How to join Indian Military, Naval and Air Force
The CDS selection process involves three stages:
Written Exam: This is a computer-based objective test conducted across various centers in India. It consists of three papers:
English: Tests your proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills.
General Knowledge: Covers current affairs, history, geography, science, polity, and basic mathematics.
Elementary Mathematics: Assesses your understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics. (Note: This paper is not required for entry into OTA)
SSB Interview (Services Selection Board): Candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for an interview by the SSB. The SSB interview is a rigorous personality assessment process conducted over five days. It evaluates a candidate’s:
Officer Like Qualities (OLQs): These include qualities like leadership, communication skills, mental and physical toughness, decision-making ability, and social adaptability.
Intelligence: The SSB assesses your mental alertness and reasoning abilities.
Physical Ability: This involves a basic physical fitness test to assess your stamina and motivation.
Medical Examination: Medically fit candidates recommended by the SSB are called for a medical examination conducted by a military board. This exam assesses your physical fitness for military service.
Selection:
The final merit list is prepared based on the combined score of the written exam and the SSB interview. Candidates are selected for training academies based on their rank in the merit list and their preference for the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Important Resources:
UPSC Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in/ This website provides the official notification for the CDS exam, syllabus, and exam dates.
Testbook: [[invalid URL removed]] This website provides information on the CDS exam pattern, syllabus, preparation tips, and mock tests.
SSB Interview Guidance: The SSB interview is a crucial stage. The Ministry of Defence offers guidance on the SSB interview process on their website: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MuL6IwEFBRA
Additional Notes:
The CDS exam is highly competitive. Thorough preparation for both the written exam and the SSB interview is essential.
Age and educational qualifications vary depending on the academy you’re applying for. Refer to the official notification for detailed eligibility criteria.
Women candidates are only eligible to apply for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any further questions about the CDS selection process.
