Books & Magazines
Know the complete CDS Selection Process 2025 including the written exam pattern, 5-day SSB interview stages, medical test details, and final merit list. Prepare smartly for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
PWOnlyIAS
April 12, 2025
The CDS Selection Process 2025 began with the release of the UPSC CDS 1 2025 notification on December 11, 2024. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, can apply for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination online by December 31, 2024. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts CDS twice a year. The selection process is rigorous and involves three primary stages: a Written Exam, an SSB Interview, and a final Medical Examination. Let us break down the CDS Selection Process 2025 step-by-step to help aspirants understand the procedure clearly.
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 defense forces. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the CDS selection process:
| Stage | Details |
| Stage 1 – Written Exam | Objective-type written exam conducted for all academies. |
| Stage 2 – SSB Interview | Psychological, group tasks, and personal interviews. |
| Stage 3 – Medical Examination | 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 Selection Process Stage 2: 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 specialized tests.
Candidates found medically unfit are not considered for final selection.
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 |
.png)
Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing
Download Our App
Download Our App
Books & Magazines
Prelims Wallah (Q&A Bank)
Udaan
Udaan 500+
Budget & Economic Survey
Monthly Current Wallah
Weekly Current Wallah
Editorial Summary
Editorial Q&A Compilation
NCERT Wallah
Prahaar (Mains Wallah)
Marks Booster
Mains Wallah (Q&A Bank)
<div class="new-fform">
</div>
