Eligibility to Apply for the Indian Army Through CDS: Age and Educational Requirements

Applying for the Indian Army through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is a significant step for individuals seeking a military career. However, eligibility criteria such as age and educational qualifications play a crucial role in determining one's ability to join.

Applying for CDS 2nd 2018 through CDS

If you are under 23 years of age and have a bachelor's degree, you can apply for the CDS 2nd 2018 exam. This would allow you to apply for various branches of the Indian military, including the Air Force and Navy, provided you meet the additional requirements for each specific branch.

Engineering Degree for AIR FORCE and NAVY

For those with an engineering degree, an additional requirement of passing the 12th standard with Mathematics and Physics, with a minimum aggregate of 60% and a minimum of 50% in English, opens the door to applying for the Air Force and Navy sections of the CDS exam.

Soldier Eligibility for ACC

For soldiers who have served for at least two years, the path to becoming an officer is also available. You can apply for the Army Cadet College (ACC) through the CDS exam. Successful candidates must clear the written exam and the Services Selection Board examination (SSB) before being trained at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) for a permanent commission as an officer.

Overaged Applicants for IMA

For those exceeding the typical age limit for induction into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), there are alternative paths to consider. If your age is above the upper limit of 24, which means you are no longer eligible for IMA, you may opt for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA). The age limit for OTA is 25 years, providing an additional year of eligibility.

OTA and Short Service Commission (SSC)

Alternatively, joining the Indian Army via the OTA offers a short service commission (SSC) and the potential for a permanent commission (PC) after 14 years of service. This route is ideal for individuals who have already served for at least two years and wish to continue their military career through the OTA.

Finding Relevant Information

The official notification for the CDS Examination - II 2017 is expected to be available on the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) website soon. You can stay updated by visiting the UPSC site for the latest information and application details.

Additional Resources

For the most accurate and detailed eligibility information, refer to the official documents provided by the Indian Army, such as the CDS_II_2016_Engl_F.pdf document mentioned in the notification and any other relevant documents available on the UPSC site.

Joining the Indian Army is a challenging but rewarding career opportunity. Ensure you meet the necessary requirements and stay informed about the latest updates to increase your chances of success.

Best of luck in your endeavors!