The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the CDS 2 notification 2024 PDF on May 15th, 2024. For this year, they’re aiming to fill 459 job posts. The CDS exam is a national exam held twice a year for those wanting to start a career in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Military Academy (IMS), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Officer’s Training Academy (OTA).
If you want to pass the Combined Defence Service Examination (II) 2024, you must complete a written test, an interview round, and a medical exam. The online registration for CDS 2 2024 has already started on 15th May 2024 at https://www.upsc.gov.in/. The registration window for the UPSC CDS 2 2024 exam will end on 4th June 2024.
Keep reading, as this article covers all the details of the CDS Exam 2024, including vacancy, eligibility criteria, application fee, and steps to register.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2024: Overview
| Exam Name | UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2024 |
| Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a Year |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC ) |
| Vacancies | 459 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, Interview, Medical Test |
| Language | Multilingual |
| Last Date for Registration | 15th May – 4th June 2024 |
| Application Fee | Rs. 200/- |
| UPSC CDS 2 Exam Date 2024 | 1st September 2024 |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in/ |
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Date 2024
The Combined Defence Services Examination, or the CDS exam, is a national-level Defence exam. The CDS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. It recruits Commissioned Officers for the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy.
The CDS exam is highly prestigious because it offers a chance to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is held twice a year, in April and September. The process of selecting a candidate for the job posts includes a written exam and an interview. Only unmarried graduates are eligible to take the CDS exam.
The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) has announced the date for the CDS 2 exam 2024 in the UPSC Calendar 2024. The exam will be held on September 1st, 2024.
Vacancy of UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2024
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced 459 job openings for the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officer’s Training Academy in the CDS 2 notification. You can find the updated details in the table below:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 100 vacancies for the 158th (DE) Course starting in January 2025.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: 32 vacancies for the Course starting in January 2025.
- Air Force Academy, Hyderabad: 32 vacancies for the Training Course starting in January 2025.
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Madras) SSC Men: 276 vacancies for the 121st SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course beginning in April 2025.
- Officers Training Academy, Chennai SSC Women: 19 vacancies for the 35th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) course starting in April 2025.
Total Vacancies: 459
Suggested Reads: UPSC NDA 2 Exam Date 2024: Vacancies, Eligibility, Steps to Apply
UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2024: Eligibility Criteria
If you want to apply for the UPSC CDS 2 exam 2024, you need to meet eligibility criteria, including nationality, age limits, educational qualification, and physical standards. As a candidate, you have to make sure that you meet all these requirements before applying.
| CDS Nationality |
| – Indian Citizen |
| – Subject of Nepal/Bhutan |
| – Tibetan Refugee with intent to settle permanently |
| – Indian Origin individual migrated from specific countries for permanent settlement in India |
| CDS Education Qualification |
| – Indian Military Academy (I.M.A.) & Officers’ Training Academy: Graduation degree from a recognized University |
| – Indian Naval Academy: Candidates must have a Graduation in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution |
| – Air Force Academy: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering |
| CDS Age Limit |
| – I.M.A. & Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2006 |
| – Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years as of July 1, 2025 |
| CDS Marital Status & Sex |
| – I.M.A. & Indian Naval Academy: Only unmarried males are eligible |
| – Air Force Academy: Both married and unmarried males can apply (marriage during training not permitted) |
| – Officer Training Academy: Unmarried males & females eligible |
| CDS Physical Standards |
| – Minimum Height: 157 cm for males, 152 cm for females, and specific requirements for certain regions/candidates |
| – Body Mass Index (BMI) below 25 |
| – Waist-Hip Ratio: Below 0.9 for males, 0.8 for females |
| – Waist Circumference: Less than 90 cm for males, 80 cm for females |
Application Fee of UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2024
To register for the CDS 2 exam 2024, candidates need to pay a small fee. The application fee for the UPSC CDS 2 exam 2024 depends on your category. You can pay using Visa, MasterCard, Rupay Credit or Debit Card, or through net banking. You can also pay the fee offline by depositing cash at any SBI Bank branch.
Note: It should be noted that once paid, the fee is non-refundable.
Here, we’ve made a table for you to understand the fee structure:
| Category | Application Fee |
| General (UR) | Rs. 200/- |
| SC/ST candidates/ Female Candidates | NIL |
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2024: Step-by-Step
The UPDS CDS 2 Exam 2024 application process started on 15th May 2024. You need to complete the online application on the official UPSC website within the given time.
Below is the step-by-step guide to help you through the application process smoothly.
1. Visit the official website: https://www.upsc.gov.in/.
2. First of all, you have to log in to your registered account or register for the UPSC OTR (One-Time Registration).
3. Once done, click on the CDS 2 exam link.
4. Now, start the application procedure by filling in the required details.
5. Upload your photograph, signature, and identity proof, e.g., Aadhar Card or Voter ID card.
6. Then, pay the mentioned application fee for the CDS 2 exam, which is Rs. 200/-.
7. Candidates will have to select the preferred CDS 2 exam center.
8. After that, review the information and submit the application form.
9. At last, you’ll receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile number and email ID.
Finally, the UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2024 is a golden opportunity for those who want to join the Indian Armed Forces. If you want to apply, it’s important to understand the application process, eligibility criteria, fee structure, and how to apply.
When you stay updated with official updates, it will help you do well in the exam. Being dedicated, preparing systematically, and understanding the exam pattern clearly will greatly improve your chances of success in the UPDS CDS 2 Exam 2024.