.
Written Examination
The written examination, which accounts for 600 marks, will be the first stage of the selection process. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifying marks in the written exam will be shortlisted for the SSB interview.
SSB Interview
The shortlisted candidates will then undergo a rigorous SSB interview, which is designed to assess their physical, mental, and psychological suitability for the defense services. The SSB interview carries a total of 900 marks.
Final Selection
The final selection of candidates will be based on their combined performance in the written examination and the SSB interview. Candidates who secure the minimum qualifying marks in both stages will be recommended for admission to the respective defense academies.
Preparing for CDS 2 2024: Tips and Strategies
Securing a seat in the prestigious defense academies through the CDS 2 2024 exam requires a well-crafted preparation strategy. Here are some tips and strategies to help aspirants maximize their chances of success:
- Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the CDS 2 2024 syllabus and the weightage assigned to each subject. This will help you prioritize your preparation and allocate your time effectively.
- Enhance Your English Proficiency: The CDS 2 2024 exam places a strong emphasis on English language skills. Invest time in improving your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar to excel in the English paper.
- Strengthen Your General Knowledge: Stay updated with current affairs, historical events, and important developments in science, technology, and Indian polity. Regularly read reputable news sources and reference books to build a strong foundation in GK.
- Practice Extensively: Solve previous year’s question papers and mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and the types of questions asked. This will help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas that require more attention.
- Develop a Holistic Approach: In addition to academic preparation, focus on developing your physical fitness, leadership qualities, and problem-solving abilities. These attributes are crucial for success in the SSB interview.
- Seek Guidance and Mentorship: Connect with experienced defense aspirants, coaching institutes, or UPSC experts to gain valuable insights and strategies for excelling in the CDS 2 2024 exam.
FAQs about CDS 2 2024
Q1. When will the CDS 2 2024 exam be conducted?
The CDS 2 2024 exam is scheduled to be held on September 1, 2024, a Sunday.
Q2. What is the age limit for the CDS 2 2024 exam?
The age limit for the CDS 2 2024 exam is 20 to 24 years as on July 1, 2025.
Q3. How many vacancies are available in the CDS 2 2024 exam?
The CDS 2 2024 notification has announced a total of 459 vacancies across various defense academies.
Q4. Can candidates in their final year of graduation apply for the CDS 2 2024 exam?
Yes, candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply for the CDS 2 2024 exam, provided they do not have any pending backlogs.
Q5. What is the application fee for the CDS 2 2024 exam?
The application fee for the CDS 2 2024 exam is ₹200 for UR/OBC candidates, while Female/SC/ST candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
