The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is soon going to release the CDS (Combined Defence Services) 1 2025 Notification on 11th December 2024. This exam is a golden opportunity for those who dream of serving in the Indian Armed Forces, whether in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Every year, thousands of young men and women apply to join the forces through this prestigious exam. If you’ve always aspired to wear the uniform and serve the country, this is your chance to take that first step toward making your dream a reality.
To help you prepare, Crack Defence Exams provide comprehensive resources, including online courses, practice tests, and expert guidance to help you clear this exam with confidence. In this blog, we’ve broken down all the details you need to know about the CDS 2025 Notification—including exam dates, eligibility criteria, and useful preparation tips
Key Highlights of CDS 2025
- Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Exam Name: Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2025
- Frequency: Biannual (held twice a year)
- Mode of Application: Online
- Language of Written Exam: Bilingual (English & Hindi)
- Mode of Examination: Offline (Pen & Paper-based)
- Application Fee: ₹200 (Exempted for SC/ST and Female candidates)
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in
Important Dates for CDS 2025
| Event | CDS 1 2025 | CDS 2 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 11, 2024 | May 28, 2025 |
| Application Form Start Date | December 11, 2024 | May 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 31, 2024 | June 17, 2025 |
| CDS 2025 Exam Dates | April 13, 2025 | September 14, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release Date | March 2025 (Tentative) | August 2025 (Tentative) |
CDS 2025 Eligibility Criteria
(a) Nationality:
Candidates must be citizens of India, or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement. Candidates of Indian origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, and East African countries are also eligible.
(b) Age Limits & Marital Status:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried males, aged 19-24 years.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried males, aged 19-24 years.
- Air Force Academy (AFA): Unmarried males; aged 20-24
- Officers Training Academy (OTA):
- Men: Unmarried males, aged 19-25 years.
- Women: Unmarried females, aged 19-25 years.
(c) Educational Qualifications:
- IMA & OTA: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
- INA: Graduation in Engineering from a recognized university.
- AFA: Bachelor’s degree (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
CDS 2025 Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA, and AFA:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 |
| Total | 300 |
For OTA:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Incorrect Answer: -1/3 mark
- Unattempted: No negative marking
CDS 2025 Syllabus
English: Comprehension, Synonyms, Antonyms, Error Detection, Sentence Rearrangement, and Idioms & Phrases.
General Knowledge: History, Geography, Indian Polity, Current Affairs, Economy, Environment, Science, and Defense-related news.
Mathematics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics, and Data Interpretation.
CDS 2025 Selection Process
The selection process for CDS includes:
- Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC, assessing the candidates’ knowledge in English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.
- SSB Interview:
- Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT).
- Stage 2: Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, and Personal Interviews.
- Document Verification: Candidates need to submit their original documents, such as educational certificates and proof of age.
- Medical Examination: Conducted to ensure the candidates meet the required physical and medical standards.
- Final Merit List: Based on the performance in the written exam, SSB Interview, and medical examination.
How to Apply for CDS 2025
Follow these steps to apply:
- Registration: Visit upsc.gov.in and register using your email ID.
- Filling the Application Form: Enter your personal and educational details.
- Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-sized photo, signature, and necessary certificates.
- Fee Payment: ₹200 for General and OBC candidates; no fee for SC/ST and female candidates.
- Submit the Form: Review and submit your application before the deadline.
The CDS exam is an excellent opportunity for young aspirants to join the Indian Armed Forces. With thorough preparation and a clear strategy, candidates can achieve their dream of serving the nation. Stay updated on all CDS-related notifications by regularly visiting the UPSC official website.
