UPSC CDS Exam 2025 Notification Out, 457 Vacancies, Application Process

PWOnlyIAS December 11, 2024 09:23 3347 0

The UPSC CDS Exam 2025 notification has been released. Check out the UPSC CDS 2025 important dates, vacancies, and exam details here.

UPSC CDS Exam 2025 Notification Out, 457 Vacancies, Application Process

The UPSC CDS Exam 2025 notification has been released online. The Combined Defence Services is one of the most competitive examinations in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). 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.

UPSC CDS Exam 2025 Overview

The UPSC CDS Exam 2025 schedule was released in the annual calendar. Now, the CDS 1 notification have been published on December 11, 2024, and the CDS 2 notification will follow on May 28, 2025. Candidates must keep an eye on the dates and events related to the exam to avoid any hassle. Here we have provided an overview of the UPSC CDS 2025 exam:

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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
  • 20 to 24 years
  • Unmarried Males & Females
  • Passed Graduation or appearing for the final year of Graduation
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

Important Dates for UPSC CDS Exam 2025

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 To be Updated To be Updated
CDS Exam Date 2025 13 Apr 2025 14 Sep 2025

Also Read: UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS Exam 2025

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the CDS Exam 2025:

Nationality:

  • Must be a citizen of India.
  • Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan or Tibetan refugees settling in India are also eligible.

Age Limit:

  • IMA (Indian Military Academy): 19–24 years
  • INA (Indian Naval Academy): 19–24 years
  • AFA (Air Force Academy): 20–24 years
  • OTA (Officers Training Academy): 19–25 years

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Educational Qualification:

  • IMA & OTA: Graduate degree in any discipline.
  • INA: Degree in Engineering.
  • AFA: Degree in Engineering or Graduate (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level).

Physical Standards:

  • Candidates must be physically fit as per the prescribed physical standards set by UPSC.
Also Read: UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria

UPSC CDS Vacancy 2025

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

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025

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:

  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

  1. 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

Also Read: UPSC CDS Exam Pattern

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025 Overview

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:

English

  • Vocabulary, Grammar, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Comprehension.

General Knowledge

  • History, Geography, Current Affairs, Science, and Indian Constitution.

Mathematics

  • Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics, and Probability.
Also Read: UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025

UPSC CDS Application Process

The application process for the CDS Exam 2025 is conducted online on the UPSC official website.

Steps to Apply

  1. Registration: Visit upsc.gov.in and complete the registration process.
  2. Fill out the Form: Enter personal, educational, and other required details.
  3. Upload Documents: Provide scanned copies of the photograph, signature, and ID proof.
  4. Pay the Fee: ₹200 for General/OBC; exempted for SC/ST/Female candidates.
  5. Submit Form: Review details and submit the application form.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

UPSC CDS Selection Process

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:

  1. Written Examination: Candidates must qualify in the written test to proceed further.
  2. SSB Interview: A five-day interview process assessing personality, intelligence, and physical fitness.
  3. Medical Examination: Candidates are tested for physical and mental fitness.
  4. Final Merit List: Prepared based on scores in the written exam and SSB interview.

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

UPSC CDS Exam FAQs

CDS stands for Combined Defence Services.

The CDS exam is conducted twice a year.

Candidates must meet specific age, educational qualifications, and nationality criteria.

₹200 for General/OBC; SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted.

Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Examination, and Final Merit List.
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