CDS Application Process: Air Force vs. Army Selection

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a crucial step for aspiring candidates who wish to pursue a career in the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates are required to fill their preferences for different branches, primarily the Air Force and the Army, on their application forms. This guide aims to clarify the selection process, particularly focusing on what happens in case a candidate does not clear the Air Force cutoff.

Understanding the Selection Process

Upon submission of your application, you will likely receive an SSB Services Selection Board call based on your performance in the written examination and the preferences indicated on your form. If you have listed Air Force as your first choice followed by the Army, you will be considered for the Army only if you do not meet the required cutoff for the Air Force. This aspect is important and worth noting:

Unless you give Air Force as your first choice, the likelihood of you being selected for Air Force is minimal.

The final decision on whether you receive an SSB call for the Army often depends on various factors including the number of vacancies, cutoff scores, and the overall merit list. Thus, if you do not meet the Air Force cutoff, you might still get an SSB call for the Army if there are remaining seats and you meet the necessary criteria.

For the most accurate and updated information regarding the selection process, always refer to the official announcements and guidelines provided by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or the respective service branches.

Step-by-Step Explanation of the Selection Process

Here is a detailed breakdown of the selection process to help you understand how your preferences and performance are considered:

Step 1: Written Examination

To begin with, candidates must perform well in the written examination to proceed to the next steps. Typically, the cutoff for the Air Force is higher compared to the Army:

The cut-off for the Air Force is usually the highest, while the cut-off for the Army is the lowest.

Step 2: AFSB/SSB Services Selection Board

Assuming you perform well, you will be called for the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) or the Army SSB (Services Selection Board) as per the convenience determined by the board. They may include other preliminary tests like PABT (Preliminary Assessment Board Tammanaulim) and CPSS (Combined Pre-Service Selections).

Step 3: Medical Assessment

As part of the selection process, you will undergo medical assessments. Here’s how your medical condition influences your chances:

If you get recommended by the AFSB/SSB, you will be sent for special medicals related to the flying branch at IAM IAF (Indian Air Force Medical Testing Unit) or AFCME (Aircraft Flying Medical Department). If you fail at the PABT/CPSS or are found medically unfit for the flying branch, you will proceed to the Army medical assessment at a military hospital. Should your medical category make you unfit for flying but suitable for ground duties, you will automatically be considered for the Army’s merit list as if it were your first choice. Similarly, if your position in the final merit list for the flying branch is lower than the number of vacancies, you will be automatically considered for the Army’s merit list.

In all these scenarios, you will receive an SSB call for the service you are most suitable for, but you will only be called once based on this examination. If you wish to attend another SSB, you would need to qualify through an alternative examination like TES (Technical Eligibility Test), INET (Indian Naval Entrance Test), or AFCAT (Aircraft Fighter Common Admission Test).

Conclusion

The CDS examination process is designed to ensure a fair and transparent selection of candidates for various branches of the Indian Armed Forces. By understanding the selection criteria and the sequence of assessments, you can make informed decisions and improve your chances of success. Always refer to official sources for the latest and most accurate information.