Defence Exams 2024

Defence exams aren’t just defence exams—they are the ‘Guardians’ of India. In the grand tapestry of India’s diverse and dynamic opportunities, there exists a realm often overlooked but profoundly significant—the world of defence exams.

These examinations pave the path to a life dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s security, serving with honour and valour, and upholding the rich legacy of India’s armed forces.

From the legendary National Defence Academy (NDA) to the fiercely competitive Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination and a multitude of others, such as AFCAT, Indian Coast Guard, and the Indian Army GD, these tests offer more than just a career; they offer a calling.

Unlike other entrance tests conducted in India, defence exams come with something else—the willingness to do something good for the nation by protecting it against various threats. We delve into the compelling reasons why these defence exams hold a special place in the hearts of many Indian youth.

We explore the importance of these exams, not just for the individuals who seek to serve but for the nation as a whole. These examinations are not merely gateways to careers; they are gateways to becoming guardians of the nation’s security, sentinels of its sovereignty, and sentries of its peace.

The defence exams shape leaders, instil discipline, and cultivate courage. They are the vanguards of national security and the epitome of duty.

Since defence exams in India are more than just the pathway to careers, aspirants try to make every effort to grab the opportunity. 

However, they should be ready to taste the competitiveness as thousands to lakhs of applicants compete with each other in defence exams conducted by eminent organisations, such as:

• Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Indian Navy
• Indian Air Force (IAF)
• Cantonment Board
• Railway Protection Force (RPF)
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
• Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D)
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
• Border Defence Organisation (BDO)
• State Police Subordinate Selection Commission
• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)

Due to stiff competition, passing these defence exams could be challenging. That is where staying one step ahead of the competition becomes strikingly important. 

And what can aspirants do to stay one step ahead? Well, there are definitely many ways one can do that—however, always staying in the loop for the latest exam trends should be an easy pick among them.

Staying in the loop for upcoming defence exams not only helps understand the defence exam schedule but also allows aspirants to keep things in perspective. 

Put differently, if candidates are aware of the structured timeline, application deadlines, or crucial milestones, they can meticulously plan their studies, allocate enough time to the subjects, revise, and even take mock tests.

Let’s take a look at the defence exam calendar:

Name of the Exam	Notification Date	Application Form Deadline	Exam Date
CDS 1 2023	December 21, 2022	December 21, 2022 to January 10, 2023	April 16, 2023
UPSC NDA 1 2023	December 21, 2022	December 21, 2022 to January 10, 2023	April 16, 2023
AFCAT 1 2023	November 26, 2022	December 01 to 30, 2022	February 24 to 26, 2023
CAPF (AC) 2023	April 26, 2023	April 26 to May 16, 2023	August 06, 2023
Territorial Army 2023	May 2023 (Tentative)	May to June 2023 (Tentative)	July 2023 (Tentative)
Indian Air Force Group C 2023	August 2023 (Tentative)	August 2023 (Tentative)	September 2023 (Tentative)
Indian Coast Guard Navik	August 2023 (Tentative)	September 2023 (Tentative)	November 2023 (Tentative)
IB ACIO	June 2023 (Tentative)	June to August 2023 (Tentative)	To be Announced
CASB Airmen	February 2023 (Tentative)	February 2023 (Tentative)	July 2023 (Tentative)
SSB Constable	August 2023 (Tentative)	September 2023 (Tentative)	Announced Soon

Before applying for any defence exam, be it UPSC CDS or UPSC NDA, candidates must understand and satisfy the eligibility criteria set forth by the exam-conducting authority, UPSC, in this regard. If the organisation later finds out that the candidate failed to meet the eligibility, it will disqualify the candidate.

Let us have a brief look at the standard eligibility rules usually laid down by the hiring commission.

• Nationality: Most defence exams require that aspirants be Indian or national citizens. Some other nationality-related criteria apply, which differ from position to position or the authority hiring for it.
• Educational Qualifications: Generally, aspirants are required to possess a graduate degree from a college affiliated with a reputed university to apply for exams like CDS, CAPF, AFCAT, etc. However, this may not be the case in every recruitment. Some defence recruitment agencies may also only require a high school certificate. For example, if you apply for NDA/NA recruitment, you only need to have an intermediate certificate.
• Age Limit: Another criterion that aspirants must satisfy to be eligible for most defence recruitment is ‘Age Limit’. Again, this varies from recruitment to recruitment. The average age required for defence exams in India is 20 years to 25 years — the same for CAPF. However, the NDA requires that aspirants be 16 to 19 years old, whereas AFCAT requires the maximum age limit for the flying branch to be 24 years and 26 years for ground duty. 
• Physical Examination: Some defence exams also mandate that candidates pass the physical examinations as part of the selection process, such as Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Measurement Test (PMT), etc. Some other medical tests likely follow these physical exams to ensure aspirants are physically and mentally fit.
• Restrictions: In addition to satisfying the eligibility criteria, what candidates should also pay heed to is the restrictions. There are some conditions in the absence of which, aspirants cannot take some defence exams. Therefore, before applying for any defence entrance test, always ensure nothing is missed.

For a detailed breakdown of defence exam eligibility criteria, refer to the exam-specific eligibility guidelines.

Now, discussing different aspects of what it is like to appear for a defence exam and not listing the exams themselves will defeat the purpose of this article. 

So, without further ado, let us jump right into the list:

Indian Army Agniveer Vayu Exam

The first exam we have on the list is the Indian Army Agniveer, a competitive defence entrance test conducted to hire meritorious candidates who are disciplined, motivated, dynamic, and ready to contribute to national security. Agniveer, which translates to Fire-Warriors, is a military rank and has a service span of four years. The education required for this recruitment is a class 8/10/12 pass certificate.

To live up to the Indian Army’s expectations, one has to crack a common entrance test (CET), followed by other physical tests, such as the Physical Fitness Test (PFT), Medical Test and Document Verification (DV). Besides satisfying all eligibility criteria, aspirants must put a well-thought-out study plan into action and use a strategic exam-taking approach to ensure good marks on the test. Indian Army Agniveer syllabus and exam pattern are very detailed and should be taken seriously by the registered aspirants.

Aspirants should also understand that the Indian Army Agninveer is further categorised into groups and cadre, such as:

Agniveer Vayu (Non-Science Group)

As this might have been obvious, the Agniveer post is further categorised into groups, and this one is for the Non-Science group. Refer to the following page for more details:

Agniveer Vayu (Science Group)

This is another group of Agniveer, and to find out more information about this, jump to the page below:

Agniveer Vayu (Science and Non-Science Group)

This is a combination of both Science and Non-Science groups, and the details are laid out in the following article:

Indian Army Agniveer – Clerk or Store Keeper Technical

This is another Agniveer exam conducted to hire for Clerk or Store Keeper Technical post, and details are as follows:

Indian Army Agniveer – General Duty

Here is the detailed landing page for the General Duty (GD) division that discusses the specifics of the Agniveer GD:

Indian Navy Agniveer (MR)

The MR in Indian Navy Agniveer stands for Matric Recruit, and the comprehensive page for the same is attached below:

Indian Navy Agniveer (SSR)

SSR in defence exams stand for Senior Secondary Recruit. Agniveer SSRs work on ships, which may include Replenishment, Frigates, Guided-missile destroyers, Aircraft carriers, etc.

Find out more about SSR in the following article:

Indian Army Agniveer – Technical

Agniveer (Technical) is another highly chosen discipline that could be a promising career start for many aspirants out there. Find detailed information about it on the following page:

Indian Army Agniveer Tradesmen 8th Pass

Candidates can find more information about Indian Army Agniveer Tradesmen for 8th pass on the following page:

Indian Army Agniveer Tradesmen 10th Pass

Just like for the 8th pass, the following page refers to the Indian Army Agniveer Tradesmen 10th pass. Read on to find out more about it:

UPSC CDS

UPSC CDS stands for Union Public Service Commission Combined Defence Services. It is an entrance test conducted by UPSC to hire talented aspirants into various academies, namely the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA or INA Ezhimala), and Indian Air Force (IAF) Academy. UPSC CDS is considered one of the most challenging exams to pass and — therefore — requires a well-laid-out study plan for guaranteed success on the first attempt.

This year, UPSC advertised a total of 349 vacancies for CDS-II and the exam was conducted on September 3, 2023. The vacancies were available for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA at different Indian naval, military, or air academies. Aspirants are selected for various roles for UPSC CDS based on their performance in a written test, and SSB interview, followed by document and medical exams. To find out more about this defence exam — UPSC CDS — refer to the page attached above.

UPSC CAPF AC

The term ‘CAPF’ in UPSC CAPF stands for Central Armed Security Force, whereas ‘AC’ refers to Assistant Commander. UPSC conducts CAPF AC recruitment to hire talented aspirants to fill the vacant positions in the seven security forces. After completing all stages of the recruitment, aspirants get placed in the following security forces:

• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
• Border Security Force (BSF)
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

This year, UPSC advertised 322 vacancies for CAPF and conducted the exam on August 6, 2023. To apply for this defence exam, aspirants must possess a bachelor’s degree from a reputed university.

The final selection of worthy candidates is based on their performance in the following rounds:

• Written Test
• Physical Test
• Interview

To find out more about UPSC CAPF AC, jump to the following page:

UPSC NDA & NA EE

As the name suggests, NDA & NA EE — which can be expanded as National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Entrance Examination — is another big-name entrance test, attracting lakhs of applications every time it is advertised.

The NDA & NA EE recruitment is usually organised twice a year. UPSC has released the exam date for NDA-2, which is September 3, 2023. However, there is no confirmation of when the results will be published. 

This year, UPSC will fill 395 empty positions for NDA & NA in its different departments where the personnel is needed. These vacancies will be filled in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The highest number is reserved for the Army. 

To be eligible for UPSC NDA & NA recruitment or to appear for this defence exam, aspirants must satisfy all eligibility conditions, such as they must possess a high school certificate.

Read more about UPSC NDA & NA on the following page:

BSF GD Constable

BSF GD Constable is another famous defence exam conducted by BSF. BSF and GD stand for Border Security Force General Duty. BSF announces around 4,000 vacancies for Constable (GD) and hires deserving aspirants to fill in the vacancies in its departments. First, candidates are hired as constables and appointed as Escorts or Guards. The appointed GD Constable is meant to look after the responsibilities of Sub Inspector (SI) or Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI).

The BSF Constable (GD) question paper is based on four sections, namely General Knowledge and Awareness, Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and Trade Awareness. Each section carries 25 questions, and the overall marks to be awarded in the paper are 100. Aspirants clearing the Written Test are called for a Physical Efficient Test (PET). The written test is a multiple-choice question (MCQ) paper wherein aspirants have to choose the correct answer out of the given options. Learn more about BSF Constable (GD) below:

CISF Head Constable

CISF also conducts Head Constable, also abbreviated as HC, to hire deserving aspirants. HCs work as station writers, armed reserves and beat areas, and officers in charge of guards. While CISF HC may not be as competitive as UPSC CDS, it still requires good preparation to succeed. Aspirants must be aware of the preparation techniques, syllabus, exam pattern, and others. 

Aspirants are selected based on their performance in the Written Test — which is conducted for 2 hours, followed by a Skill Test and Medical Examination. Sections included in the CISF HC syllabus are General Intelligence, General Knowledge, Arithmetic, and General English/Hindi. Each section carries 25 questions, each carrying one mark. In other words, the question paper includes 100 questions and 100 marks.

Whether it is CAPF, NDA, CDS, or AFCAT, having sound knowledge of the defence exam syllabus is a must because the syllabus is the pillar of any exam, be it a defence exam or an SSC exam.

Let us understand different aspects of the defence exam syllabus.

While different defence exams may come with different roles and responsibilities—and even different payscales, more often than not, the syllabus of one defence exam shares the similarities of another. 

That being said, any defence exam you apply may have the following sections as part of the exam syllabus:

• General Awareness
• Verbal Ability
• Numerical Ability
• Reasoning
• Military Aptitude Test
• General Knowledge
• Mathematics
• English
• Essay and Comprehension

As you go deeper into these sections, you will be more likely to have an enhanced similarity of topics, such as Indian History, Political Science, Economics, Geography, or Environment — if we talk about the ‘General Knowledge’ section. 

• CDS Syllabus
• NDA Syllabus
• CISF Syllabus
• Indian Army Agniveer Syllabus

Cracking defence exams at first attempt may seem challenging or require strenuous efforts to achieve success; however, with strategic planning and good time management, you can ace even the most demanding defence exam like UPSC CDS.

Here are some prep. tips to help you crack defence exams:

• Crack the Code: Dive deep into the exam pattern and syllabus to unlock the secrets of success. Knowing the structure of the defence exam is like having a treasure map to guide you.
• Master the Art of Time: Craft a study schedule that’s as precise as a military operation. Allocate your time wisely, like a commander deploying troops strategically.
• Stay on the Cutting Edge: Be the frontline defender of knowledge. Keep yourself updated with current affairs, especially those related to defence and national security. It’s your armour against the unexpected.
• Practice Makes Perfect: While preparing for defence exams, train like a warrior preparing for battle. Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests as if you’re honing your skills in the training field.
• Fuel Your Body: While mental fitness plays a crucial role, do not neglect your physical strength. Strengthen your physical prowess. Include regular exercise and fitness routines in your schedule so you’re as robust as the challenges you’ll face.
• Guidance from the Best: Seek guidance from the finest commanders. Consider enrolling in coaching classes that specialise in defence exam preparation. They’re your mentors on this heroic journey.
• Know Yourself: Gauge your progress with precision. Regularly assess your strengths and weaknesses with defence exam practice tests and mock exams available on Embibe. It’s like having a strategic intelligence unit on your side.
• Mastery of Time: Command time like a seasoned general. Allocate specific time to each section during the exam, ensuring you conquer every question without losing sight of the bigger picture.
• Fuel Your Mind: Your mind is your most potent weapon. Maintain a balanced diet, get ample rest, and keep stress at bay. You need to be in peak condition for this epic battle.
• Unbreakable Spirit: Cultivate an unshakable belief in yourself. Positive thinking is your shield against doubt and anxiety. Remember, you’re not just preparing for an exam; you’re preparing to be a guardian of the nation.

While preparing for the defence exams, consider yourself as the lead protagonist, and think like these tips are your script for a blockbuster performance. Stay dedicated, stay focused, and emerge victorious in this heroic quest to serve the nation.

Are you gearing up for the challenge of defence exams? Picture this: a surefire way to maximise your chances of success and stand out from the competition. It’s not a distant dream; it’s the power of Embibe’s defence exam mock test series, and here’s why you need to embrace it:

1. Progress Unveiled: With our mock tests, you don’t just practice; you progress. Receive immediate feedback and insightful evaluations right after each test. Uncover your strengths and pinpoint those areas that need a little more tender loving care (TLC). It’s the roadmap to your improvement.
2. The Ultimate Revision Tool: Imagine revising all the vital topics and essential formulas in one go. Our mock tests are strategically designed to help you do just that. It’s like turbo-charging your memory, ensuring you remember the crucial stuff when it matters the most.
3. Decode the Exam: Have you ever wished you could peek into the minds of the examiners? Our mock tests give you that edge. Understand the exam inside out – from question types and marking schemes to the level of difficulty. No surprises, just confidence.
4. Performance, Perfected: We don’t just give you scores; we offer insights. Access our Advanced Feedback Analysis (AFA) after each test for a deep dive into your performance. Know where you shine and where you need a little polish.
5. Speed and Precision: Time is precious in defence exams. Our mock tests teach you to master it. Elevate your problem-solving speed and accuracy, two traits that can make all the difference when the clock is ticking.

Defence Exam Mock Tests!

Embrace the Embibe’s defence exam mock test series, and you’re not just preparing; you’re gearing up to conquer. Your journey to success starts here. Don’t just dream about it; make it a reality with the power of mock tests.

• NDA & NA Mock Tests
• CDS Mock Tests
• Indian Army Agniveer Mock Test
• Indian Navy Agniveer Mock Test
• Indian Navy Agniveer SSR Mock Test

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding defence exams 2023–2024:

We hope that you found this article on ‘Defence Exams 2023-24’ and you got everything you were looking for. If you still have any doubts, feel to reach out to us on Embibe — The Learning Outcomes app.

Happy job hunting!