What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs ? 1. Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee 2. Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs 3. Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-service matters Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• The post of Chief of Defence Staff was created in December 2019 on the Kargil Review Committee's recommendation; General Bipin Rawat was the first CDS.

• Statement 1 is correct: the CDS is the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.

• Statement 3 is correct: the CDS is the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister on all tri-service matters, while the Service Chiefs continue to advise on their own services.

• Statement 2 is wrong: the CDS does not exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs or any force; command remains with the Chiefs, and the CDS's role is to promote jointness, integrated theatre commands and procurement prioritisation.

• Hence 1 and 3 only, option (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1, 2 and 3: Statement 2 is wrong: the CDS holds no command over the Service Chiefs.
(b) 1 and 2 only: Statement 2 is wrong; statement 3 on advisory role is correct.
(c) 2 and 3 only: Statement 2 is wrong; statement 1 on the Chiefs of Staff Committee is correct.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.