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,
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
1. National Defence Academy (I&II) ExaminationNational 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
2. CDSE (I&II) ExaminationThe 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
3. Air Force Common Admission Test (I&II) ExaminationThe 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
4. Central Armed Police Forces ExaminationThe 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
5. Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant ExaminationThe 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 ( < 3 months old)
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.
