Are you looking for answers on questions like can girls apply for CDS? The answer is yes, the CDS exam is for girls too.
Even though the CDS exam is for girls too, the issue of further selection occurs. What that means is that women cannot be taken into the Indian Army, Indian Airforce, or Indian Navy through the CDS exam.
Women are eligible only for the OTA post.
CDS Eligibility
The post OTA for girls has a certain requirement. The CDS eligibility for that post is:
- Has to be at least 19 years old before writing the exam and cannot be more than 25 years old whilst appearing for the exam.
- They need to have basic graduation from a board that is recognised by the government.
- Can be unmarried, widowed but not married yet or divorced and has not remarried.
- Marriage should never occur between training period
- Tattoos are allowed only on the inner elbow to the wrist area and the back of the palm. Tattoo anywhere else will lead to disqualification
- Women need to have a minimum height of 152 cm
- Candidates must be physically and mentally fit and have to clear the fitness tests in order to be worthy.
CDS Exam
The CDS exam for OTA is taken in the written mode. It has two sections. One section tests the skills of the candidate in English and the other section tests the skills of general ability.
The biggest different exam for OTA and other posts is the third section of maths. The OTA candidates do not need to write the maths section of the paper, making the OTA paper slightly easier for some candidates, though it means more importance on English and current affairs.
It has 240 questions in total and the maximum marks students can score is 200 marks. There is negative marking for the CDS exam too!
Also Read: UPSC CDS Previous Year Cut Off Marks and Know Your Chances
Syllabus
The English section of the exam consists of vocabulary, grammar and comprehension. The paper tests the ability of verbal reasoning and communicating skills.
The reading comprehension questions are direct. In the English section, there are 120 questions.
It is important for regular practice of the subject to score maximum marks.
In the general ability of the exam, students need to know well about current affairs and topics like Politics, Geography, Science and Technology, General Science.
Candidates must focus on these topics and keep reading the current affairs.
CDS Application Fee
The CDS exam has application fees of INR 200 for the general category and OBC but for women and SC/ ST candidates, the application fee is waived.
This means that women candidates do not need to give any amount towards the exam. It is absolutely free for women to appear in the exam!
After the Exam
Female candidates that clear the exam have to pass the fitness test and after that need to pass the personal interview round.
Upon passing all three rounds like any other UPSC exam, female candidates are allotted in short service commission (SSC) for the non-technical cadre.
They can apply for recruitment and join accordingly.
They have to undergo training at the officer’s training academy in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.
SSC posts can last up to 10 to 14 years. At the end of 10years, the candidate has the option to either take 4 year’s extension, leave or apply for permanent commission.
Also Read: Understanding UPSC Interview Marks
How to Prepare for CDS
Now that you know everything about the CDS exam for girls, you should be able to prepare in the best way.
The most important aspect for the written exam is general knowledge and current affairs. Students should study current affairs regularly and the best choice would be reading newspapers every day, but if that is not possible, use technology to find blogs and videos that will update you regularly.
Along with CDS exam preparation, students need to be physically fit and have to lay emphasis on maintaining the weight requirement of the exam. If students cannot maintain the height or weight requirement, then they won’t be eligible for the exam.
Conclusion
If you wonder, can girls apply for CDS? Then the answer is yes, girls can write the CDS exam.
The exam allows female candidates to be selected only as OTA candidates. They will be commissioned in a short service commission. This commission generally lasts for 10 to 14 years and candidates can try to get a permanent commission on approval.
Make sure that you fit in the eligibility criteria of the exam and follow the official guidelines given by the UPSC.
