Education and Career Forum

Hi, I have completed my 10th Board exams and wish to join Officers Training Academy, Chennai (OTA). Am I eligible? Or, do I need to do Intermediate or joining is based only after Graduation? Shall I opt for Commerce stream in 11th? What is the total fees of OTA? Application time and procedure?

OTA stands for Officers Training Academy and it is one of the four wings of Combined Defense Services apart from Naval Academy (NA), Airforce Academy (AFA), and IMA (Indian Military Academy).

The minimum education required for joining OTA by appearing and qualifying CDS examination is a graduation degree course in any discipline from a recognised university.

So, to join OTA, you do not need to be worried about the stream of your academic degree courses and therefore you can opt for commerce stream for your intermediate as well as graduation degree course if you are interested in it.

For updates and details regarding CDS examination, you can refer to the link www.upsc.gov.in.

To join OTA, you have to appear and qualify in CDS examination.

CDS examination is conducted twice in a year. The eligibility to appear for OTA is that candidate must have passed bachelor degree in any discipline from a recognised university. The age limit is 19-25 years.

Examination is conducted in two stages and compulsory to qualify in both for final selection.

The application fee is Rs 200, there is relaxation for female candidates.

For more information visit at www.upsc.gov.in.

You can join OTA (i.e. Officer's Training Academy) via CDS exam after completing graduation.

You can't apply for CDS exam just after passing 10th standard because minimum eligibility requirement to appear for OTA is graduation.

Yes, you can opt for Commerce stream in 11th standard. There is no such stream restriction in joining OTA. You just need to graduate from a recognized University.

Application Fees for CDS Exam

• General candidates: INR 200
• Reserved category candidates and females: No fees

Online Application starts from August 5, 2020
Last date to apply: August 25, 2020

Interested applicants can apply through official site of UPSC i.e. https://upsconline.nic.in/