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CDS Selection Process comprises a written exam, SSB interview, and medical fitness test. Understanding the CDS Selection Process is key to clearing all recruitment stages.
PWOnlyIAS
May 19, 2025
The CDS Selection Process 2025 for the second cycle began with the release of the UPSC CDS 2 2025 notification on May 28, 2025. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force can apply for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination online by June 17, 2025. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CDS exam twice a year, and the selection process is both competitive and comprehensive. It involves three primary stages: a Written Exam, an SSB Interview, and a Final Medical Examination. Let us break down the CDS 2 Selection Process 2025 step-by-step to help aspirants understand the procedure in detail.
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2 Exam 2025, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is scheduled to take place on 14th September 2025. The official notification will be released on 28th May 2025, along with the application form. Candidates will be able to apply online from 28th May to 17th June 2025. UPSC will also provide a correction window after the application process, and the CDS 2 2025 Admit Card will be issued a few weeks before the exam. The number of vacancies for CDS 2 will be updated in the official notification.
| UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2025 Overview | |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Service Examination 2025 |
| Frequency of CDS Exam | Biannual |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Language of Written Exam | Bilingual |
| Mode of Examination | Offline |
| CDS Application Fees | INR 200 |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-choice questions |
| Eligibility |
|
| CDS Exam Duration | 2 hours (each paper) |
| Marking Scheme | 1/3 for each incorrect answer |
| Purpose of the CDS Exam | Admission of candidates for Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy |
| Job Location | All Over India |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
The CDS selection process consists of three key stages that assess the academic knowledge, mental aptitude, and physical fitness of candidates. Both men and women can apply for specific roles depending on the academy. Women can only apply for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) through CDS. The process includes:
The entire process ensures that only the most capable candidates are selected to serve in the defence forces. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the CDS selection process:
| Stage | Details |
| Stage 1 – Written Exam | Objective-type written exam is conducted for all academies. |
| Stage 2 – SSB Interview | Psychological, group tasks, and personal interviews. |
| Stage 3 – Medical Examination | A comprehensive medical test to assess fitness. |
After all these stages, a Final Merit List is prepared based on the written exam and SSB performance.
The first step of the CDS Selection Process is the Written Exam. Conducted by the UPSC, the exam varies slightly depending on the academy you are applying for, IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA.
Here is a detailed table showing the subject-wise exam structure for each academy:
1. For Admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
2. For Admission to the Officers’ Training Academy:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
Key Points to Note:
Preparation Tip: Focus on previous years’ papers, time management, and conceptual clarity in subjects like Mathematics and General Knowledge.
Candidates who qualify for the written exam move to the SSB Interview stage, conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). This stage is the most challenging part of the CDS Selection Process and spans 5 days. Here is the complete 5-day process of the SSB interview:
| CDS SSB Interview | |
| Day | Tasks Conducted |
| Day 1 | Screening Test: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT). |
| Day 2 | Psychological Tests: TAT, WAT, SRT, and Self-Description Test. |
| Day 3 & 4 | Group Testing Officer Tasks: Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercise, and Individual Tasks. |
| Day 5 | Personal Interview and Conference. |
The SSB Interview assesses candidates on their leadership qualities, teamwork, decision-making skills, and mental toughness.
The medical test for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) selection process is crucial for ensuring that candidates are physically and mentally fit to serve in the armed forces. The medical standards are set by the Armed Forces Medical Services and aim to select only those candidates who meet the stringent fitness requirements.
After clearing the SSB Interview, candidates undergo a comprehensive medical examination to ensure they meet the required physical and mental fitness standards. The CDS medical test is conducted in two key stages:
Special Medical Board (SMB): It is a primary stage that includes a preliminary check-up with a physical examination, urine analysis, and blood tests.
Appeal Medical Board (AMB): It is stage 2, which involves a detailed medical exam with a full physical check-up, vision and hearing tests, chest X-ray, and other specialised tests.
Candidates found medically unfit are not considered for final selection.
The UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2025 is officially scheduled to be held on 14th September 2025. This national-level examination will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
While the exam date is confirmed, the admit card for CDS 2 2025 is yet to be released. It is expected to be available a few weeks before the exam. Candidates are advised to keep checking the official UPSC website for updates regarding the admit card and other important announcements.
The UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2025 has not been released yet. The admit card is expected to be made available a few weeks before the CDS 2 Exam, which is scheduled for 14th September 2025. Candidates who successfully complete the application process will be able to download the admit card from the official UPSC website — upsc.gov.in.
Once released, the CDS 2 Admit Card 2025 will contain important details such as:
Candidate’s name and roll number
Exam date and time
Exam center address
Reporting time and instructions
Note: No candidate will be allowed to appear for the exam without a valid admit card and a government-issued photo ID. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates and ensure all details mentioned on the admit card are correct after downloading.
The final merit list is prepared based on:
The final rank determines the candidate’s academy allotment (IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA). Successful candidates receive their joining letters and begin their training at the designated academy.
Ready to boost your UPSC CDS 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC CDS online course today!
| UPSC CDS Exam Related Articles | |
| UPSC CSAT 2025 Exam Date | UPSC CDS Preparation Strategy |
| UPSC CDS Exam Pattern | UPSC CDS Syllabus |
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