The Indian Defense Services provides employment to young men and women seeking a career in the armed forces. The “Combined Defense Services” Examination or the CDS Exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission for recruiting candidates to the Indian Armed Forces. Only unmarried graduates can write the exam. Successful candidates are admitted into Officers’ Training Academy after an interview conducted by SSB (Services Selection Board).
The Services Selection Board interview evaluates a candidate’s suitability for a career in the Indian Armed Forces. The interview lasts nearly a week, during which a candidate undergoes various physical and psychological tests to ascertain whether or not he is officer material. Candidates who clear the SSB interview are finally admitted into the Indian army, navy and air force. After completing their training successfully, they are inducted into the armed forces.
The Indian Army is the largest branch of the armed forces of India. It undertakes land-based military operations. It defends India from external threats, maintains peace and security within the country, patrols borders and conducts counter- terrorist operations. It also undertakes rescue and humanitarian operations during natural calamities, riots, etc.
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The President of India is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. The Indian Army has the distinction of being the world’s second largest army. It is a completely voluntary service. Though a provision for military draft exists in the Indian constitution, it has never been imposed.
The Indian Army was formed soon after India gained independence in 1947. It is deployed in many of the world’s conflict zones as a part of the United Nations Peacekeeping forces. The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. It is responsible for conducting aerial warfare and securing the Indian airspace.
It was established in 1932 as the air force of the Indian Empire and the prefix Royal was added in 1945 in recognition of its services during World War II. After India achieved its independence, the Royal Indian Air Force served the Union of India, and after India became a republic in 1950, the prefix was dropped. The Indian Air Force is the world’s fourth largest.
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The Indian Navy forms the naval branch of the armed forces of India. It is the world’s fifth largest navy. At present, the Indian Navy operates more than 155 vessels, including the INS Viraat, the only full-deck aircraft carrier operated by a country in Asia or the Western Pacific, as well as operational jet fighters.
The main objective of the navy is to secure national maritime borders. But the navy also helps India to enhance its international stature through volunteering for joint exercises, port visits and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief.
The Indian Defense Services offers a platform for patriotic Indians to serve the nation by defending it against its enemies. It offers an opportunity to garner fame and glory through heroic acts of valor and the supreme sacrifice of one’s own life for the country.