UPSC NDA, CDS (1) exam notification 2024: Registrations to begin today, here's how to apply

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to release notifications for the UPSC NDA & NA I exam 2024 and UPSC CDS I exam 2024 on December 20, 2023. Aspiring candidates seeking to apply for these examinations can access the notifications on UPSC's official website at upsc.gov.in. The application window will remain open until January 9, 2024. Both the CDS and NDA & NA examinations are scheduled to take place on April 21, 2024, at various examination centers across the nation. 

How to apply for UPSC NDA, CDS exam 2024

Here are the steps to apply for the UPSC NDA & CDS I Examination 2024:

1. Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.

2. Click on the UPSC NDA or UPSC CDS I Examination 2024 link provided on the homepage.

3. Follow the registration process on the new page that appears.

4. Upon successful registration, log in to your account.

5. Fill out the application form and proceed with the payment of the application fees.

6. Submit the application and download a copy for future reference.

UPSC NDA Eligibility Criteria 

Eligibility criteria for the NDA exam include:

- Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India or meet specific criteria regarding their origin and migration.

- Age Limit: Candidates must fall within specified age ranges based on the NDA I and NDA II timelines.

- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 or equivalent examination, meeting specific subject criteria for different wings.

- Marital Status: Only unmarried male candidates are eligible to apply.

- Physical Standards: Candidates should meet the physical standards set by the NDA and Naval Academy Examination.

The selection process involves a written examination followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) for successful candidates in the written test.

UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria 

The eligibility criteria for the UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam include:

1. Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India, subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees, or persons of Indian origin who have migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.

2. Age Limit:

   - For Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates aged between 19 and 24 years.

   - For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried male candidates aged between 19 and 22 years.

   - For Air Force Academy (AFA): Candidates should be aged between 20 and 24 years. The upper age limit is relaxed for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by the DGCA (India).

   - For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Male candidates (married or unmarried) aged between 19 and 25 years, and female candidates who are unmarried, widows, or divorcees (issueless) and aged between 19 and 25 years.

3. Educational Qualification:

   - For Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Candidates should hold a degree from a recognized university or equivalent.

   - For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Candidates should have a degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.

   - For Air Force Academy (AFA): Candidates should have a degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor's in Engineering.

4. Physical Standards: Candidates should meet the prescribed physical standards set by the examination authority.

It's important to check the official notification for specific details and any updates regarding eligibility criteria before applying for the UPSC exam.