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Combined Defence Services (CDS I) Exam 2025

Post Related Details & Overview


UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS I) Exam 2025 offers opportunities for eligible candidates to join prestigious defence academies. The recruitment process includes written exams, personal interviews, and medical evaluations. Selected candidates will receive rigorous training and competitive benefits as future officers in the Indian Armed Forces.


Important Dates

  • Application Start: 11-12-2024
  • Last Date to Apply Online: 31-12-2024 (upto 06:00 PM)
  • Last Date to Fee Payment: 31-12-2024
  • Correction Last Date: 01-07 January 2025
  • Exam Date: 13 April 2025
  • Admit Card Available: Before Exam

Application Fees

  • General / OBC: ₹200
  • SC / ST: ₹0 (No Fee)
  • All Category Female : ₹0 (No Fee)

Age Limits and Marital Status for CDS I 2025





UPSC CDS I 2025: Vacancies and Eligibility Criteria

Post Name Total Post Eligibility Criteria
Indian Military Academy (IMA) 100
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream (Passed/Appearing) from a Recognized University.
Indian Naval Academy (INA) 32
Officers Training Academy (OTA) 275
OTA Women 18
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream (Passed/Appearing) from a Recognized University.
Air Force 32
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 OR Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.


Courses and Approximate Vacancies for UPSC CDS I 2025

S. No. Name of the Course Approximate No. of Vacancies
1 Indian Military Academy, Dehradun - 160th (DE) Course (January 2026)
[Includes 13 NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing) vacancies]
100
2 Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala - Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro (January 2026)
[Includes 06 NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) vacancies]
32
3 Air Force Academy, Hyderabad - (Pre-Flying) Training Course (January 2026)
[Includes 03 NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing) vacancies]
32
4 Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai - 123rd SSC (Men) (NT) Course (April 2026) 275
5 Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai - 37th SSC (Women) (NT) Course (April 2026) 18
Total 457


UPSC CDS I 2025 Selection Process


  1. Application Submission - Candidates fill out the online application form on the UPSC website.

  2. Admit Card Release - Download the admit card for the written exam.

  3. Written Examination -
    • Stage 1: General Knowledge, English, and Mathematics test for IMA, INA, and AFA.

    • Stage 2: General Knowledge and English test for OTA.

  4. Result of Written Exam - Shortlisted candidates are announced for the SSB interview.

  5. SSB Interview - Includes psychological tests, group discussions, and personal interviews.

  6. Medical Examination - Candidates undergo a medical check-up to meet the required health standards.

  7. Final Merit List - Successful candidates are selected based on written exam and SSB performance.

  8. Training - Selected candidates are called for training at their respective academies (IMA, INA, OTA, AFA).




Examination Scheme for CDS I 2025


Subjects for the Written Exam

CDS Exam Difficulty Level & PDF Syllabus Download





Indian Armed Forces Pay Scale (2024)





Guide to Apply for UPSC CDS I 2025 – Step-by-Step Process


  1. 🔍 Find the CDS Notification

    Search for the UPSC CDS I 2025 recruitment notification on the official UPSC website.


  2. 📝 Read the Eligibility Criteria

    Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria, such as age limit, educational qualifications, etc.


  3. 📑 Register on the UPSC Portal

    Create an account on the UPSC official website if you don't have one, and log in.


  4. 💻 Fill the Application Form

    Complete the online application form with accurate details, including personal and educational information.


  5. 💳 Pay the Application Fee

    Pay the required application fee through the available online payment methods.


  6. 🖼️ Upload Documents

    Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other necessary documents as per the requirements.


  7. 🔄 Review the Application

    Carefully review all the details in your application before submitting it.


  8. 📨 Submit the Application

    Once you have verified all the information, submit your application form.


  9. 🗓️ Download the Admit Card

    After the admit card is released, download it from the UPSC portal.


  10. 📅 Prepare for the Examination

    Start your preparation for the CDS exam according to the syllabus and exam pattern.




Important Links
CDS EXAMINATION (I) Form Apply Online
Exam Notification CDS (I) Download
CDS EXAMINATION (I) Syllabus Download in PDF
UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (UPSC) Official Website
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)