The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) kicked off the Combined Defence Services (CDS) I 2024 recruitment cycle with applications opening on December 20, 2023, and closing on January 9, 2024, by 6:00 PM, targeting 457 vacancies across prestigious defense academies. The CDS I exam, held on April 21, 2024, saw admit cards released on April 12, 2024, allowing candidates to gear up for the Computer-Based Test (CBT). Results were declared on May 9, 2024, marking the transition to the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview phase for qualifiers. This recruitment drive offered opportunities for roles at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), including a dedicated quota for women. As of February 28, 2025, this cycle has concluded, but it’s a valuable reference for future aspirants. Here’s a detailed guide to the UPSC CDS I Admit Card 2024 and the recruitment process.

Important Dates for UPSC CDS I 2024

• Application Start Date: December 20, 2023

• Application Deadline: January 9, 2024, by 6:00 PM

• Fee Payment Deadline: January 9, 2024

• Form Correction Window: January 10 to January 16, 2024

• Exam Date: April 21, 2024

• Admit Card Release Date: April 12, 2024

• Result Announcement: May 9, 2024

Application Fee Details

• General / OBC Candidates: ₹200

• SC / ST / Female Candidates: ₹0 (Exempted)

• Payment Methods: Challan, Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card

Vacancy Details (Total: 457 Posts)

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): 100 posts

• Indian Naval Academy (INA): 32 posts

• Air Force Academy: 32 posts

• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Men: 275 posts

• OTA Women: 18 posts

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS I 2024

• Indian Military Academy (IMA):

  • Age: Born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2006

  • Education: Passed or appearing for a Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university

• Indian Naval Academy (INA):

  • Age: Born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2006

  • Education: Passed or appearing for a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from a recognized university

• Air Force Academy:

  • Age: Born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2006

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Men:

  • Age: Born between January 2, 2000, and January 1, 2006

  • Education: Passed or appearing for a Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university

• OTA Women:

  • Age: No specific age limit mentioned (typically aligns with OTA Men, subject to notification)

  • Education: Passed or appearing for a Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university

Steps to Download UPSC CDS I Admit Card 2024

Follow these steps to access your CDS I admit card, released on April 12, 2024:

• Step 1: Visit the Official UPSC Website
  Open your browser and go to the UPSC portal at upsc.gov.in.

• Step 2: Navigate to the Admit Card Section
  On the homepage, click on the “E-Admit Card” link under the “Examination” tab or check the “What’s New” section for updates.

• Step 3: Select CDS I 2024 Admit Card
  Find and click the link for “Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2024 E-Admit Card.”

• Step 4: Log In with Your Details
  Enter your Registration ID or Roll Number and Date of Birth, then input the Captcha code. Click “Submit.”

• Step 5: Download the Admit Card
  Your admit card will appear on the screen, detailing your exam center, date, and time. Download it as a PDF.

• Step 6: Print and Verify
  Print a clear copy of the admit card and review all details (name, roll number, venue) for accuracy. Carry it to the exam center on April 21, 2024, with a valid photo ID.