Defence Career Awareness and Current Affairs
This domain tests entry routes into the armed forces, their eligibility rules, and current defence developments.
Entry routes
- NDA (Khadakwasla, Pune): UPSC written (Mathematics 300 + General Ability 600), then SSB and medical; age about 16½–19½ years, 10+2 pass.
- CDS: graduates; UPSC written then SSB; entry to IMA, INA, AFA or OTA.
- AFCAT: for IAF officer entries, flying and ground duty.
- TES / 10+2 technical entries: Physics, Chemistry and Maths in class 12, followed by engineering at the service academies.
- NCC Special Entry: 'C' certificate holders skip the written exam but still face SSB and medical.
- ACC for serving soldiers; MNS for nursing; RIMC and Sainik Schools at school level.
- Agnipath (2022): four-year Agniveer enlistment with 25% retention.
Selection
The SSB runs five days: Stage I screening (OIR and PPDT), then psychology tests, GTO tasks (group discussion, group planning exercise, progressive group task, command task, lecturette, individual obstacles), personal interview and conference.
Current affairs
CDS appointed in 2019; INS Vikrant commissioned in 2022; BrahMos exported to the Philippines; positive indigenisation lists; the Agnipath reform.
Worked example
"A 17-year-old with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics asks which officer entries are open." Reasoning: the age fits NDA, and PCM fits the technical entry scheme - so both are open. CDS needs a degree, so it is ruled out.
Traps
- Applying CDS age and degree rules to NDA.
- Believing NCC entry skips SSB or medical.
- Forgetting that Agniveer retention is selective, not automatic.