Apply for Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS I) 2025

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How to Apply for Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS I) 2025

The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is one of the most sought-after examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for entry into various defense academies in India. The CDS I 2025 notification has been officially released, and here are all the details candidates need to apply successfully.

Key Highlights

Examination Date: April 13, 2025

Application Start Date: December 11, 2024

Last Date to Apply: December 31, 2024 (until 6:00 PM)

Mode of Application: Online

Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Vacancies: Total 457 seats divided across Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the CDS I 2025 examination. Nationality To be eligible for CDS, candidates must satisfy one of the following conditions: Be a citizen of India. Be a subject of Nepal or Bhutan. Be a Tibetan refugee who migrated to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement. Be of Indian origin and migrated from countries such as Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African nations like Kenya, Uganda, and others, intending to permanently settle in India (subject to a certificate of eligibility issued by the Indian Government). Age Limits IMA & INA: Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007. AFA: 20-24 years as of January 1, 2026, with upper age relaxation for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License (up to 26 years). OTA (Men and Women): Unmarried individuals or specific categories of widows and divorcees aged 19-25 years. Educational Qualifications IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. INA: A degree in engineering from a recognized university or institution. AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or a degree in engineering. Candidates in the final year of their degree programs can apply, provided they submit proof of qualification by the required deadlines.

Steps to Apply:

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application process:

  1. Visit the Website: Navigate to the UPSC Online Portal.

  2. Registration: If not already registered, complete the one-time registration process by providing your basic details such as name, date of birth, email ID, and phone number.

  3. Login: Use your credentials to log in to the application portal.

  4. Fill the Form: Provide accurate details regarding your educational qualifications, choice of academy, and upload the required documents (e.g., photograph, signature, and Photo ID).

  5. Pay the Application Fee:

    • ₹200 for general candidates.

    • SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted from fees.

    • Payment can be made via debit/credit cards, internet banking, or cash at SBI branches.

  6. Submit the Application: Double-check all the information before final submission.

  7. Print Confirmation: Save and print the application confirmation for future reference.

Selection Process

The selection for CDS comprises three stages:

1. Written Examination

  • For IMA, INA, and AFA:

    • English: 100 Marks (2 Hours)

    • General Knowledge: 100 Marks (2 Hours)

    • Elementary Mathematics: 100 Marks (2 Hours)

  • For OTA:

    • English: 100 Marks (2 Hours)

    • General Knowledge: 100 Marks (2 Hours)

Each paper consists of objective-type questions, and there is a penalty for wrong answers (1/3rd of the marks for each incorrect response).

2. SSB Interview

Candidates who clear the written exam are shortlisted for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. This involves:

  • Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception Description Test (PPDT).

  • Stage II: Psychological tests, group testing, and personal interview conducted over 4-5 days.

3. Medical Examination

Candidates must meet stringent physical and medical standards to qualify.

Important Instructions

Photo ID Requirements: Ensure that the details on your Photo ID match your application. 

The same ID should be carried throughout the selection process.

Photograph and Signature: Upload clear images as per the specifications mentioned in the official notification.

Avoid Last-Minute Issues: Apply well in advance to avoid technical glitches.

Communication: Keep your registered email ID active for updates.

How to Apply

Candidates must register online via the official recruitment portals:

Separate registrations are required for AFCAT Entry and NCC Special Entry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the last date for applying for CDS I 2025?
A: The last date to apply is December 31, 2024, until 6:00 PM.

Q2. What are the application fees?
A: The application fee is ₹200, except for SC/ST and female candidates who are exempted.

Q3. Can I modify my application after submission?
A: Yes, a correction window will be available from January 1 to January 7, 2025.

Q4. What is the mode of the CDS examination?
A: The CDS examination is conducted offline in an objective format.

Q5. What are the age limits for OTA candidates?
A: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007.

Q6. Can candidates with backlogs apply?
A: No, candidates must have no pending backlogs at the time of application.

Q7. What items are prohibited in the exam hall?
A: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, and any electronic devices are strictly prohibited.

Q8. How many vacancies are there in CDS I 2025?
A: There are a total of 457 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.

Q9. Are women eligible for all academies?
A: No, women can only apply for OTA.

Q10. When will the results of the written exam be announced?
A: The results are expected to be announced in May 2025.

Click here: for more details at official website

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