The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the final merit list for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2024, held in April. A total of 237 candidates have been recommended for admission to their respective courses, following their success in both the UPSC exam and the Service Selection Board (SSB) interviews conducted by the Ministry of Defence. Among these, 158 candidates are selected for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), 44 candidates for the Indian Naval Academy (INA), and 35 candidates for the Air Force Academy (AFA).

Admission Details and Course Allocations

The candidates have been allocated to the following courses:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 158th (DE) Course
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala: Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: Pre-Flying Training Course, No. 217 F(P) Course

The Government of India announced the total number of vacancies for these courses, along with the reserved spots for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): 100 vacancies, with 13 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders from the Army Wing.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): 32 vacancies, with 6 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders from the Naval Wing.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): 32 vacancies, with 3 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders from the Air Wing.

The Selection Process

The selection process involved multiple stages. Initially, 1,954 candidates qualified for the written exam for IMA, 586 for INA, and 628 for AFA. Only those candidates who cleared the SSB interview—a rigorous evaluation of leadership, psychological, and physical fitness—were recommended for final admission.

It’s important to note that this merit list is based purely on performance in the written exam and SSB interview. The results of the medical examinations are not factored into the merit list, as it is prepared prior to the medical tests. Verification of the candidates’ educational qualifications and date of birth is ongoing, and the recommendation remains provisional until these verifications are completed. Candidates must submit their original documents, along with attested copies, to the appropriate headquarters for completion of the verification process. Any updates to personal information, such as address changes, should be promptly communicated to the relevant headquarters.

Toppers Across Different Academies

The merit list features several candidates who excelled across multiple academies. Below are the top candidates for each academy:

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the final merit list for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2024, held in April. A total of 237 candidates have been recommended for admission to their respective courses, following their success in both the UPSC exam and the Service Selection Board (SSB) interviews conducted by the Ministry of Defence. Among these, 158 candidates are selected for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), 44 candidates for the Indian Naval Academy (INA), and 35 candidates for the Air Force Academy (AFA).

Admission Details and Course Allocations
The candidates have been allocated to the following courses:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 158th (DE) Course
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala: Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: Pre-Flying Training Course, No. 217 F(P) Course

The Government of India announced the total number of vacancies for these courses, along with the reserved spots for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): 100 vacancies, with 13 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders from the Army Wing.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): 32 vacancies, with 6 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders from the Naval Wing.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): 32 vacancies, with 3 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders from the Air Wing.

The Selection Process

The selection process involved multiple stages. Initially, 1,954 candidates qualified for the written exam for IMA, 586 for INA, and 628 for AFA. Only those candidates who cleared the SSB interview—a rigorous evaluation of leadership, psychological, and physical fitness—were recommended for final admission.

It’s important to note that this merit list is based purely on performance in the written exam and SSB interview. The results of the medical examinations are not factored into the merit list, as it is prepared prior to the medical tests. Verification of the candidates’ educational qualifications and date of birth is ongoing, and the recommendation remains provisional until these verifications are completed. Candidates must submit their original documents, along with attested copies, to the appropriate headquarters for completion of the verification process. Any updates to personal information, such as address changes, should be promptly communicated to the relevant headquarters.

Toppers Across Different Academies

The merit list features several candidates who excelled across multiple academies. Below are the top candidates for each academy:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA) Toppers:
  Pratik Ganguly, Ankit Avikesh Chhillar, Harshit, Manjit Singh, Aditya Jha, Shantanu Sharma, Deepak Singh, Abhishek Meel, Ankush Kumar
• Indian Naval Academy (INA) Toppers:
  Aditya Jha, Shantanu Sharma, Pandey Rohit Ravindrakumar, Rohit Himanshu Gangwar, Suryansh Pathak, Snehal Rajvansh, Aryan Singh Bora, Yuvraj Singh Bishnoi, Avinash Jyal
• Air Force Academy (AFA) Toppers:
  Harshit, Aditya Jha, Shantanu Sharma, Deepak Singh, Manish Sharma, Rachit Saini, Sourabh Yadav, Rohit Kumar Prasad Pawar, Rohit

It is essential to note that the CDS 1 2024 Merit List for OTA will be released separately at a later date.

Important Information for Candidates

• Result Accessibility: Candidates can access the final results on the official UPSC website at www.upsc.gov.in.
• Marks Availability: The marks of the candidates will be published once the final results for OTA candidates are declared.
• Helpdesk: For any inquiries, candidates can reach out to the UPSC Facilitation Counter or contact the numbers 011-23385271, 011-23381125, or 011-23098543 during working hours (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

This final merit list is a reflection of the relentless effort and determination shown by the candidates. As they embark on their next journey of rigorous training, these future officers are poised to serve the nation with distinction.

Pratik Ganguly, Ankit Avikesh Chhillar, Harshit, Manjit Singh, Aditya Jha, Shantanu Sharma, Deepak Singh, Abhishek Meel, Ankush Kumar

• Indian Naval Academy (INA) Toppers:
  Aditya Jha, Shantanu Sharma, Pandey Rohit Ravindrakumar, Rohit Himanshu Gangwar, Suryansh Pathak, Snehal Rajvansh, Aryan Singh Bora, Yuvraj Singh Bishnoi, Avinash Jyal
• Air Force Academy (AFA) Toppers:
  Harshit, Aditya Jha, Shantanu Sharma, Deepak Singh, Manish Sharma, Rachit Saini, Sourabh Yadav, Rohit Kumar Prasad Pawar, Rohit

It is essential to note that the CDS 1 2024 Merit List for OTA will be released separately at a later date.

Important Information for Candidates

• Result Accessibility: Candidates can access the final results on the official UPSC website at www.upsc.gov.in.
• Marks Availability: The marks of the candidates will be published once the final results for OTA candidates are declared.
• Helpdesk: For any inquiries, candidates can reach out to the UPSC Facilitation Counter or contact the numbers 011-23385271, 011-23381125, or 011-23098543 during working hours (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

This final merit list is a reflection of the relentless effort and determination shown by the candidates. As they embark on their next journey of rigorous training, these future officers are poised to serve the nation with distinction.