The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination twice annually, providing a gateway for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Indian Air Force (IAF), and Officer’s Training Academy (OTA). This national-level exam is a prestigious opportunity for individuals aiming to serve in the Indian defense forces. To qualify for the CDS Exam (I) 2025, candidates must clear a written test, followed by an interview and a medical examination. The CDS 1 2025 Notification was released on 11th December 2024, announcing 457 vacancies across various academies, and the online application form is now available for eligible aspirants on the CDS portal.
Drawing parallels to earlier editions like the Combined Defence Services Notification 2021, the CDS 2025 Exam follows a consistent selection process to identify the most capable candidates for defense training. Interested candidates should carefully review the official notification, understand the eligibility criteria, and prepare strategically to secure their position in the esteemed academies. This is a critical opportunity for those aiming to embark on a prestigious career in the armed forces.
Table of Contents
CDS Recruitment 2025: Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2025 to fill 457 vacancies in top defense academies, including IMA, INA, IAF, and OTA. The registration window is open from 11th to 31st December 2024. The selection process involves a written test, an interview, and a medical examination. The exam will be held offline in a bilingual format with multiple-choice questions.
| Organization | UPSC |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CDS Examination (I) 2025 |
| Vacancies | 457 |
| Level | National |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Dates | 11th–31st December 2024 |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Eligibility | Unmarried Males & Females |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours per paper |
| Marking Scheme | 1/3 negative marking per incorrect answer |
| Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2025 Important Dates
UPSC has announced the key dates for the Combined Defence Services Exam 2025. The CDS 1 Notification was released on 11th December 2024, while the CDS 2 Notification will be available on 28th May 2025. Candidates should complete their application process before the deadlines to ensure eligibility for the examination. Below is a detailed schedule of the Exam:
| Events | CDS 1 Dates | CDS 2 Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | 11th December 2024 | 28th May 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 11th December 2024 | 28th May 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 31st December 2024 | 17th June 2025 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 31st December 2024 | 17th June 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2025 | September 2025 |
| Exam Date | 13th April 2025 | 14th September 2025 |
CDS 1 Exam Notification 2025 Vacancy
The UPSC Combined Defence Services 1 2025 Exam offers a total of 457 vacancies across various prestigious academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Each academy has its designated courses commencing in 2026. Below is the detailed breakdown of vacancies:
CDS 1 2025 Vacancy Details
| Academy | Course Details | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | 160th (DE) Course (January 2026) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | Course (January 2026) | 32 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | Training Course (January 2026) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Men) | 123rd SSC (Men) (NT) (April 2026) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Women) | 37th SSC (Women) (NT) (April 2026) | 18 |
| Total Vacancies | 457 |
CDS Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates aspiring to appear for the CDS Exam 2025 must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The eligibility requirements include specific conditions related to nationality, educational qualifications, age, marital status, sex, and physical standards. Below is the detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
Nationality:
Candidates must be:
- Citizens of India, or
- Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- Tibetan refugees who migrated to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- Persons of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, East African countries, or Vietnam intending to settle permanently in India.
Educational Qualification:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Engineering degree from a recognized university/institution.
- Air Force Academy (AFA): Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.
Age Limit:
- IMA: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2007.
- INA: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2007.
- AFA: Candidates aged 20 to 24 years as of 1st January 2026 (born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2006).
Marital Status and Sex:
- IMA and INA: Only unmarried males are eligible.
- AFA: Both married and unmarried males can apply, but marriage during training is not allowed.
- OTA: Both unmarried males and females can apply.
Physical Standards:
Applicants must meet strict physical and medical standards for the CDS Exam 2025. Key requirements include:
- Minimum Height: 157 cm for males (162.5 cm for Air Force); 152 cm for females. Special relaxations apply for Gorkhas, candidates from hilly regions, and tribal communities.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): Should be below 25.
- Waist-to-Hip Ratio: Below 0.9 for males and 0.8 for females.
- Waist Circumference: Less than 90 cm for males and 80 cm for females.
Candidates must ensure they meet these eligibility conditions before applying for the CDS 2025 exam to secure their place in prestigious academies like IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2025 Application Fee
The application fee for the Exam is Rs. 200/- for most candidates, while SC/ST and female candidates are exempted. Fee payment can be completed via online modes such as net banking or debit/credit cards, or through an offline cash deposit at any State Bank of India (SBI) branch. Below is the fee structure:
| Category | Application Fee | Payment Modes |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC | Rs. 200/- | Online (Net Banking/Debit/Credit Card) |
| SC/ST | Exempted | Offline (Cash Deposit at SBI) |
| Female Candidates | Exempted | Both Online & Offline |
Candidates are advised to ensure timely fee payment to avoid issues during the CDS exam application process.
CDS 1 Exam 2025 Selection Process
The selection process for the UPSC CDS 2025 Exam includes four rigorous stages to recruit candidates for prestigious academies like IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The process evaluates candidates on their academic knowledge, leadership qualities, personality, and medical fitness. Here is the detailed selection procedure:
Stage 1: Written Examination
The written exam is conducted by UPSC and consists of objective-type questions. The syllabus includes General Knowledge, English, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, and AFA), while OTA candidates are tested only on General Knowledge and English. This stage acts as the first level of screening for applicants.
Stage 2: SSB Interview/Personality Test
Candidates who qualify for the written exam are invited for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. This stage assesses intelligence, leadership skills, and officer-like qualities. It is conducted in two phases:
- Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR), Picture Perception, and Description Test (PPDT).
- Stage 2: Psychological tests, group tasks, personal interviews, and a final conference.
Stage 3: Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted in the SSB interview must present original documents for verification, including educational certificates, identity proof, and other required documents submitted during the application process.
Stage 4: Medical Examination
The final stage involves a comprehensive medical examination by the Armed Forces Medical Services to ensure candidates meet the required physical and mental health standards. This includes tests for fitness, height, weight, and other medical criteria essential for a career in the defense forces.
This structured selection process ensures that only the most capable candidates join the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy, making the CDS exam one of the most prestigious defense recruitment processes in India.
UPSC CDS 1 Exam Pattern
The UPSC CDS Exam 2025 assesses candidates through a structured written test, featuring multiple-choice questions. General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers are bilingual (Hindi and English), and there is a penalty of 1/3 marks for each incorrect response. Each paper is conducted for 2 hours. The exam pattern varies for different academies.
Exam Pattern for IMA, INA, and AFA:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 2 hours | 120 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 |
| English | 2 hours | 120 |
Exam Pattern for OTA:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
| English | 2 hours | 100 |
Candidates applying for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) are not required to take the Elementary Mathematics paper, while those applying for IMA, INA, or AFA must appear for all three subjects. Thorough preparation for the written test is essential to qualify for the next stage of the selection process.
CDS Exam 2025 Syllabus
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| English | – Grammar & Usage: Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement – Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Substitution – Sentence Structure: Ordering Words/Sentences, Fill in the Blanks – Reading Skills: Comprehension & Passage Interpretation – Idioms and Phrases |
| General Knowledge | – History & Culture: Indian and World History, Heritage Sites – Geography: Physical and Political Geography, Environmental Studies – Science & Technology: Basic Physics, Chemistry, Biology – Economy: Indian Economy Basics – Polity: Constitution, Governance – Defense Awareness: Awards, Exercises – Current Affairs: National & International News – Miscellaneous: Sports, Books, Famous Personalities |
| Mathematics | 1. Algebra – Operations, Quadratic Equations, Simultaneous Equations – Set Theory, Laws of Indices 2. Arithmetic – Number Systems, Time-Distance-Work, Percentages – Profit-Loss, Interest (Simple & Compound) 3. Trigonometry – Ratios (Sin, Cos, Tan), Heights and Distances 4. Geometry – Triangles, Circles, Congruence & Similarity – Rectangles, Squares, Tangents 5. Mensuration – Areas (Squares, Rectangles, Circles) – Volumes & Surface Areas (Cylinders, Spheres, Cones) 6. Statistics – Data Interpretation: Graphs, Histograms, Pie Charts – Measures of Central Tendency (Mean, Median, Mode) |
Preparation Tips:
| Key Strategies | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus on Core Areas | Begin with challenging topics and move to easier ones. |
| Mock Tests & Previous Papers | Familiarize yourself with question patterns to improve speed and accuracy. |
| Time Management | Practice solving questions within the allotted time. |
CDS Recruitment 2025 Salary
The pay structure for officers recruited through the exam is determined by rank and level in the defense forces. Below is the detailed salary distribution:
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay (in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General (HAG Scale) | Level 15 | 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 |
| Lieutenant General (HAG+ Scale) | Level 16 | 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/Army Commander/Lt. General (NFSG) | Level 17 | 2,25,000 (fixed) |
| Chief of Army Staff (COAS) | Level 18 | 2,50,000 (fixed) |
Additional Benefits:
In addition to the salary, officers receive allowances and perks, including:
- Military Service Pay for officers up to Brigadier rank.
- Dearness Allowance revised periodically.
- Uniform Allowance provided annually.
- Transport Allowance based on posting location.
- Housing or House Rent Allowance depending on availability.
- Comprehensive retirement benefits, including pension and gratuity.
CDS Exam 2025 Admit Card
The admit card for the CDS 1 Exam 2025 will be available for download in the first week of April 2025. Candidates planning to appear for the written exam on 13th April 2025 should ensure they download their admit card well before the exam date to avoid any last-minute rush.
It is essential to carry a hard copy of the admit card to the exam center for verification purposes. Make sure all the details, including personal information and exam venue, are correctly mentioned on the admit card before the exam.
CDS Exam 2025 Result
UPSC will announce the Exam 2025 results after the successful completion of the written examination. Candidates who qualify for the next stage, the interview round, will be listed. Each stage’s result will be published separately.
How to Check CDS Result 2025:
- Go to the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the “Written Result” section on the homepage.
- A PDF with the results will open.
- Use “CTRL+F” to search for your roll number in the document.
- If your roll number is listed, expect further details for the interview round to be communicated shortly.
CDS Cut off
CDS Cut Off 2023
The CDS cut-off marks for 2023 vary across different academies, with candidates required to meet specific scores in both the written and final exams. The cutoff of CDS serves as a benchmark for determining eligibility for the next selection phase. For aspirants aiming to secure a position, it is essential to prepare strategically using resources like CDS mock tests and study materials such as CDS Pathfinder. Additionally, seeking guidance from CDS coaching centers near me can significantly enhance preparation and increase the chances of clearing the cut-off. The following table shows the CDS 2023 cut-off marks for various academies after both the written and final exams:
| Academy | Written Exam (CDS I 2023) | Final Exam (CDS II 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 142 | 266 |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 132 | 257 |
| Officers Training Academy (Men) | 101 | 181 |
| Officers Training Academy (Women) | 101 | 184 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 122 | 247 |
CDS 2025 Important Link
CDS 1 Notification 2025 PDF:- Click here
CDS 1 Application form 2025:- Click here
Join Telegram:- Click here
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