CDS Selection Process 2024: Written Exam & SSB Interview

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a prestigious gateway for individuals aspiring to serve the nation by joining the esteemed Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. Conducted biannually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the CDS Selection Process 2024 is a meticulously designed evaluation that assesses candidates’ cognitive abilities, personality traits, and medical fitness.

This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of the CDS selection process, providing a detailed overview of the Written Examination, the Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview, and the Medical Examination stages.

Also Read | Simple Steps to Prepare for Your CDS SSB Interview

Understanding the CDS Selection Process 2024

The CDS Selection Process is a multi-tiered evaluation that aims to identify individuals with the necessary attributes and qualities to serve as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. The process consists of three pivotal stages:

1. Written Examination: The Written Test serves as the initial stage, evaluating candidates’ cognitive and logical reasoning skills. The first stage of the CDS 2024 selection process is the written test, which consists of three papers—English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics—for admission to IMA, INA, and AFA.

For admission to the Officers’ Training Academy, candidates are required to appear for only two papers—English and General Knowledge.

The CDS written exam is objective in nature. Candidates who qualify for the written exam will become eligible for the second stage of the CDS selection process, which is the interview.

2. SSB Interview: Successful candidates from the Written Examination proceed to the SSB Interview, a comprehensive assessment of their intelligence, personality, and leadership potential.

The second stage of the CDS selection process is the SSB interview:

The CDS interview is a five-day process conducted in two stages. Candidates are evaluated on physical, mental, and psychological aspects. Clearing Stage 1 is necessary to qualify for Stage 2. The Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT) is a one-day program where candidates are assessed on verbal and non-verbal abilities.

Details of Officer Intelligence Rating and PPDT are provided below:

Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
The OIR test is the first part of Stage 2 of the SSB interview. It includes two sections: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Verbal Reasoning Section
This section contains 50 questions, and candidates are given 30 minutes to complete it before moving on to the Non-Verbal Reasoning Section.

Non-Verbal Reasoning Section
In this section, candidates need to answer 50 questions within 25 to 30 minutes.

Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)
PPDT evaluates the candidate’s memory retention and ability to comprehend situations. Candidates are given 30 seconds to observe a blurry picture and have three minutes to describe it. During this time, candidates must focus on the following parameters:

Future (what will happen next in the picture)
Age
Sex
Mood
Character
Past (what happened just before the picture was taken)
Present (current events in the picture)

3. Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a thorough Medical Examination to ensure they meet the physical and mental standards required for commissioning into the armed forces.

CDS Written Examination: Assessing Cognitive Abilities

The CDS Written Examination is designed to assess candidates’ intellectual prowess and problem-solving skills. The examination pattern varies based on the academy aspirants wish to join:

CDS Exam Pattern for Admission to IMA, INA, and AFA

Subject	Duration	Maximum Marks
English	2 Hours	100
General Knowledge	2 Hours	100
Mathematics	2 Hours	100
SSB Test/Interview	5 Days	300

CDS Exam Pattern for Admission to OTA

Subject	Duration	Maximum Marks
English	2 Hours	100
General Knowledge	2 Hours	100
SSB Test/Interview	5 Days	300

In the Written Examination, candidates are awarded one mark for each correct answer, with a penalty of 0.33 marks for each incorrect answer.

Navigating the SSB Interview: Assessing Personality and Leadership

Candidates who qualify in the Written Examination progress to the SSB Interview, a comprehensive evaluation of their intelligence, personality, and leadership potential. The SSB Interview spans over five days and comprises two distinct stages:

Stage I: Screening Tests

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
• Picture Perception and Description Test (PP & DT)

Stage II: Psychological and Group Tests

• Psychological Tests: Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), Self-Description Test (SDT)
• Group Testing: Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercise, Progressive Group Tasks (PGT), Command Task, and more

The SSB Interview is designed to assess candidates’ problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, communication skills, and overall officer-like qualities.

Dates	Events
Day 1	Reporting, Filling of forms, Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)
Day 2	Psychological Test – This includes TAT (Thematic Appreciation Test), WAT (Word Association Test), SRT (Situation Reaction Test), SD (Self-Description)
Day 3	Group Tasks – Candidates have to prove their physical as well as mental prowess. Officer Like Qualities are judged through tasks such as Group Discussion, Military Planning Exercise, Progressive Group Task, Group Obstacle Race, Half Group Task
Day 4	Individual Obstacle Task (IOT), Command Task, Final Group Task (FGT), Personal Interview, Individual Lecturette
Day 5	Conference and Document Verification

Note:
If the candidates do not receive their interview call letter before the CDS interview, they are advised to contact the exam authority as soon as possible, or they will not be allowed to attend the interview.

Contact Details:

• Army HQ/Rtg. (CDSE Entry/ SSC Women Entry for Officers Training Academy)
  175, West Block-III, Ramakrishnapuram, New Delhi- 110066
  Telephone No.: 26176028
• Air Force and Navy Interview Candidates
  They must contact the Air Force Headquarters.

Also Read | 8 Things You Must Know Before Applying for CDS Exam Entry

Ensuring Medical Fitness: The Final Hurdle

Candidates recommended by the SSB Interview undergo a thorough Medical Examination to ensure they meet the physical and mental standards required for commissioning into the armed forces. The Medical Examination evaluates candidates’ fitness for performing military duties in various environments and conditions, including remote areas and austere conditions.

Securing a Position on the Final Merit List

The Final Merit List is prepared based on candidates’ performance in the Written Examination, SSB Interview, and Medical Examination. Individuals who secure a position on the Merit List become eligible for further selection and training, paving their way to becoming officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

Disqualification Criteria: Factors to Consider

Certain criteria may lead to disqualification from the CDS Selection Process 2024, including:

• Previous termination from prestigious institutions like the AFA, IMA, NDA, INA, and OTA due to unacceptable behavior
• Lack of officer-like qualities (OLQ) leading to termination from the Indian Military Academy
• Withdrawal from the NCC, OTA, IMA, or graduate program due to a lack of officer-like skills

Aspiring candidates must be mindful of these disqualification criteria and ensure they possess the necessary attributes and qualities to succeed in the CDS selection process.

Also Read | How to Prepare for NDA SSB Interview Process

Conclusion

The CDS Selection Process 2024 is a rigorous evaluation designed to identify individuals with the necessary attributes and qualities to serve as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Aspiring candidates must prepare diligently for each stage of the selection process, from the Written Examination to the SSB Interview and Medical Examination, to maximize their chances of success and contribute to the defense and security of the nation. Through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, individuals can embark on a fulfilling journey of service and honor in the armed forces.

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