Defence Examinations In India

---

A career in the defense forces of India is considered to be a prestigious and once-in-a-lifetime job.
The job is filled to the brim with unpredictability, honor, calculative risks and victory. The job is perfect for adrenaline junkies who are courageous, disciplined and zealous.  The Indian Armed Forces comprise of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian AirForce. It is supported by the Indian Coast Guard and Paramilitary Organizations like Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
Every year, candidates in the number of lakhs appear for exams conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) like NDA, CDSE, AFCAT, Indian Coast Guard, etc to have a shot at an esteemed career in the defense forces. In this blog, we’ll be listing eligibility criteria, exam pattern for various examinations.
Exams Application Date Examination Date NDA Ï NDA 1: 8th-28th Jan 2020 Ï NDA 2: 10th-30th June 2020 Ï NDA 1: 19th April 2020 Ï NDA 2: 6th Sept 2020 CDS Ï CDS 1: 30th Oct-19th Nov 2020 Ï CDS 2: 5th-25th August 2020 Ï CDS 1: 2nd Feb 2020 Ï CDS 2: 8th Nov 2020 AFCAT Ï AFCAT 1: 1-30th Dec 2019 Ï AFCAT 2: June-July 2020 Ï AFCAT 1: 22nd-23rd Feb 2020 Ï AFCAT 2: August 2020 CAPF 22nd April-12th May 2020 9th August 2020 ICG Navik: 26th Jan-2nd Feb 2020 Assistant Commandant: 9th-15th Feb 2020 Yantrik: August 2020 Navik: 22nd Feb 2020 (Tentative) Assistant Commandant: March 2020 Yantrik: September 2020 National Defence Academy is the premier academy for tri-service training of Army, Navy and Airforce cadets. The alumni list is star-studded with 3 Param Vir Chakra awardees, 12 Ashoka Chakra Awardees and 27 Chief-of-Staff till date.
  Overview Examination NDA (I&II) Conducting Body Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Examination Level National Frequency Biannual Stages Written exam and Interview Minimum Education Qualification 10+2 Examination Mode Offline Exam Pattern Ï Paper 1: Mathematics (2hrs 30 mins)- 120 MCQs Ï Paper 2: General Ability Test (2hrs 30 mins)-150 MCQs Language English and Hindi Website https://www.upsc.gov.in/   Eligibility Criteria Ï Only males are eligible to apply. Ï All candidates must be unmarried.
Ï Candidates must be citizens of India/refugees from Bhutan and Nepal/subjects from Pakistan, Myanmar, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka who are planning to settle in India can also apply. Ï Age limit: In general, age 16-19.5 years can apply.
Candidates who have born not earlier than July 2, 2001, and not later than July 1, 2004, are eligible to apply for NDA 1 2020 exam. Ï Educational Qualification: For joining the Army Wing of NDA, candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognized board.
For joining the AirForce Wing/Naval Academy, a candidate must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compulsory subjects from a recognized board. Ï Candidates must be physically fit in accordance to basic standards required by the Army, Navy and the AirForce.
  Exam Pattern The examination is divided into two phases: Written examination and the Selection Service Board (SSB) Interview. Written Examination Ï Mode of Examination is offline.
Ï All questions are of Multiple Choice type. Ï Negative marking: 0.33 Ï The examination is divided into sections: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) Ï Language: English/Hindi Subject Code Duration Max.
Marks Mathematics 01 2 hrs 30 mins 300 GAT 02 2 hrs 30 mins 600 Total 5 hrs 900   Selection Service Board (SSB) Interview With a weightage of 900 marks, SSB Interview is held in the following phases in the duration of 5 days: Ï Day 1: candidates undergo psychological tests like Intelligence Test, Picture Perception and Descriptive Test (PPDT) and filling up of Personal information Questionnaire (PIQ) forms. Only qualifying candidates are eligible for the next round.
Ï Day 2: candidates are put through various tests like Self-description Test, Word-Association Test, Situation reaction Test etc. Ï Day 3: candidates are tested on-ground in groups through the following tasks: Group Discussion Test, Military Planning Exercise, Lecturettes, Intergroup Obstacle race or Snake race, Progressive Group Task, half group task, command task.
Ï Day 4 & 5: Candidates are put through the Final Group Task, Individual Obstacle course and final interview by the Board itself.   Vacancies Branch Vacancy Army 208 Navy 42 Air Force 120 Naval Academy (NA) 48 Total 418 The Combined Defence Services Examination is a biannual test conducted under the strict supervision of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), the Officer’s Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Indian Airforce Academy (AFA).
  Overview Examination Combined Defence Services Examination (I&II) Conducting Body Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Examination Level National Frequency Biannual Stages Written exam and Interview Minimum Education Qualification Graduation Examination Mode Offline Exam Pattern Ï For IMA, INA, AFA: Test consists of 3 sections (English, GK, Mathematics)- 300 marks Ï For OTA: Test consists of 2 sections(English and GK)- 200 marks Language English and Hindi Website https://www.upsc.gov.in/   Eligibility Criteria Ï Only males are eligible to apply for IMA, INA and IAFA. Females can apply for OTA (Non-technical SSC course) Ï All candidates must be unmarried except for candidates applying for OTA.
Ï Candidates must be citizens of India/refugees from Bhutan and Nepal/subjects from Pakistan, Myanmar, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka who are planning to settle in India can also apply. Ï Age limit Academy Age IMA Candidates should not have born earlier than January 2, 1997, and not later than January 1, 2002 (Average age bracket 19-24 yrs old) INA Born not earlier than January 2, 1997, and not later than January 1, 2002 (Average age bracket 19-23 yrs old) AFA Candidates should be between 20 to 24 years OTA Born not earlier than January 2, 1996, and not later than January 1, 2002, are eligible for the exam.
(Average age bracket 19-25 yrs old) OTA ( SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Candidates must have not born earlier than January 2, 1996, and not later than January 1, 2002. (Average age bracket 19-25 yrs old) Ï Educational Qualification Academy Qualification IMA Graduation in any specialization from a recognized university INA B.Tech/B.E with 10+2 in PCM from a recognized board AFA B.Tech/B.E with 10+2 in PCM from a recognized board OTA Graduation in any specialization from a recognized university Ï Candidates must be physically fit in accordance with basic standards required by the Army, Navy and the AirForce.
  Exam Pattern The examination is divided into two phases: Written examination and the Selection Service Board (SSB) Interview. Written Examination Ï Mode of Examination is offline.
Ï All questions are of Multiple Choice type. Ï Language: English/Hindi Ï For IMA, INA, AFA Subject Duration Max.
Marks English 2 hrs 100 General Knowledge 2 hrs 100 Elementary Mathematics 2 hrs 100 Ï For OTA Subject Duration Max. Marks English 2 hrs 100 General Knowledge 2 hrs 100 Marking Scheme Ï Each question in the CDS exam carries 4 options, out of which only 1 option will be correct.
Ï For an incorrect answer, 1/3 marks will be deducted. Ï More than one option marked will be treated as incorrect.
Ï If a question is left unanswered there will be no negative marking.   Selection Service Board (SSB) Interview With a weightage of 900 marks, SSB Interview is held in the following phases in the duration of 5 days: Ï Day 1: candidates undergo psychological tests like Intelligence Test, Picture Perception and Descriptive Test (PPDT) and filling up of Personal information Questionaire (PIQ) forms.
Only qualifying candidates are eligible for the next round. Ï Day 2: candidates are put through various tests like Self-description Test, Word-Association Test, Situation reaction Test etc.
Ï Day 3: candidates are tested on-ground in groups through the following tasks: Group Discussion Test, Military Planning Exercise, Lecturettes, Intergroup Obstacle race or Snake race, Progressive Group Task, half group task, command task. Ï Day 4 & 5: Candidates are put through the Final Group Task, Individual Obsatcke course and final interview by the Board itself.
  Vacancies Academy Vacancies IMA 100 INA 45 AFA 32 OTA 225 OTA (SSC Women Non-Technical) 16 Total 418 The Air Force Common Admission Test is conducted by the Indian Air force for recruitment in Class-I Gazetted Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duties (Technical and Non-Technical). Male and female candidates can choose from the Permanent/Short Service Commission (SSC) in Flying Branch and Ground Duties.
  Overview Examination AFCAT (I&II) Conducting Body Indian Air Force Examination Level National Frequency Biannual Stages Written exam and Interview Minimum Education Qualification Graduation/B.Tech/B.E Examination Mode Online Exam Pattern Ï AFCAT- 100 MCQs (300 marks) Ï EKT- 50 MCQs (150 marks) Language English Website http://careerairforce.nic.in/   Eligibility Criteria Ï Only citizens of India are eligible. Ï Age limit Branch Age Limit Flying Brach 20-24 years old.
Age relaxation till 26 years old for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA. Ground Duties (Technical & Non-Technical) 20-26 years old Ï Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried at the time of commencement of course.
Ï Widows/Widowers and divorcees below 25 years of age are also not eligible. Ï Married candidates above 25 years are eligible to apply but during their training period, they will neither be provided married accommodation nor can they live with family.
Ï Educational Qualifications Branch Required Qualification Flying Branch Minimum 60% in 10+2 with PCM as compulsory subjects & 60% in graduation in any specialization OR Minimum 60% in B.E/B. Tech OR cleared Section A&B of Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum score of 60% from a recognized University.
Ground Duty (Technical Branch) Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics): Minimum 60% in B.E/B. Tech OR cleared Section A&B of Aeronautical Society of India OR Graduate membership examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers with a minimum score of 60% from a recognized University.
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical): Minimum 60% in B.E/B. Tech OR cleared Section A&B of Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum score of 60% from a recognized University.
Ground Duties ( Non-Technical Branches) Administration: Graduate with a minimum of 60% in any specialization from recognized University OR cleared Section A&B of Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum score of 60% from a recognized University. Education Completed MBA/MCA (minimum 50%) or MA/MSc (Minimum 60%) in subjects like English, Physics, Economics, Defence Studies, Computer Science, IT, Management, Mass Comm, Journalism etc.
Ï Candidates must be physically fit in accordance with the basic standards of the Indian Air Force. Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) The examination is mandatory for candidates opting for Ground Duties (Technical) Branch.
The examination tests the knowledge of the candidate in various spheres of basic engineering i.e Mechanical, Computer Science and Electrical & Electronics.   Exam Pattern Language: English Marking Scheme Ï For correct answers, candidates will score 3 marks.
Ï 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer. Ï No marks will be allotted to unattempted questions.
Stage Subject Duration No. of Question Max.
Marks AFCAT General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test 2 hrs 100 300 EKT Mechanical, Computer Science and Electrical & Electronics 45 mins 50 150   Interview Air Force Service Board (AFSB): Candidates who have qualified the written examination are called for interview which is further divided into three phases: Ï Stage 1: Picture Perception & Officer Intelligence Rating Tests wit group discussion. Ï Stage 2: Psychological Tests, Gropu Tests and Final Interview by the Board.
Ï Stage 3: Final Merit List and Medical.   Vacancies Branch Permanent Commission (PC)/ Short Service Commission (SSC) Vacancies Flying Branch SSC for Men & Women 60 Ground Duties (Technical) PC for Men SSC for Men & Women Aeronautical Engg (Electronics) : PC-40, SSC-26 Aeronautical Engg (Mechanical): PC-23, SSC-16 Ground Duties (Non-Technical) PC for Men SSC for Men&Women Administration :PC- 24, SSC-16 Accounts: PC-14, SSC-10 Logistics : PC-12, SSC-08 Total 249 The CAPF examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India for recruitment as Gazetteed officers, Sub-Ordinate officers and Constables in the following branches of security forces which function under the direct authority of Mistry of Home Affairs: Ï Border Security Force (BSF) Ï Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Ï Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Ï Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Ï Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)   Overview Examination CAPF Examination Conducting Body UPSC Examination Level National Frequency Annual Stages Written exam, Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Personal Interview Minimum Education Qualification Graduation Examination Mode Offline Exam Pattern Ï General Ability- MCQs (250 marks) Ï General Studies, Essay and Comprehension- Descriptive type (200 marks) Language English/Hindi Website https://www.upsc.gov.in/   Eligibility Criteria Ï Only citizens of India or subjects of Bhutan and Nepal can apply.
Ï Age Limit: 20-25 years old from 1 August of the exam year. Following relaxation in age is also followed: Category Relaxation (In years) SC/ST 5 OBC 3 Central Government Servants (Civilians/Ex-Servicemen) 5 Domicile of J&K from 1st Jan 1980 to 31st Dec 1989 5 Ï Educational Qualification: A candidate must be a graduate in any specialization from a recognized board.
Candidates with NCC ‘B’ or ‘C’ Certificate are given priority during the Interview. Ï Physical Standards Physical standards (Minimum) Men Women Height (in cms) 165 157 Weight (in kg) 50 46 Chest 81 cms with minimum 5cms expansion - Ï Medical Standards Eyesight Better eye Worse eye Distant vision 6/6 OR 6/9 6/12 OR 6/9 Near Vision N6 (corrected) N9 (corrected)   Exam Pattern Written Examination Ï Mode of Examination: Offline Ï Language of Examination: English/Hindi Subject Question Type Duration Max.
Marks General Mental Ability and General Science MCQs 3 hrs 250 General Studies, Essay & Comprehension Descriptive type 3 hrs 200 Physical Efficiency Test Event Men Women 100 metres (Track) 16 secs 18 secs 800 metres (Track) 3 mins 45 secs 4 mins 45 secs Long jump (3 chances) 3.5 metres 3 metres Shot Put (7.2 kgs) 4.5 metres -   Personal Interview Ï This is a test of a candidate’s personality with questions ranging from personal to current affairs to security issues of India. Ï This test carries 150 marks and is conducted at UPSC Centre, New Delhi.
  Vacancies Branch Vacancies Border Security Force (BSF) 100 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 108 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) 28 Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) 21 Sashthra Sema Bal (SSB) 66 Total 323 The ICGAC Examination is conducted by the Indian Coast Guard for recruitment into the following vacancies under Assistant Commandant (Group A Gazetted Officer) post: Ï Asst. Commandant General Duty (Men) Ï Asst.
Commandant General Duty (Women, SSA) Ï Asst. Commandant Commercial Pilot License (SSA, both Men & Women) Ï Asst.
Commandant, Engineering( Male) Ï Asst. Commandant, Law (Male & Female)   Overview Examination ICG Asst.
Commandant Examination Conducting Body Indian Coast Guard Examination Level National Frequency Annual Stages Written exam, Personal Interview Minimum Education Qualification B.E/B.Tech Examination Mode Offline Exam Pattern Ï Stage 1: Shortlisting of candidates according to B.Tech/B.E marks. Ï Stage 2: Prelims ( Cognitive Aptitude Test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP & DT).
Ï Stage 3: Personal Interview + Medical Language English/Hindi Website https://joinindiancoastguard.gov.in/downloads.html   Eligibility Criteria Ï Only citizens of India are eligible. Ï Educational Qualifications Entry Age Limit Gender Educational Qualifications General Duty 21-25 yrs old Male B.Tech/B.E in any specialization with a minimum score of 60% from a recognized University OR Graduation in any specialization wh minimum score of 60% from a recognized University and 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
General Duty (SSA) 21-25 yrs old Female B.Tech/B.E in any specialization with a minimum score of 60% from a recognized University OR Graduation in any specialization wh minimum score of 60% from a recognized University and 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. Commercial Pilot Entry (SSA) 21-25 yrs old Men/Women Candidate must hold a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by DGCA with a minimum of 60% in 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
Technical (Engineering) 21-25 yrs old Men A minimum of 60% in Engineering specializations like electrical, naval architecture, mechanical, Instrumentation, Telecommunication OR should have cleared Section A and B Examination from Institutes of Engineers (India). Law 21-25 yrs old Men/Women A minimum of 60% in degree of law from a recognized university.
Additional Criteria Ï SC/ST candidates, NCC ’C’ (A grade) holders, Sportsperson of National level (Inter State & above) and wards of Coast Guard uniform personnel deceased while in service will get maximum 5% relaxation in aggregate in the marks obtained in degree. Ï Only the candidates who have cleared the final year of their degree are eligible to apply.
Ï Candidates should not have any past record of detention or prosecution. Ï Candidates from reserved category will enjoy age relaxation as per government rules.
  Exam Pattern The examination is divided into the following stages: Document Verification, Preliminary Test, Medical Test and Personality Test. Document Verification: A candidate must produce the following original documents prior to the commencement of the written examination.
Ï Computer-generated e-filled Admit Card Ï Recent Passport size photographs (3) Ï Original Caste Certificate Ï Character certificate ( Ï 10th and 12th original mark sheets Ï B.E/B.Tech/Graduation original mark sheets Ï Valid government issues ID proof Preliminary Test: The examination tests a candidate’s Mental Ability/ Cognitive Aptitude along with Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP & DT). The following topics are included in Mental Ability Test:- Matrices Trigonometry Algebra Work, Speed, Distance Mensuration Complex Number Probability Coordinate Geometry Differentiation, Integration Profit, Loss Percentage, Average LCM,HCF Medical Standards Height 157 cms (min) Chest 5 cms expansion (min) Weight Proportionate to height and age (10% relaxation) Eyesight 6/6-6/9 (Uncorrected) 6/6-6/6 (Corrected by glasses) Personality Test: This test will include Psychological Test, Group Task and Interview (Personality test).   Vacancies The total vacancies for the post of Assistant Commandant in the Indian Coast Guard are 25.
By joining the forces, the youth of today can serve their motherland and can also pursue an exciting, adventurous career. The job has the following on offer: I hope that this blog has clarified all your doubts regarding “Defence Examinations in India”.
We wish you all the best for all your future endeavours. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com Pragya Chakraborty is a MA in European Studies.
She has worked as an intern with Times of India in the past. An avid book collector and reader.
She spends time researching and reading about the latest trends in language learning around India..