UPSC CDS Selection Process 2024 - Written Test, SSB Interview

UPSC CDS Selection Procedure 2024

The UPSC CDS Selection Procedure 2024 involves three stages: filling out the application form followed by a written test comprising Mathematics, English, and GS papers for IMA, INA, and AFA aspirants, while OTA candidates have to appear for English and GS papers. Each paper is worth 100 marks. The next crucial stage is the SSB, a five-day assessment evaluating personality and character strengths. It includes a Screening Test, Psychology Test, Group tasks, Interviews, and conferences to reveal individuals' true nature. Successful candidates undergo medical tests and await the final merit list, released about a month before training. Those appearing in the UPSC CDS Final Merit List join respective training academies for rigorous one-year training, culminating in the Passing Out Parade, marking the start of their adventurous careers. UPSC CDS II 2024 exam was successfully conducted on September 1, 2024, and the results will be made available in the last week of November 2024, so the selection process will begin after that. Read below to know more about the UPSC CDS selection process 2024.

Written Test - UPSC CDS Selection Procedure 2024

The first stage of the UPSC CDS selection process starts with a written examination, consisting of three papers, and serves as a comprehensive assessment tool, encompassing various aspects of knowledge and skills required for different branches of the armed forces. The UPSC CDS written exam is instrumental in determining candidates' eligibility for further stages of the selection process. The following are key aspects of the UPSC CDS written examination:

• The written exam comprises three papers, each lasting two hours.
• Candidates opting for IMA, INA, and AFA must sit for Mathematics, English, and GS papers.
• Candidates aspiring to join OTA only need to take the English and GS papers.
• Each paper is worth 100 marks.
• For a detailed understanding of the exam pattern, refer to the UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2024.
  

UPSC CDS Selection Process 2024: Service Selection Board (SSB) -

The SSB exam lasts five days and is essential for those aspiring to become officers in the armed forces. It begins with the "Screening Day," where candidates undergo tests to assess their reasoning, mental ability, and imagination. Successful candidates move on to activities like psychological assessments, Group Tasks, and interviews over the next four days. Each activity evaluates the qualities needed for military leadership. On Day 5, known as the "Conference," candidates face individual assessments before the final results are announced—a significant moment for defense aspirants. The five-day SSB process is comprehensively explained in the points below:

Screening Day (Day 1)

• The first day of the SSB is called the "Screening Day."
• It consists of two parts: the Officer's Intelligence Rating Test (OIR) and the Picture Perception & Description Test (PP & DT).
• The OIR test assesses reasoning and mental ability through 80 logical problems.
• Candidates choose the correct option from four provided in a booklet.
• Following the OIR test, candidates undergo the PP & DT, testing their imagination.
• Candidates view a hazy picture for 30 seconds and then write a story about it within 4.5 minutes.
• After writing, candidates discuss their stories in groups of 8-10 people.
• Results are announced, and candidates who pass are called "Screened in," advancing to the next stage.

Psychology test, Group Tasks, and Interviews (Day 2-4)

• These days involve various activities, including the Psychology test, Group Tasks, and interviews.
• Each activity is assessed by different personnel: A psychologist for the Psychology test, a Group Testing Officer (GTO) for Group Tasks, and an Interviewing Officer for the interview.
• These activities assess candidates' Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) and significantly influence recommendations.

Conference Day (Day 5)

• Day 5, also known as the "Conference," involves individual appearances in front of three assessing officers.
• The final result is announced by the President of the Board in the orientation hall.
• Candidates eagerly await the announcement, symbolizing a dream moment for every defense aspirant.

UPSC CDS Selection Procedure 2024: Document Verification

Document Verification will be organized only after the candidate has qualified for the Interview/Personality Test. Following is the list of documents to be submitted for verification:

• Birth Certificate
• Academic Degrees (HSC, SSC, Graduation etc)
• Certificate of Eligibility for specific candidates
• Passport size photograph
• Identity proof
• Residence proof etc.
• Category or caste certificate (SC, ST, OBC, PH etc)

UPSC CDS Selection Procedure 2024: Medical Examination -

After being recommended by the SSB Board, candidates proceed to undergo a crucial Medical Examination as part of the UPSC CDS Selection Process. This examination ensures candidates meet the required medical standards for military service. Here are the key points regarding the Medical Examination:

• Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the Services Selection Board undergo medical examination by a Board of Service Medical Officers. All shortlisted candidates undergo a comprehensive medical examination to determine their fitness for service. Women candidates undergo examination by a Medical Board comprising both male and female doctors, specialists, and a Gynaecologist, with a Lady Medical Officer as a board member.
• Fitness Declaration: Only candidates declared fit by the Medical Board are admitted to the Academy, ensuring they meet the necessary medical standards for military service.
• Document Verification: Candidates must successfully clear all document verification formalities for final recruitment.

UPSC CDS 2024 Selection Process: Change in Communication Address

Candidates who have cleared the UPSC CDS exam are required to notify about any changes in their communication address soon after the result has been declared. Candidates need to notify at the following addresses along with the unstamped self-addressed envelope-

For INA

IHQ of MOD (Navy) DMPR (OI&R Section),

Room No. 204, 'C' Wing,

Sena Bhawan, New Delhi-110011

For IMA/SSC

Army Headquarters,

A.G's Branch, Rtg. (CDSE Entry Section for males & SSC Women Entry Section for women candidates)

West Block-III, Ground Floor, Wing 1,

Ramakrishnapuram, New Delhi-110066

For IAF

PO 3 (A) Air HQS. 'J' Block,

Room No. 17, Opp. Vayu Bhawan,

Motilal Nehru Marg, New Delhi-110011

UPSC CDS Selection Procedure 2024: CDS Disqualification Criteria

Certain behavioral and performance criteria are essential for candidates aspiring to join prestigious military academies and commissions. Here are the points regarding eligibility criteria for various academies and commissions:

• Objectionable Behavior: Candidates removed from the Air Force Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy, Officers' Training Academy, or National Defence Academy due to objectionable behavior are ineligible for entry into the Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Indian Military Academy, or Short Service Commission in the Army.
• Lack of Officer-Like Qualities (OLQ) at IMA: Candidates withdrawn from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) due to a lack of Officer-Like Qualities (OLQ) are not eligible for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy.
• Lack of Officer-Like Qualities (OLQ) at SSC: Similarly, candidates withdrawn from the IMA due to a lack of Officer-Like Qualities (OLQ) are also ineligible for recruitment into the Short Service Commission (SSC).
• Withdrawal from Special Entry Naval Cadets: Candidates previously recruited as Special Entry Naval Cadets but withdrawn from the National Defence Academy (NDA) or Naval Training Establishments due to deficiencies in Officer-like qualities are ineligible for recruitment to the Indian Naval Academy (INA).