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UPSC CDS Exam is scheduled for 13 April 2025. Download the admit card released on 3 April. Also get syllabus, eligibility, vacancies, and exam pattern details.
PWOnlyIAS
April 04, 2025
The UPSC CDS Exam 2025 for entry into Combined Defence Services will conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on April 13, 2025. It provides an opportunity for candidates to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officer’s Training Academies (OTA).
The exam is conducted twice a year and includes two crucial stages: Written exam and SSB. Here is a comprehensive guide on the exam notification, eligibility, application process, and selection procedure.
The UPSC CDS Exam 2025 schedule was announced in the annual exam calendar. Now, the CDS 1 Admit Card has been released on April 03, 2025, and the CDS 1 Examination will be conducted on April 13, 2025. Candidates are advised to stay updated with all important dates and events related to the exam to avoid any last-minute hassle. Below is a quick overview of the UPSC CDS 2025 Exam for easy reference.
|
UPSC CDS 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 UPSC CDS Exam 2025 will have two cycles: CDS 1 and CDS 2. Below are the important dates for both exams:
| CDS 2025 Events | CDS 1 2025 Dates | CDS 2 2025 Dates |
| CDS 2025 Notification | 11 Dec 2024 | 28 May 2025 |
| CDS 2025 Vacancies | 457 | will be updated |
| CDS 2025 Application Form | 11 Dec 2024 | 28 May 2025 |
| Last date to apply for CDS 2025 | 31 Dec 2024 | 17 Jun 2025 |
| CDS 2025 Application Form Correction | 1 Jan 2025 | To be Updated |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 7 Jan 2025 | To be Updated |
| CDS 2025 Admit Card | 03 April 2025 | To be Updated |
| CDS Exam Date 2025 | 13 Apr 2025 | 14 Sep 2025 |
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the CDS Exam 2025:
Nationality:
Age Limit:
Educational Qualification:
Physical Standards:
The UPSC CDS Vacancy 2025 has been announced, with a total of approximately 457 vacancies across various academies, including:
| Name of the Course | Approximate No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | 32 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) | 275 (Men) |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) | 18 (Women) |
| Total | 457 |
The CDS Exam Pattern varies based on the academy applied for. The exam consists of objective-type questions. Here we have provided the UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
The UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025 is designed to test a candidate’s proficiency in English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. The syllabus differs slightly depending on the academy applied for (IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA). Here’s a detailed overview:
The application process for the CDS Exam 2025 is conducted online on the UPSC official website.
By preparing thoroughly for each stage of the UPSC CDS Exam 2025, candidates can enhance their chances of securing a position in the armed forces. The selection process consists of the following stages:
Ready to boost your UPSC CDS 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC CDS online course today!
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