CDS OTA Training Period: All you Need to Know about OTA
Combined Defense Services (CDS) Exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. This exam is a recruitment test for graduates who are aspiring for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Indian Air Force Academy (IAFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). In this article, we will discuss what is OTA in CDS as well as the OTA training period. Read the article till the end to know all about it.
What is OTA in CDS?
Every boy or girl who dreams of joining the Indian army their only aim is to be a part of the Indian Military Academy (IMA). Many aspiring candidates imagine themselves marching on the graduation day parade and the honor of getting officers stars on their shoulders. These are the ones whose only goal is to be at the service of the nation. But there are some who want to serve the nation and also want to follow their passion after giving their fair share amount of service to the nation. For those, Officers Training Academy (OTA) is the best option. OTA officers have a short service duration of 14 years. After that, they can pursue their own goals or can also choose to continue their service.
OTA Training Period
OTA has a training period of 49 weeks which prepares cadets to be a part of the Indian Army. As the training period is shorter than the Indian Military Academy it is more vigorous and intense. This academy was established in Chennai on 5 January 1963. There is another OTA in Gaya which was established in 2011. Every year 350 cadets are trained there.
CDS OTA Exam
The Combined Defense Services exam has two stages.
- Written Exam
- SSB Interview for personality and fitness tests
The written exam consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). For every wrong answer, there will be a deduction of ⅓ marks.
The pattern of the exam is:
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
A candidate will have to score a minimum qualifying part to be eligible for the SSB interview.
Also Read: Current Affairs for CDS 2 2020: Tips to Prepare GK for CDS in the Best Way
OTA Syllabus for English
The question paper will be designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
OTA Syllabus for General Knowledge
General Knowledge including knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not made a special study of any scientific subject. The paper will also include questions on the History of India and Geography of nature which the candidate should be able to answer without special study
Also Read: CDS Exam GK Syllabus & Questions: A Preparation Guide for UPSC CDS GK Paper
Conclusion
OTA has a training period of 49 weeks. Female candidates are also eligible for OTA. The officer from OTA can serve for 10 years which can be extended till 14 years. After 14 years of completion, the officer will be given the option to end his or her service or to continue the service. If the officer agrees to continue then he will be made part of the Indian Military. Female candidates are not allowed to be part of IMA through the Combined Defense Services Exam.
The Officers Training Academy Exam is comparatively easier than the exam for other defense academies only because of the absence of subject Elementary Mathematics which can be difficult for some candidates.
All the best for your preparations!
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