The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I) 2025, offering a total of 457 vacancies for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. This examination serves as a crucial entry point for individuals seeking admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
The official notification was released on December 11, 2024, and the application process will open on the same day, closing on December 31, 2024. The examination is scheduled to take place on April 13, 2025.Candidates interested in applying for these prestigious positions must meet specific eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and age limits. The CDS exam is highly competitive, attracting thousands of applicants each year. The selection process consists of a written examination followed by an SSB interview for those who qualify.
Article Contents
UPSC CDS Exam Recruitment 2024
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 457 |
| Job Location | National Defence Academy |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 11 December 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 December 2024 |
| Exam Date | 13 April 2025 |
Vacancy Breakdown for 2025
| Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 30 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 295 |
| Total | 457 |
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have completed their Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- For IMA and AFA: Candidates should have studied Physics and Mathematics at the Class 12 level.
- For OTA: Candidates must hold a degree from a recognized university.
- Age Limit:
- For IMA: Candidates must be between 18 to 24 years old, born between July 2, 2000, and July 1, 2005.
- For INA: Candidates must be between 18 to 22 years old, born between July 2, 2003, and July 1, 2005.
- For AFA: Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years old, born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2005.
- For OTA: Candidates must be between 18 to 25 years old, born between July 2, 2000, and July 1, 2005.
Recruitment Selection Process
The selection process for CDS consists of two main stages:
- Written Examination:
- The exam comprises three papers:
- English: Total marks are 100, with a duration of 2 hours.
- General Knowledge: Total marks are 100, with a duration of 2 hours.
- Elementary Mathematics: Total marks are 100, with a duration of 2 hours.
- The total marks for the written exam are 300.
- Candidates applying for OTA will only take English and General Knowledge papers.
- The exam comprises three papers:
- SSB Interview:
- Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be called for the SSB interview.
- The SSB interview assesses candidates’ officer-like qualities through various tests over five days.
Application Fees
The application fees for the CDS examination are as follows:
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹200 |
| SC/ST/Women | No fee |
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: 11 December 2024
- Online Application Start Date: 11 December 2024
- Last Date to Apply: 31 December 2024
- Admit Card Release Date: To be announced
- Exam Date: 13 April 2025
- Result Declaration: Expected in May/June 2025
How to Apply for the Recruitment
Candidates interested in applying for the CDS Examination can follow these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the link titled “CDS Examination I Notification.”
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
- Log in using your credentials and fill out the application form with accurate personal and educational details.
- Upload required documents such as your photograph and signature as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee according to your category using online payment methods.
- Review all entered information carefully before submitting the application form.
- Submit your application before the deadline of December 31, 2024.
This recruitment drive by UPSC presents an excellent opportunity for young individuals aspiring to serve in India’s armed forces. With competitive salaries, job security, and a chance to serve the nation, this examination is highly sought after.For those ready to take this step towards joining CDS through UPSC, please ensure that you complete your application by the deadline.