CDS Exam Date 2025 (OUT): Check CDS 1 & 2 Notification & Exam Dates

Q: Is the CDS 1 notification released for 2025?

The CDS 1 notification 2025 has been released by UPSC on December 11, 2024, on the official website, along with the release of the CDS 1 2025 application form. Candidates who are interested in applying for the CDS 1 exam will be allowded to apply for it until December 31, 2024 (6 PM). The exam for CDS 1 2025 will be conducted on April 13, 2025. The candidates who will qualify for the CDS exam will be called for the CDS interview which will be taken to test the mental and physical strength of the candidates. The candidates who are searching for the medical and physical parameters for qualifying for the CDS 1 exam can click the link to get the specific parameters Link for CDS medical and Physical strength Direct Link for the Information of Eligibility Criteria

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Registration: 11 Dec '24 - 31 Dec '24

Shikha GoyalAssistant Manager

Updated on Dec 12, 2024 00:05 IST

CDS Exam Date 2025: The CDS 1 notification 2025 released on December 11, 2024 on the official website. The CDS 1 2025 application form is available from December 11 to December 31, 2024 (6 PM). The CDS 1 examination 2025 will be conducted on April 13, 2025. Further, the CDS 2 2025 notification will be released on May 28, 2025. The last date to apply for CDS 2 2025 is June 17, 2025. The CDS 2 2025 exam will be held on September 14, 2025. The Union Service Selection Commission (UPSC) released the CDS 2 2024 result on September 20, 2024, for the exam conducted on September 1, 2024. The authority released the CDS 1 result 2024 on July 31, 2024.

The CDS exam is conducted to select candidates for admission to IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Candidates need to reach the exam centre as per CDS exam timing. Read below for more details on CDS dates 2025.

CDS 1 2025 Latest News & Updates

CDS 1 2025 Notification & Application Form Released; Check Dates and Steps To Apply

Also Read: CDS 1 2025 Notification

Q: Is the CDS 1 notification released for 2025?

The CDS 1 notification 2025 has been released by UPSC on December 11, 2024, on the official website, along with the release of the CDS 1 2025 application form. Candidates who are interested in applying for the CDS 1 exam will be allowded to apply for it until December 31, 2024 (6 PM). The exam for CDS 1 2025 will be conducted on April 13, 2025. The candidates who will qualify for the CDS exam will be called for the CDS interview which will be taken to test the mental and physical strength of the candidates. The candidates who are searching for the medical and physical parameters for qualifying for the CDS 1 exam can click the link to get the specific parameters Link for CDS medical and Physical strength

Direct Link for the Information of Eligibility Criteria

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Q: What are the educational criteria to apply for CDS exam?

The candidates who wants to appear for the CDS exam must fulfill the eligibility criteria of the CDS exam. The candidates who did not fulfill the eligibility criteria of the CDS exam will not be allowed to fill out the application for the CDS exam. The educational criteria for the CDS exam have been given below for the candidates Indian Military Academy: Graduation Degree Indian Naval Academy: B.E and B.Tech (Intermediate with Physics and Maths Air Force Academy: Graduation, B.E and B.Tech (Intermediate with Physics and Maths Officers Training Academy (Men): Graduation Degree Officers Training Academy (Women): Graduation Degree.

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Q: What is the difference between NDA and CDS exams?

Though both are defence exams, there are many similarities and differences in the recruitment process, exam pattern, training, salary, perks, promotion, eligibility, etc. NDA is conducted for candidates who wish to join the defence services after Class 12. CDS is the exam conducted for the graduate candidates for training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers Training Academy (OTA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA). NDA exam is conducted for Class 12 pass candidates. Whereas, CDS exam is conducted for graduate-level candidates. NDA exam carries two subjects-GAT and Maths. CDS exam carries three papers-Maths, English and GK. English and GK section is conducted for OTA, IMA, INA and AFA. Maths paper is conducted for IMA, INA and AFA. The total marks allotted to the written exam of NDA is 900 whereas it is 300 for CDS.

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Q: When will the CDS 2 Result be Released?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the UPSC CDS 2 Result 2024 on the official website. The candidates can download the CDS result as a PDF from the official website-upsc.gov.in.

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Q: Why CDS exam is conducted?

The CDS exam is conducted by the UPSC to select candidates for admission to various courses in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). The CDS exam is conducted twice a year, and candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the exam. The exam consists of a written test followed by a Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which is designed to assess the personality traits and suitability of the candidates for the respective course or post. The CDS exam is a highly competitive exam, and candidates who clear the written test and the SSB interview are selected for admission to the respective course or post based on their overall performance in the exam. The CDS exam provides an opportunity for candidates who are interested in a career in the Indian Armed Forces to pursue their dream and serve the country with honor and pride.

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Table of Contents

CDS Exam Dates & Schedule
Important Events Related to CDS Exam 2025
CDS Exam Timing 2025
CDS Exam Pattern

CDS Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CDS 2025 exam

Dates	Upcoming Exam Dates
11 Dec '24 - 31 Dec '24	CDS 1 Application 2025 ONGOING
13 Apr '25	CDS 1 Exam 2025
28 May '25	CDS 2 Notification 2025
28 May '25 - 17 Jun '25	CDS 2 Application Form 2025
14 Sep '25	CDS 2 Exam 2025
Dates	Past Exam Dates
11 Dec '24	CDS 1 Notification 2025
20 Sep '24	CDS 2 Result 2024
01 Sep '24	CDS 2 Exam
View More Past Events (4)

Important Events Related to CDS Exam 2025

The important events of the CDS exam are explained below:

CDS Application Form

The application form for CDS has been released online. The CDS application form comprises two parts. In the first part, candidates need to register, choose their preferred branches, verify the details and generate their registration ID. In the second part, candidates need to pay the application fees, select the exam centres, and upload scanned images of photographs & signatures.

CDS Exam Date

All registered candidates are required to appear for the CDS exam. The exam comprises two stages, written and SSB Interview. The written exam for Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy comprises three sections, English, General knowledge, and Elementary Maths. The written exam for Officers’ Training Academy comprises two sections, English and General Knowledge.

CDS Answer Key Date

The answer key of CDS is released by UPSC after the completion of the recruitment exam. The CDS answer key is released on the official website for different codes of test booklets.

CDS Result Date

The result is released in two stages: written exam and final selection. The commission first announces the CDS result for the written exam, followed by the declaration of the final result. The result displays the roll numbers of shortlisted candidates in PDF format. Along with the release of the CDS result, the CDS cut-off is also released for the candidates. The candidates who will cross the category-wise cut-off will be considered qualified for the CDS exam.

CDS Current Affairs Guide: Download Here

CDS Exam Timing 2025

According to CDS shift timing, candidates need to enter the examination hall at least 30 minutes before the scheduled commencement of the examination. Entry to the examination venue closes 10 minutes prior to the scheduled commencement of the exam in each session. CDS exam timing for English, GK and Elementary Mathematics is given below.

Paper	Exam Timings
English	9.00 am to 11.00 am
GK	12.00 pm to 2.00 pm
Elementary Mathematics	3.00 pm to 5.00 pm

Q: Who is eligible to take the CDS exam?

The minimum age limit for applying CDS exam is 19 years. Candidates must be graduate or appearing in the final year. B.Tech and BE candidates can apply for IMA, INA and AFA. The age limit criteria for CDS 1 exam have been given below for the candidates:

Indian Naval Academy: 19 to 24 years

Air Force Academy: 20 years to 24 years

Indian Military Academy: 19 to 24 years

Officers Training Academy (SSC Women Non Technical Course): 19 to 25 years

Officers Training Academy (SSC Course for Men): 19 to 25 years

The candidates must note that if they don't fulfill the age limit and educational qualification criteria will not be able to appear in the CDS exam.

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Q: What documents do I need to carry to the CDS exam centre?

Candidates need to carry the following documents to the CDS exam centre: 1. CDS Admit Card: Candidates must carry the CDS admit card to the exam centre. The admit card will be released by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC a few weeks before the exam. 2. Photo ID Proof: Candidates must carry a valid photo ID proof, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, or passport, to the exam centre. The ID proof must be original and should not be expired. 3. Two passport size photographs: Candidates must carry two passport size photographs to the exam centre. The photographs should be recent and identical. Candidates should ensure that all the details mentioned on the admit card, photo ID proof, and photographs match with each other. Candidates should also reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. It's important to note that candidates who fail to carry any of the above documents to the exam centre will not be allowed to appear for the exam. Candidates should also check the official notification and updates regarding the CDS exam on the official website of the UPSC for any changes or updates related to the documents required at the exam centre.

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Q: Can I wear masks at CDS exam centres?

Yes, candidates are allowed to wear masks at the CDS exam centre. In fact, wearing a mask is mandatory as per the guidelines issued by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Candidates should ensure that they wear a mask covering the nose and mouth at all times while at the exam centre. Candidates are also advised to carry an extra mask and a small bottle of hand sanitizer for their personal use. The exam authorities may also follow other safety protocols, such as thermal scanning, social distancing, and sanitation of the exam hall and other related areas. Candidates should follow the instructions and guidelines issued by the exam authorities and cooperate with them to ensure the safety of everyone present at the exam centre. It's important to note that any violation of the safety protocols or guidelines may lead to disqualification from the exam and other penalties as per the rules and regulations of the UPSC. Therefore, candidates should strictly follow the safety protocols and guidelines issued by the exam authorities and the government to ensure a safe and smooth exam experience.

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Q: In how many shifts CDS exam is conducted?

The CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam for INA (Indian Naval Academy), IMA (Indian Military Academy), and AFA (Air Force Academy) is conducted in three shifts morning, afternoon, and evening whereas the OTA (Officers Training Academy) is conducted in two shifts morning and afternoon. The shift timing for the CDS exam has been given below for the candidates according to the subjects a) English 9.00 am to 11.00 am b) General Knowledge 12.00 pm to 2.00 pm c) Elementary Mathematics 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

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CDS Exam Pattern

The candidates who are going to appear for the CDS exam must know the exam pattern. The CDS exam pattern is mandatory information that helps the applicants understand the CDS exam better. The exam pattern for the CDS exam has been given below:

CDS Exam Pattern 2025
Mode of Exam	Offline
Number of Questions	300 MCQ
Number of questions in OTA	200 MCQ
Maximum Marks	300 and 200 (OTA)
Duration of Exam	2 hours (120 minutes) for each paper
Medium	Hindi or English
Negative marking	1/3rd mark deducted for each incorrect response

Q: What is the exam pattern for CDS 2025 exam?

The CDS exam pattern has been divided into two categories- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The exam taken for the IMA, INA, AFA is taken for three subjects- General Awareness, Mathematics and English. On the other hand, the OTA exam is taken for two subjects- English . and General Awareness. The exam pattern for these categories have been given below for the candidates: For IMA, INA and AFA: a)Total Number of Subjects: English. Elementary Mathematics and General Knowledge b) Time Duration: Six hours (2 hours for each paper) c) Maximum Marks: 300 marks (100 marks for each paper) For OTA: a) Total Number of Subjects: English . and General Knowledge b) Time Duration: Four hours (2 hours for each paper) c) Maximum Marks: 200 Marks (100 marks for each paper). .

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Q: What is the selection process of CDS exam?

The CDS selection process comprises various stages: At the first stage, the candidates have to take the written test which is of 300 marks (for INA, IMA and AFA) and 200 marks (OTA). The candidates qualifying the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview. At the second stage, the candidates have to undergo the vigorous 5 days interview in which the candidates are assessed on the physical, psychological and analytics level. The SSB interview is followed by the medical test in which the candidates are assessed on physical standards In the final stage merit list is released along with the release of the CDS results.

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Q: Is there a time limit for each subject in CDS exam?

Yes, there is a time limit for each subject in the CDS exam. The exam is conducted in three stages, namely a written exam, an interview, and a medical exam. The written exam comprises three papers: English General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, and each paper has a specific time limit as mentioned below: a) English 2 hours b) General Knowledge: 2 hours c) Maths 2 hours The total time duration of the CDS exam is 6 hours. It is essential to manage time effectively during the exam to attempt all questions within the given time frame. Candidates should also keep in mind that there is a negative marking for incorrect answers and they should answer the questions carefully.

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