The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) 1 2025 notification has been released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This examination is conducted for admission into various defence academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) for both men and women. Aspiring candidates must thoroughly review the notification to understand the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and application process.
- Overview of the Examination
- Important Dates
- Detailed Vacancy Information
- Eligibility Criteria
- UPSC CDS 1 2025 Application Process
- Examination Pattern and Syllabus
- Selection Procedure
- Physical Standards
- Application Fee and Payment Guidelines
- Key Instructions for Candidates
- Contact Information and Official Links
Overview of the Examination
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is one of India’s most prestigious competitive exams, offering entry into the defence forces. The CDS 1 2025 exam will be conducted by UPSC on April 13, 2025. The purpose of the exam is to select candidates for the following courses, commencing in 2026:
| Academy | Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy | 160th (DE) Course | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy | Executive Branch Course | 32 |
| Air Force Academy | 219th (Pre-Flying) Training Course | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy | 123rd SSC (Men) Course | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy | 37th SSC (Women) Course | 18 |
The total number of vacancies across all academies is 457, subject to change based on service requirements.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | December 11, 2024 |
| Application Start Date | December 11, 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 31, 2024 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Correction Window for Applications | January 1 – January 7, 2025 |
| Examination Date | April 13, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Seven days before the exam |
Candidates are advised to adhere to the deadlines strictly, as late submissions or corrections will not be entertained.
Detailed Vacancy Information
The CDS 1 2025 examination offers opportunities across multiple courses:
| Academy | Course Name | Commencement Month | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 160th DE Course | January 2026 | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Executive Branch | January 2026 | 32 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Pre-Flying Training | January 2026 | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (Men) | 123rd SSC | April 2026 | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (Women) | 37th SSC | April 2026 | 18 |
Note: Reservations for NCC `C’ Certificate holders are available in IMA, INA, and AFA as per existing policies.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
Candidates must be one of the following:
- A citizen of India.
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, or East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Candidates from the above categories (except Indian citizens) must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
2. Age Limit
- IMA & INA: Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007.
- AFA: Candidates aged between 20 to 24 years as of January 1, 2026.
- OTA (Men): Male candidates born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007.
- OTA (Women): Female candidates, including widows/divorcees without children, born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007.
Marital status restrictions apply to all academies.
3. Educational Qualifications
| Academy | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Graduate degree from a recognised university. |
| INA | Engineering degree from a recognised institution. |
| AFA | Graduate degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or BE/B.Tech. |
Final-year students may apply, provided they submit proof of passing by the required date.
UPSC CDS 1 2025 Application Process
The application process for CDS 1 2025 is conducted online through the official UPSC portal: upsconline.gov.in.
| Steps | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | Single-time registration through the UPSC portal. |
| Application Filling | Enter personal, educational, and preference details. |
| Document Upload | Upload scanned copies of photo, signature, and valid photo ID. |
| Fee Payment | ₹200 for General/OBC; Exempted for SC/ST/Female candidates. |
Correction windows allow limited modifications after submission, but withdrawal of applications is not permitted.
Examination Pattern and Syllabus
1. Examination Pattern
| Academy | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA, AFA | English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 | |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 | |
| OTA | English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
2 Negative Marking
- Incorrect answers result in a penalty of 1/3rd marks.
Selection Procedure
The CDS selection process consists of:
- Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC as per the syllabus and pattern.
- SSB Interview: Includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
- Medical Examination: Conducted for shortlisted candidates.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the physical standards specified in Appendix IV of the notification. Fitness requirements differ by academy and branch.
Application Fee and Payment Guidelines
- Fee: ₹200 (waived for SC/ST/Female candidates).
- Payment: Online (Credit/Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking) or SBI Branch Cash.
Key Instructions for Candidates
- Carry valid photo ID and admit card to the exam centre.
- Use black ballpoint pen for marking answers.
- Mobile phones and electronic devices are prohibited at the venue.
Contact Information and Official Links
- UPSC Official Website: www.upsc.gov.in
- Facilitation Counter: 011-23385271/011-23381125
