UPSC CDS (1) 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I) 2025 for recruitment into prestigious defense academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). This recruitment drive offers a total of 457 vacancies across various courses commencing from 2026. Eligible unmarried male and female candidates can apply online from December 11, 2024, to January 1, 2025, up to 06:00 pm.
Candidates aspiring to join India’s armed forces must clear a competitive written examination followed by an intelligence and personality test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). This recruitment provides a golden opportunity to serve the nation in a challenging and prestigious environment. Detailed eligibility criteria, selection process, and application steps are outlined below.
UPSC CDS 2025 Overview
| Recruitment Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 457 |
| Courses | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Eligibility | Unmarried Male/ Female Candidates |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS 2025 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Starting Date to Apply | December 11, 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | January 1, 2025, up to 06:00 pm |
| Correction Window | January 2, 2025, to January 7, 2025 |
| Examination Date | April 13, 2025 |
UPSC CDS 2025 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/ OBC/ EWS | ₹200 |
| SC/ ST/ Female | NIL |
UPSC CDS 2025 Vacancies, Eligibility, Qualification, Age Limit
Vacancies
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): 100 vacancies (13 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): 32 vacancies (6 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders)
- Air Force Academy (AFA): 32 vacancies (3 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders)
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Men: 275 vacancies
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Women: 18 vacancies
Eligibility and Qualifications
- IMA and OTA: Degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
- INA: Engineering degree from a recognized university.
- AFA: Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering.
- Age Limit:
- IMA, INA: Born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007.
- AFA: Born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2006 (26 years if holding a Commercial Pilot License).
- OTA (Men and Women): Born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007.
UPSC CDS 2025 Selection Process
- Written Examination:
- Objective-type papers.
- Subjects include English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA).
- OTA includes only English and General Knowledge.
- SSB Interview:
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks, and Interview.
UPSC CDS 2025 Exam Pattern
Written Exam
| Academy | Subjects | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA, AFA | English, General Knowledge, Mathematics | 2 Hours (each) | 300 |
| OTA | English, General Knowledge | 2 Hours (each) | 200 |
- All papers consist of objective-type questions.
- Negative marking: 1/3 marks deducted for incorrect answers.
UPSC CDS 2025 Important Links
| UPSC CDS (1) 2025 Official Notification | Notification |
| UPSC CDS (1) 2025 Apply Online | Online Form |
| UPSC Official Website | UPSC |
