The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination I 2024. Candidates interested in the CDS I 2024 Exam can now apply online. Below are the key details regarding the examination:

Important Dates:

• Application Start Date: 20 December 2023
• Last Date to Apply: 9 January 2024 (till 6:00 PM)
• Fee Payment Deadline: 9 January 2024
• Form Modification/Edit Period: 10–16 January 2024
• Examination Date: 21 April 2024
• Admit Card Availability: 12 April 2024
• Result Announcement: To be notified

Application Fee:

• General/OBC Candidates: ₹200
• SC/ST and Female Candidates: No Fee

The fee can be paid through online methods like debit card, credit card, net banking, or by depositing cash at an authorized bank.

Age Limit (as on 1 January 2024):

1. Indian Military Academy (IMA): Born between 2 January 2001 and 1 January 2006
2. Indian Naval Academy (INA): Born between 2 January 2001 and 1 January 2006
3. Air Force Academy: Born between 2 January 2001 and 1 January 2006
4. Officers Training Academy (OTA): Born between 2 January 2000 and 1 January 2006

Age relaxation is as per the official CDS Exam 2024 rules.

Total Vacancies: 457 Posts

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): 100 Posts
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): 32 Posts
• Air Force Academy: 32 Posts
• Officers Training Academy (OTA): 275 Posts
• OTA (Women): 18 Posts

Educational Qualifications:

1. Indian Military Academy (IMA): Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university.
2. Indian Naval Academy (INA): Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
3. Air Force Academy: Bachelor’s Degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level OR a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
4. Officers Training Academy (OTA): Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university.

Steps to Apply:

1. One-Time Registration (OTR): Candidates must complete the mandatory OTR process on the UPSC portal before applying.
2. Application Period: Submit the online application between 20 December 2023 and 9 January 2024.
3. Notification Review: Carefully read the official notification to confirm eligibility and other details.
4. Document Preparation: Collect and verify all necessary documents, including ID proof, eligibility certificates, and address details.
5. Scan and Upload Documents: Prepare scanned copies of your photo, signature, and other required documents.
6. Form Verification: Before final submission, carefully review all entered details to ensure accuracy.
7. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee (if applicable) to complete the application process.
8. Print Application: After submission, take a printout of the final application form for your records