The Indian Defence jobs are among the high paying jobs in the public sector. Although it has a risk factor, it is still a service of devotion, prestige, respect, and sacrifice. It is one of the most challenging, the reason that drives most youngsters to join the services. In this blog, we will discuss the various types of exams that can help students in joining the forces through different entry methods.
Popular Defence Exams
Here are some of the popular entries listed for the defence exams;
National Defence Academy (NDA)
The NDA exam is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year in April and September. Those students who are studying in class 12 or have completed can apply for the same. The NDA exam is a two-stage process;
- Offline test
- SSB interview
NDA is restricted to male candidates only for selection at Indian Army recruitment.
Combined Defence Services (CDS)
The CDS exam is also conducted by UPSC, twice a year in August and October. Candidates those who have completed their graduation or are in the final year of graduation from a recognized university are permissible to apply. Women candidates can apply for OTA. The CDS exam is a two-stage process;
- Written test
- SSB interview
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
Air Force Common Admission Test is conducted by the Indian Air Force with the help of C-DAC, twice a year in June and December. They will serve as Commissioned Officers in Flying, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Ground Duty (Technical) branch candidates need to clear the following exams;
- Written test
- Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT)
Indian Coast Guard is one of the armed forces whose primary responsibility is to secure the territorial waters of the country. Candidates must be a qualified graduate from a recognized university and should meet the requirements for the exam. The exam for the Indian Coast Guard comprises of a two-stage process;
- Written test
- Interview
Central Armed Police Force (CAPF)
The Central Armed Police Force is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) once a year. The Assistant Commandant Exam for UPSC CAPF is conducted for the recruiting personnel for the following paramilitary forces;
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
Potential candidates need to be a qualified graduate from a recognized university and mi\ust fulfill the said conditions, to appear for the examination. The exam for any one of the Central Armed Police Force service comprises of a three-stage process;
- Written Test (Paper I & II)
- Physical / Medical Fitness Test
- Personal Interview
All applicants are also recommended to check all details eligibility criteria before applying for the examination in order to avoid complication during the entire process of recruitment for the services.
Indian Air Force (Group X & Y)
Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts an exam for the recruitment of Airmen under Group X & Y. These exams are mostly conducted twice a year in the months of March and September. The exams are conducted for the undergraduate level (10+2). The qualified Airmen from Group X and Y can also be promoted to the post of Commissioned Officers by qualifying the departmental examinations.
Final Thoughts
Thus, it was all about the different avenues that provide a gateway to serve the country by which a student can appear for the various defence exams conducted all along the year. A job in defense service of the country is always prestigious and prior preparation is always recommended before application to the post.