CDS Exam Timing 2025, Check Exam Shift and Schedule, Preparation Tips

CDS Exam Timing 2025 has been released by UPSC. Candidates can check the official shift timings, subject-wise schedule, and other details regarding the CDS Exam Timing 2025 on the website.

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April 12, 2025

CDS Exam Timing 2025, Check Exam Shift and Schedule, Preparation Tips

CDS Exam Timing 2025: The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination\ is a prestigious national-level exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruiting candidates into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The CDS 1 Exam 2025 is scheduled to take place on April 13, 2025. Read on to get detailed insights into the CDS Exam Timing 2025, including the exam schedule, shift timings, syllabus, and preparation tips.

CDS 1 Exam 2025 Overview

The CDS 1 Exam 2025 follows a structured format consisting of three subjects: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Candidates applying for OTA are only required to attempt the English and General Knowledge papers. The examination is conducted twice a year and follows a pen-and-paper mode across various exam centers in India.

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CDS 1 Exam 2025 Overview
Particulars Details
Exam Name Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS)
Conducting Authority Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Level National
Frequency Twice a Year
Mode of Examination Offline (Pen-and-Paper)
Exam Date April 13, 2025
Admit Card Release Date Expected Soon
Eligibility Graduates or Final Year Candidates
Application Dates December 11, 2024 – January 1, 2025 (Extended)
Subjects for IMA, INA, AFA English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics
Subjects for OTA English, General Knowledge
Total Exam Duration (IMA, INA, AFA) 6 Hours (2 Hours per Subject)
Total Exam Duration (OTA) 4 Hours (2 Hours per Subject)
Maximum Marks for IMA, INA, AFA 300 Marks (100 Marks per Subject)
Maximum Marks for OTA 200 Marks (100 Marks per Subject)
Selection Process Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Examination
Exam Centers Over 70 Cities Across India
Official Website upsc.gov.in

CDS 1 Exam 2025 Important Dates

The CDS 1 Exam 2025 Dates have been officially announced by UPSC. Below is the complete schedule:

CDS 1 Exam 2025 Important Dates
Event Date
CDS 1 Notification 2025 Release Date December 11, 2024
CDS 1 Application Form Submission December 11, 2024 – January 1, 2025 (Extended)
CDS 1 Admit Card Release Expected Soon
CDS 1 Exam Date 2025 April 13, 2025

Candidates should regularly check the official website of UPSC for any updates regarding the CDS 1 Exam 2025 and the release of admit cards.

CDS Exam Timing 2025 (Exam Schedule & Shift Timings)

The CDS Exam Schedule 2025 has been released, specifying the shift timings for each subject. The exam will be conducted in three shifts for IMA, INA, and AFA candidates, while OTA candidates will have two shifts.

CDS 1 Exam Shift Timings 2025
Date Time Subject Subject Code
April 13, 2025 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM English 11
April 13, 2025 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM General Knowledge 12
April 13, 2025 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Elementary Mathematics 13

For OTA candidates, only the English and General Knowledge papers will be conducted, so they will finish their exam by 2:30 PM.

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What is the Time Duration of the CDS Exam?

The total time duration of the CDS exam varies depending on the academy for which the candidate is applying:

  • IMA, INA, AFA: Three papers (6 hours total)
  • OTA: Two papers (4 hours total)

Each subject is allotted 2 hours, and candidates must manage their time efficiently.

Also Read: CDS Selection Process 2025

Steps to Check CDS Exam Date 2025

Candidates can follow these steps to check the CDS 1 Exam Date 2025 on the official website:

  1. Visit the UPSC official website – upsc.gov.in.
  2. Look for the “Examination” section.
  3. Click on “CDS 1 Exam 2025” under active notifications.
  4. Check the exam date and schedule mentioned in the official notice.
  5. Download the PDF for future reference.

CDS Exam 2025 Syllabus and Exam Pattern

The CDS Exam 2025 consists of three subjects for IMA, INA, and AFA, whereas OTA candidates need to appear for only two subjects.

CDS Exam 2025 Exam Pattern
Academy Subjects Duration Marks
IMA, INA, AFA English 2 hours 100
General Knowledge 2 hours 100
Elementary Mathematics 2 hours 100
OTA English 2 hours 100
General Knowledge 2 hours 100

The total marks for IMA, INA, and AFA are 300, while for OTA, it is 200.

CDS Syllabus 2025

English

  • Comprehension passages
  • Synonyms & Antonyms
  • Sentence Improvement
  • Spotting Errors
  • Ordering of Words & Sentences
  • Word Substitution

General Knowledge

  • Current Affairs
  • History
  • Geography
  • Indian Polity
  • Economics
  • Science & Technology

Elementary Mathematics (For IMA, INA, AFA only)

  • Number System
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Mensuration
  • Trigonometry
  • Statistics
  • Time & Work
  • Ratio & Proportion

A strong understanding of the CDS syllabus and exam pattern will help candidates perform well in the examination.

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CDS Exam 2025 Preparation Tips

To qualify for the CDS 1 Exam 2025, candidates should follow a structured preparation strategy. Below are some important CDS Exam 2025 Preparation Tips:

  1. Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus – Familiarize yourself with the topics and question structure.
  2. Create a Study Schedule – Divide time efficiently between English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.
  3. Practice Previous Year Papers – Solving past papers helps understand the question trend.
  4. Mock Tests & Time Management – Attempt mock tests under timed conditions.
  5. Focus on Weak Areas – Strengthen your weak subjects with dedicated study.
  6. Stay Updated with Current Affairs – Read newspapers and magazines regularly.
  7. Revise Regularly – Frequent revision ensures better retention of concepts.

Conclusion

The CDS 1 Exam 2025 is scheduled for April 13, 2025, and candidates must be well-prepared for the examination. Understanding the CDS Exam Timing 2025, exam schedule, and syllabus is crucial for success. Candidates should focus on structured preparation, time management, and revision to ace the exam. Stay updated with official notifications on the UPSC website and download the admit card as soon as it is released.

Ready to boost your UPSC CDS 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC CDS online course today!

 

CDS Exam Timing 2025 FAQs

The CDS 1 Exam 2025 is a national-level exam conducted by UPSC for recruitment into IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.

The CDS 1 Exam 2025 will be held on April 13, 2025, and the admit card will be released soon on the official website.

Candidates can check the CDS Exam Date 2025 on the UPSC website by navigating to the "Examination" section.

The CDS Exam Timing 2025 varies, with each subject allotted 2 hours. Total exam duration is 6 hours for IMA, INA, and AFA.

The CDS 1 Exam Shift Timings 2025 are from 9 AM to 11 AM, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and 4 PM to 6 PM, depending on the subject.

Focus on syllabus understanding, regular mock tests, and time management to excel in the CDS 1 Exam 2025.

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Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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