Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2025 Notification: Everything You Need to Know
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I) 2025. This prestigious examination provides an excellent opportunity for candidates aspiring to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. Those Candidates Who Are Interested Check The Eligibility Criteria, Qualification, Vacancy Details, Pay Scale, Exam Pattern And Syllabus and then Apply Online.
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Key Highlights of CDS-I 2025
Exam Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-I) 2025
Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Notification Release Date: December 11, 2024
Last Date to Apply: December 31, 2024 (up to 6:00 PM)
Exam Date: April 13, 2025
Total Vacancies: 457 (Tentative)
| Course Name | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 32 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) (Men) | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) (Women) | 18 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | December 11, 2024 |
| Application Deadline | December 31, 2024 |
| Application Correction Window | January 1-7, 2025 |
| Exam Date | April 13, 2025 |
| Result Announcement | May 2025 (Tentative) |
Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
Candidates must be either:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries intending to permanently settle in India.
2. Age Limits, Gender, and Marital Status
IMA & INA: Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007.
AFA: Unmarried male candidates aged 20-24 years as of January 1, 2026.
OTA (Men): Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007.
OTA (Women): Unmarried women, issueless widows, and divorcees (who have not remarried) born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007.
3. Educational Qualifications
IMA & OTA: A degree from a recognized university.
INA: A degree in Engineering from a recognized institution.
AFA: A degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
How to Apply
Candidates must follow these steps to apply online:
Visit the Official Website: Go to upsconline.gov.in.
One-Time Registration:
If you are registering for the first time, complete the one-time registration process by providing personal details, a valid email ID, and a photo ID proof.
Ensure accuracy as the details will be used throughout the application process.
Filling the Application Form:
Log in using your credentials.
Complete the Part-I and Part-II registration forms.
Upload required documents, including a scanned photograph and signature (in .jpg format, not exceeding 300 KB).
Payment of Application Fee:
Fee: ₹200 for general and OBC candidates. SC/ST and female candidates are exempt.
Payment modes: SBI Challan, debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
Submit the Application:
Review the details carefully before submission.
No changes can be made after submission.
Application Corrections:
Corrections can be made from January 1 to January 7, 2025, through the correction window.
Selection Process
The CDS selection process involves the following stages:
The CDS selection process involves the following stages:
1. Written Examination
| Course | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
| IMA, INA, AFA | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics | 300 | 2 hours each |
| OTA | English, General Knowledge | 200 | 2 hours each |
Negative Marking: 0.33 marks deducted for every incorrect answer.
2. SSB Interview
Stage-I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT).
Stage-II: Personal interview, group tasks, and psychological tests over four days.
Stage-I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT).
Stage-II: Personal interview, group tasks, and psychological tests over four days.
3. Medical Examination
Conducted for candidates clearing the SSB interview.
Ensures candidates meet physical and medical standards.
Conducted for candidates clearing the SSB interview.
Ensures candidates meet physical and medical standards.
4. Final Merit List
Based on written exam and SSB interview performance.
Subject to medical fitness and document verification.
Based on written exam and SSB interview performance.
Subject to medical fitness and document verification.
Physical Standards for Officers
| Branch | Height (cm) | Weight (Kg) |
| Army | Male: 157.5 | As per age/height ratio |
| Female: 152 | As per age/height ratio | |
| Navy | Male: 157 | As per age/height ratio |
| Female: 152 | As per age/height ratio | |
| Air Force | Male: 162.5 | As per age/height ratio |
| Female: 162.5 | As per age/height ratio |
Pay Scale and Allowances
| Rank | Pay Scale (₹) |
| Lieutenant/Sub Lieutenant | 56,100 - 1,77,500 |
| Captain/Lieutenant | 61,300 - 1,93,900 |
| Major/Lieutenant Commander | 69,400 - 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel/Commander | 1,21,200 - 2,12,400 |
| Colonel/Captain | 1,30,600 - 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | 1,39,600 - 2,17,600 |
| Major General | 1,44,200 - 2,18,200 |
Qualification Pay and Grants
| Qualification | Pay/Grant (₹) |
| PG Degree/Diploma | ₹25,000 (Grant) |
| Technical Courses | ₹6,000/month |
| Flying Allowance | ₹25,000/month |
CDS-I Recruitment 2025 Official Links
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Registered Candidates Apply Online👉 Click Here 👈
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Please Read The Notification Carefully Before Filling the Application...!!!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for CDS-I 2025?
Ans: The last date to apply is December 31, 2024, until 6:00 PM.
2. Are female candidates eligible for CDS-I 2025?
Ans: Yes, female candidates can apply for the Officers Training Academy (OTA).
3. Is there any application fee exemption?
Ans: Female, SC, and ST candidates are exempt from paying the fee.
4. What is the age limit for AFA applicants?
Ans: Candidates must be aged 20-24 years as of January 1, 2026.
5. Can I modify my application after submission?
Ans: Yes, modifications are allowed from January 1 to January 7, 2025.
6. What is the selection process for CDS?
Ans: It includes a written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination.
7. Are there negative marks in the CDS exam?
Ans: Yes, 0.33 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
8. When will the CDS-I 2025 results be announced?
Ans: The results are expected in May 2025.
