UPSC CDS Notification 2025 OUT: Download CDS 1 Notification Here

CDS notification was released to select candidates who wish to join the courses of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Officers Training Academy Courses (Men and Women). The CDS selection process comprises two stages-written exams and an SSB interview. Candidates qualifying for the written exam are called for an SSB interview. The final selection for the CDS 2024 exam will be done based on the written exam and SSB interview. After undergoing training at the respective defence academies, candidates join the post of lieutenant. Candidates can check below the CDS notification for 2024. 

CDS Notification 2025 PDF: Download Here 

CDS Notification 2024 PDF: Click Here 

The CDS 1 2025 application form was released on December 11, 2024, and the candidates will be allowed to fill out the CDS 1 application till December 31, 2024 (6 PM). Further, the application form for CDS 2 2025 will be released on May 28 and the last date to apply will be June 17, 2025. The CDS 1 application form can be filled in two parts. Part I comprises the candidate’s registration, choosing the preferred branches, verifying details, and generation of registration ID. Part II comprises paying the application fees, selection of exam centre, and uploading scanned images of photograph and signature. The application fees are INR 200 which can be paid both online and offline. The online application withdrawal facility is made available after the completion of the registration process.

Click here to apply for CDS 1 2025 exam-https://upsconline.nic.in/upsc/OTRP/

The candidates need to follow the given steps to apply for the CDS exam:

• Candidates have to register themselves on the OTR (One Time Registration) page. 
• Fill out all the details asked on the registration page 
• Upload the document (if needed)
• The login ID will be generated by the UPSC for the candidates and will be sent to the registered mobile and email id 
• Go to the latest exam tab and click on the  CDS 1 exam link 
• Fill out the application by giving the details that have been asked in the form 

Also Read: UGC NET 2024

• The application fees can be paid both online and offline
• The application fees are INR 200 for General and OBC male candidates
• SC and ST candidates were exempted from fee payment

Also Read: CDS OTA Syllabus 2024

The eligibility criteria of CDS provide details regarding nationality, age, and educational qualification. Candidates should check the eligibility criteria before filling out the application form. Only those candidates are considered for CDS recruitment who fulfils the eligibility criteria. The candidates can check out the latest eligibility criteria below in the article.

The education qualification for the CDS exam has been given below for the aspiring candidates:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA): The candidates must have a graduation degree from any discipline from any recognised university.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): Candidates must have an engineering degree from a recognised university
• Air Force Academy (AFA): The candidates must have an engineering degree from a recognised university with physics and maths in 10+2

Also Read: CDS eligibility criteria 

The candidates have to qualify in different tests to be enrolled in the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The different levels of the CDS selection process have been given below for the candidates:

• Written Exam
• SSB Interview/Personality Test
• Document Verification
• Medical Examination

CDS admit card will bereleased three weeks before the exam. Candidates need to download the admit card from the official website. The admit card can be downloaded till the day of the exam by logging with either the registration number or roll number. The hard copy of the CDS admit card is not sent to candidates by post.

The exam pattern of CDS is prescribed by the examination authority. According to the CDS exam pattern 2025, the question paper for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) comprises three sections: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The total marks for the test are 300. The test paper for admission to the Officers’ Training Academy comprises two sections: English and General Knowledge. The maximum marks for the test are 200. All questions are objective type only. The question papers on General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics are available in Hindi and English.

The syllabus highlights the topics that candidates need to prepare for the exam. The topics given in CDS syllabus are of Class 10, 12, and Graduation levels. Candidates can check below CDS syllabus.

The result of CDS is announced in two stages: written exam and SSB Interview/Final. First, the CDS result 2025 for the written exam is announced followed by the declaration of the final result. Based on the performance of candidates in both rounds, candidates will be selected for admission to various defence academies.

The cut-off of CDS is the minimum qualifying marks that candidates need to secure to qualify for the exam and become eligible for the next round of the selection process. Candidates need to secure separate CDS cut-off marks in the written exam and SSB Interview for final selection. 

UPSC 2025 Revised Calendar: Click Here