The National Cadet Corps (NCC) is the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces. It is a voluntary organization that provides basic military training, instills discipline, and develops leadership qualities among the youth. The NCC has three certificates, namely NCC ‘A’ Certificate, NCC ‘B’ Certificate, and NCC ‘C’ Certificate. NCC ‘C’ Certificate is the most significant one as it is awarded to the cadets who complete the NCC training at the graduation level.
NCC certificates offer several benefits to the candidates who aspire to serve the nation through the defence services. Let us explore the advantages of NCC certificates in CDS recruitment.
Candidates who possess NCC ‘C’ Certificate are exempted from the written exam of the CDS Exam. They can directly appear for the SSB Interview and medical examination. This exemption saves time, effort, and energy of the candidates.
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) reserves seats for NCC Cadets. Candidates who possess NCC ‘C’ Certificate can avail of this benefit. However, they need to clear the SSB Interview to get a seat in IMA.
Though NCC Certificate Holders are exempted from the written exam of the CDS Exam, they can still appear for the exam. In such cases, they are eligible for additional marks due to their NCC certificates.
The Short Service Commission (NT) has an NCC Special Entry Scheme for both men and women, including wards of battle casualties of army personnel. This scheme offers a direct entry to the SSB Interview round to the NCC Certificate Holders.
To avail of the benefits of NCC certificates in CDS recruitment, candidates need to meet certain eligibility criteria. Here are the details:
The CDS Exam 2023 is expected to be conducted in February and November. Aspirants who wish to appear for the exam should start preparing now. Candidates who possess NCC certificates have an advantage over others, but they still need to prepare well for the SSB Interview and medical examination.
The CDS Exam is conducted twice a year in two phases, CDS 1 and CDS 2. Candidates can apply for both the phases and increase their chances of selection. The eligibility criteria for both the phases are the same.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CDS Exam. The commission releases the notification on its official website along with the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus. Aspirants should regularly check the website for updates.
Aspirants who wish to clear the CDS Exam should follow a structured and disciplined approach. Here are some tips and tricks to prepare for the exam:
Q1: What is the CDS Exam?
Ans: The CDS Exam is a gateway to various defence services such as the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officer’s Training Academy. The exam is conducted twice a year by the UPSC for graduate candidates.
Q2: What are the benefits of NCC certificates in CDS recruitment?
Ans: NCC Certificate Holders are exempted from the written exam, get additional marks in the written exam, have reservation in IMA, and can avail of the NCC Special Entry Scheme.
Q3: What is the eligibility criteria for NCC Certificate Holders in CDS recruitment?
Ans: Candidates should possess NCC ‘C’ Certificate, have a graduation degree with a minimum of 50% marks, and secure A or B grade in NCC ‘C’ Certificate.
Q4: How to prepare for the CDS Exam?
Ans: Aspirants should follow a structured and disciplined approach, understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly, refer to quality study material, solve previous year question papers and mock tests, and stay physically fit and mentally alert.
Q5: When is the CDS Exam 2023 expected to be conducted?
Ans: The CDS Exam 2023 is expected to be conducted in February and November.