DEFENCE EXAM
The Defence exams are conducted to recruit eligible candidates in the Indian Armed Forces. Through various Defence exams, candidates get admission in the various Defence training academies such as –
1. Indian Military Academy (IMA) – Dehradun
2. Indian Naval Academy (INA) – Ezhimala
3. Air Force Academy (AFA) – Hyderabad
4. Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Chennai
Every year lakhs of candidates appear for various defence exams to fulfil their dream of being a part of the armed forces, which is undoubtedly highly admired in India. This article aims to provide relevant information on the defence exams in India for aspirants to prepare conveniently for upcoming Defence exams.
Defence Exam Eligibility
Aspirants of various Defence exams have to fulfil the basic eligibility requirement as mentioned by the conducting body in the respective exam notification.
Every citizen of India, irrespective of class, caste, religion and community is eligible to appear for defence exams provided they meet the criteria such as physical standard, age and educational qualification.
| Defence Exam Age Limit | ||
| Exams | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
| CAPF | 20 years | 25 years |
| NDA | 16 years | 19 years |
| CDS | 19 years | INA – 22 years AFA – 23 years IMA – 24 years OTA – 25 years |
| AFCAT Exam | 20 years | 24 years – Flying Branch 26 years – Ground Duty |
Defence Exam Education Qualification
| Defence Exam Educational Qualification | |
| Exams | Minimum Education Requirement |
| CAPF | A Bachelor’s degree from any Government recognised University Or Deemed to be University |
| NDA/NA Exam | 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination |
| CDS Exam | Graduation/Bachelors from a Government recognised University |
| AFCAT Exam | A Graduation degree from any Government recognised University |
EXAM PATTERN
The UPSC and Air Force, reserves the right to set and make changes in the exam pattern and syllabus of CDS, NDA, CAPF and AFCAT respectively.
The notification published by the conducting body mentions the Defence exam syllabus and exam pattern in detail.
Aspirants of various defence exam in India can go through the highlights of patterns and Defence exam pattern given below-
| Defence Exams | Exam Pattern | Syllabus |
| CAPF | Paper-I – Objective; 250 marks Paper-II – Subjective; 200 marks Physical Efficiency Test – on qualifying Paper I & II Personality test/Interview – 150 marks | Paper I – General Ability and Intelligence Paper-II – General Studies, Essay and Comprehension |
| NDA | Written Exam ( Part I – Maths – 300 marks, Part II – GAT – 600 marks) SSB Interview – Two stages – 900 Marks | Written exam – broadly covers subjects like Maths, English, and General knowledge |
| CDS | Written Exam – (INA/IMA/AFA – 300 marks & OTA – 200 marks) SSB Interview | English, General knowledge and Elementary Mathematics |
| AFCAT | Written test (compulsory for all branches) – 300 marks EKT(Only for Technical) – 100 marks | Written test– General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test EKT– Mechanical, Computer Science and Electrical & Electronics |
Defence Exam Result
- CAPF Result – Since the exam for CAPF 2020 is scheduled to be conducted on 20th December 2020, the result for the same can be expected in February 2021. Details on CAPF results are elaborated on the CAPF exam page.
- NDA Result – UPSC has announced the result of NDA 1 and NDA 2 exam 2020 on October 9th. The common exam for NDA 1 and 2 was conducted on September 6th 2020. Check the details on NDA Result in the given link.
- CDS Result – The commission will announce the Defence exam result for CDS 2 in December 2020 as the exam is scheduled to be conducted on November 8th 2020. UPSC has announced the CDS 1 result on March 23rd, the exam for which was conducted on February 2nd 2020. Go through the detailed information on CDS Result in the linked article.
- AFCAT Result – The Indian Air Force announced the result of AFCAT 1 on March 17th 2020. The exam was conducted on February 22nd and 23rd. However, the result for AFCAT 2 released on October 21st 2020. Check further details on the AFCAT result page linked here.