Can Girls Apply for CDS 2024 Exam? Check Eligibility for Female Candidates

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has commenced the CDS 1 2024 registration process for the yearly Common Defence Service examination. The biggest question that female candidates have is can we apply for the CDS examination? The answer is Yes!

Historically, the armed forces have been male-dominated, but in recent years, there has been a shift towards inclusivity and gender equality. One significant development is the opening of opportunities for women to serve in the armed forces. 

The Supreme Court has now allowed girls to apply for the CDS examination. Female candidates who are interested in joining the prestigious defence field can apply for CDS 2024 through the official website at upsc.gov.in once started.

Female candidates are currently not eligible to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through the CDS selection process. However, they can apply and be recruited for the Officer’s Training Academy (OTA).

Continue reading the article to learn more about the eligibility for female candidates who wish to appear for the CDS 2024 examination. 

Eligibility For Female Candidates In CDS 2024

The female aspirants need to know the eligibility criteria before applying for the OTA post in CDS 2024. The CDS 2024 eligibility criteria include age limit, education qualification, physical standards, etc.

Age Limit

• The candidate applying for the CDS 2024 must be between the ages of 20 to 24 years, and must be born not earlier than 2 July 2005 and not later than 1 July 2008. 

Education Qualification

• Applicants must have a graduation degree from a recognized board or equivalent to appear in the CDS 2024.
• Candidates who have yet to pass their degree can apply for the CDS 2024 exam by providing proof from the university.  

Marital Status

• Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible to apply for the OTA in CDS 2024.

Physical Standards

• The female candidates have the same eligibility criteria for physical standards as male candidates. The minimum height to apply for CDS 2024 is 152 cm. 

Nationality 

• Citizen of India, a subject of Nepal, a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire Ethiopia, or Vietnam to permanently in India are eligible to apply.
• The applicants must provide a certificate of their nationality i.e. issued by the government of India if they have migrated from the countries mentioned above. 
• A nationality certificate will not be required if the candidate is a subject of Nepal.

Empowerment of women in the armed forces is not only about bridging gender gaps but also about promoting an environment that recognizes the value of diversity and the individual contributions each individual makes.

Increasingly, the armed forces are becoming a platform for women to demonstrate leadership, fortitude and commitment to the service of our country.

To conclude the answer to the question “Can women apply for the CDS 2024?” is Yes. The decision to allow women to join the armed forces is an important step toward achieving gender parity and a more diverse defence sector. 

Aspiring females should take advantage of this opportunity knowing that their contribution will not only be welcome but also be an instrument in building a more diverse armed forces sector for the future generation.

As per the UPSC Calendar 2024, the CDS 2024 exam (I) registration is going to start on 20 December 2023 till 9 January 2024. The examination is going to be held on 21 April 2024 along with the NDA and NA examination.

If you have any questions regarding female candidate eligibility for CDS 2024 feel free to ask in the comment section provided below.

FAQs