How can I apply for the CDS exam?

CDS stands for Combined Defence Services exam. It is a national-level examination held annually to recruit eligible young individuals for various armed forces throughout India. This exam provides individuals with a great opportunity who dream of serving the nation by part of being in the armed forces. UPSC CDS exam is conducted to select candidates in the following armed forces: Indian Army Indian Navy Indian Airforce Naval Academy Officers Training Academy FOR CDS 2023 - Understand The Syllabus And Exam Format. Examine the exam syllabus and exam pattern if you want to pass the CDS exam. . Practice Mock Exams And Previous Year Papers. . Keep The Basics Clear. . Concentrate On Important Issues. . Start With Simpler Questions. . Create A Proper Schedule. CDS Examination syllabus comprises of three papers – General Knowledge, English, and Mathematics. Mathematics is not asked in the OTA Category. To clear any government examination, one should have complete knowledge about the Syllabus.

How many vacancies are announced for the CDS 1 2025 exam?

On December 11, 2024, UPSC released the CDS 1 approximate Vacancies 2025, along with the CDS 1 notification. UPSC has announced 457 CDS 1 Vacancies 2025 for IMA (Indian Military Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), AFA (Air Force Academy), and OTA (Officers Training Academy). The UPSC will fill the CDS 1 vacancy 2025 by holding an online test for all applicants. The UPSC CDS 1 2025 Vacancy, as well as the CDS 1 Notification 2025, has been published on the official website.

How can I prepare for CDS exam?

The candidates are advised to go through the syllabus and the exam format to keep the basics clear. Concentrate on Important Issues. Start With Simpler Questions. Create A Proper Schedule. Candidates appearing for CDS should start at least 3 to 6 months before the examination. Follow a regular study routine so that the entire syllabus can be completed. Make a timetable and devote 6 to 8 hours especially for preparations. The list of best books for CDS is as follows: Wren & Martin's High School English Grammar & Composition: S. Hand Publication. Word Power Made Easy: Norman Lewis (Goal Publishers) Objective General English S. P. Bakshi (Arihant Publication) General Knowledge by Manohar Pandey. Manorama Yearbook.

What is the eligibility criteria to appear for CDS exam?

Hi Sarang, Educational qualification: Indian Military Academy/Officers' Training Academy: The candidates must possess a degree from a recognised university or equivalent. Indian Naval Academy: The candidates must possess a Bachelor of Engineering degree. Air Force Academy: The candidates must possess a degree of a recognised university with Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level or Bachelor of Engineering. Graduates with first choice as Army/Navy/Air Force are required to submit a proof of graduation provisional certificates on the date of commencement of the SSB interview at the SSB. For CDS exam, applicants can be from any stream but for entry to Air Force and Navy, candidates should have studied Physics and Maths up to Class 12. Candidates who are studying in the final year degree course and are yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply but they will be required to subject a proof of passing the degree examination. All the best.

What are the perks for CDS officers?

The Combined Defence Services is one of the most challenging but respectable careers to aspire to. CDS officers get many perks, which include the following: 1. Salary: The officers get a fixed stipend during training, which is Rs. 56,100 per month. After commissioning into the respective services, the officers get a salary as per their rank. 2. Allowances: Officers get many additional allowances such as Dearness Allowance, Uniform Allowance, High Altitude Allowance and Children education allowance etc. 3. Ration: In field areas, defence officers get a free ration, and in peace areas they get a Ration Money Allowance (RMA). 4. Other perks: Officers as well as their family members get facilities such as medical facilities, canteen facilities, and accommodation on concessional rent.

What is the pay scale in CDS?

The pay scale for CDS officers varies depending on their rank and position. Generally, the pay scale for CDS officers is quite competitive and includes various allowances and benefits. For example, the starting pay for a Lieutenant in the Indian Army is around Rs. 56,100 per month. This includes basic pay, Military Service Pay, and other allowances such as Dearness Allowance, Kit Maintenance Allowance, and Field Area Allowance. The pay scales for higher ranks such as Captain, Major, and Lieutenant Colonel are higher, and officers may also receive promotions and increments based on their performance and years of service. It's important to note that the pay scale and other benefits may vary depending on the academy or service for which the officer is recruited, as well as their rank and position.

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). .

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.

What is the selection process of CDS exam 2025?

The CDS 2025 selection process comprises various stages: The selection process of CDS comprises three stages that assess the academic knowledge, physical fitness and mental aptitude of candidates. The selection process includes: Stage 1: Written Examination Stage 2: SSB Interview (Service Selection Board) Stage 3: Medical Examination and Merit List After all these stages, a Final Merit List is prepared based on the written examination and SSB performance. The written test 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. Further, 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.

How can I apply for the CDS exam?

To apply for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam, candidates need to fill out the application form as prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The application form is available online on the UPSC official website. Candidates need to complete the online application form by providing their personal details, educational qualifications, and other relevant information. The application fee for the CDS exam is INR 200, which can be paid online or offline. The last date to apply for the CDS exam varies for each session, and candidates are advised to check the official website for the latest updates. After submitting the application form, candidates need to download the admit card from the official website to appear for the exam.

What is the application fee for the CDS exam?

The application fee for the Combined Defence Services CDS exam varies depending on the category and gender of the candidate. The application fee for CDS exam has been given below: a) For candidates belonging to the General category and male candidates of the OBC category: Rs. 200/- b) For female candidates and candidates belonging to the SC/ST categories: No fee It's important to note that these fees are subject to change, and the applicants should always check the official website of the Union Public Service Commission UPSC for the latest information on application fees.

What is the syllabus for the CDS exam 2025, and where can I find it?

The authority released the CDS 2025 syllabus along with the notification. Candidates who are preparing for CDS exam 2025 must follow the syllabus to prepare for the exam. The CDS syllabus is divided into two categories- a) INA (Indian Naval Academy), IMA (Indian Military Academy), and AFA (Air Force Academy) b) OTA (Officers Training Academy) The syllabus for the IMA, INA and AFA comprises three sections English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. Further, the syllabus for OTA comprises English and General Knowledge. OTA exam syllabus does not have a Maths section To get the detailed syllabus for INA, IMA and AFA click on the refer to the link below: https://www.shiksha.com/exams/cds-exam-syllabus .

UPSC CDS 1 Vacancy 2025 (Out): Post-wise 457 Vacancies List

578 Students Q&A

Exam On - 13 Apr '25

Updated on Dec 12, 2024 00:28 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

CDS Vacancies 2025: UPSC announced the approximate CDS 1 Vacancies 2025 on December 11, 2024, along with the CDS 1 notification. UPSC released the 457 CDS 1 approximate Vacancy 2025 separately for IMA (Indian Military Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), AFA (Air Force Academy) & OTA (Officers Training Academy).

Selection of candidates against CDS vacancies 2025 will be done based on the written exam and SSB interview. After undergoing training at the respective defence academies, candidates will be recruited as Commissioned Officers to the post of lieutenant in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. During training, candidates will receive a stipend of INR 56,100 per month. A total of 457 vacancies are announced for CDS 1 2025.

CDS Notification 2025 PDF: Download Here

CDS 2025 Vacancy

The candidates can check the approximate CDS 1 vacancy 2025 breakdown in the table below. The vacancy has been released for both male and female candidates:

CDS 1 Vacancy 2025
Academy	No. of approximate Vacancies
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun - 160th (DE) Course commencing in January 2026 [including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC `C’ Certificate (Army Wing) holders]	100
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala - Course commencing in January, 2026 Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro [including 06 vacancies for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) holders]	32
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad - (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in January, 2026 i.e. No. 219 F(P) Course. [including 03 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Special Entry]	32
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 123rd SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course Commencing in April, 2026.	275
Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 37th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in April, 2026.	18
Total	457

Previous Years' CDS Vacancies

Candidates can check below the vacancies of previous years.

CDS 2 2021 Vacancies

Courses	Number of vacancies
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun 153rd (DE) Course commencing in July 2022 [including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC `C’ Certificate (Army Wing) holders]	100
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimal Course commencing in July 2022 Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro [including 03 vacancies for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing through NCC Special Entry) holders	22
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying)Training Course commencing in July 2022 i.e. No. 212 F (P) Course (including 03 vacancies are reserved for NCC `C’ Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Spl. Entry)	32
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras)-116th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in October 2022	169
Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 30th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in October 2022	16

CDS 1 2021 Vacancies

Courses	Number of vacancies
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun	100
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala	26
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad	32
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai	170
Officers Training Academy, Chennai	17
Total	345

CDS 2 Vacancy 2020

Name of the academy	Vacancies
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun	100
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala	26
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad	32
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) SSC Men	169
Officers Training Academy, Chennai SSC Women	17
Total	344

CDS 1 Vacancy 2020

Name of the academy	Vacancies
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun	100
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala	45
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad	32
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) SSC Men	225
Officers Training Academy, Chennai SSC Women	15
Total	418

Related Links:

CDS Salary

CDS Selection Process

CDS Vacancy 2025: Important Points

Candidates can check below a few important points related to CDS 2025 vacancy:

Candidates are required to indicate in the respective column of the CDS application form the services they wish to apply
Male candidates can give as many preferences for services
Women candidates are only eligible for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA)
Male candidates competing for Short Service Commission (Army) should indicate OTA as the only choice
Male candidates applying for the Short Service Commission Course at OTA as well as the Permanent Commission course at IMA, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy, should indicate OTA as their last preference
Candidates who wish to join the Air Force Academy must indicate AFA as their first choice
No change of choice once entered by candidates in the application form of CDS will be allowed

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