CDS 2025: Application Form (Deadline Dec 31), Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, & More

The CDS 2025 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 2025 results.

CDS Salary of Officers during the training period is INR 56,100 per month for Army, Navy, and Air Force. The rank-wise salary is given below:

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). .

The Union Public Service Commission released the exam calendar for the year 2025. According to the UPSC CDS calendar the CDS 1 2025 application form and the notification have been released on December 11, 2024 and continued till December 31, 2024 (6 PM). The CDS 1 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025. On the other hand the CDS 2 exam application and notification will be released on May 28, 2025. The application remained active till June 17, 2025. However, the exam for the CDS 2 2025 will be conducted on September 14, 2025.

The candidates must be aware that these dates are released by UPSC through exam calendar. There are slight chances that the exam dates get changed due to any circumstance. However, the candidates must prepare for the CDS exams according to these exam dates.

The authority released the revised annual calendar for CDS on the official website. The CDS 1 notification for 2025 has been released on December 11, 2024 and the last date to apply will be December 31, 2024 (6 PM). The CDS 1 examination 2025 will be held on April 13, 2025. 

The age of candidate is calculated from the date of joining and not from the date of application. That is why the candidates are advised to add 10 to 12 months to reach min or maximum age limit criteria. However, UPSC releases the age limit criteria for the candidates along with the notification for the CDS exam. As per the notification for CDS 2 exam released the age limit limitations are mentioned below:
(i) For IMA—Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July, 2000 and not
later than 1st July, 2005 only are eligible.
(ii) For Indian Naval Academy—Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd
July, 2000 and not later than 1st July, 2005 only are eligible.
(iii) For Air Force Academy— 

• 20 to 24 years as on 1st July, 2024 i.e. born not earlier than 2nd July, 2000 and not later than 1st July, 2004 (Upper age limit forcandidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs.
  i.e. born not earlier than 2nd July, 1998 and not later than 1st July, 2004 only are eligible.

Note: Candidate below 25 years of age must be unmarried. Marriage is not permitted during training. Married candidates above 25 years of age are eligible to apply but during training period they will neither be provided married accommodation nor can they live with family out of the premises.

iv) For Officers' Training Academy— (SSC Course for men) unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July, 1999 and not later than 1st July, 2005 only are eligible.

 v) For Officers' Training Academy— (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2nd July, 1999 and not later than 1st July, 2005.

Yes, married girls can apply for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam. The eligibility criteria for the CDS exam allow both married and unmarried women to apply. Here are the key points regarding the eligibility of married girls for the CDS exam:

• Marital Status: According to the CDS eligibility criteria, unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible to apply for the CDS exam
• OTA (Officers Training Academy): Married girls can apply for the OTA (Officers Training Academy) under the Short Service Commission. However, it's important to note that during the training period, married candidates above 25 years of age will not be provided with married accommodation and will not be allowed to live outside the Academy premises with their family
  

It's important for married girls to carefully review the official eligibility criteria and ensure they meet all the requirements before applying for the CDS exam.

CDS full form is the Combined Defence Services Examination. While some people also refer CDS full form as Chief of Defence Staff, this rank is given to the head of the Indian Armed Forces. It is conducted twice a year in April and September. It is a national-level exam conducted to recruit candidates for officer posts. The selection process comprises written exam and SSB interview. The minimum educational qualification needed to appear for CDS exam is graduation from a recognised Indian university.

The CDS exam is conducted in two stages, the written exam and the SSB interview. The CDS exam is an offline exam conducted in pen paper-based format. The CDS marking scheme, negative marking, total marks, exam timing, and the paper pattern for the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA are available on this page for the CDS exam.

The CDS selection process comprises two stages: a written exam and an SSB interview. All candidates who qualify for the written exam are required to register themselves online on the Indian Army Recruiting website - joinindianarmy.nic.in, within two weeks of the announcement of the written test result. After that, candidates are allotted SSB dates and centres.The SSB procedure consists of a two-stage selection process—stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear stage I are permitted to appear for stage II. Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Tests (PP&DT). Stage II Comprises of an interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the conference.

Yes, the authority released the CDS 2 exam dates, notification dates on the official website. The CDS 2 exam 2025 will be conducted on September 14, 2025. Also, 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 Union Public Service Commission released the CDS 1 exam date 2025 on the official website. The CDS 1 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025. The candidates must be aware that these dates are released by UPSC through the exam calendar. However, the candidates can prepare for the CDS exams according to the exam date.

CDS Salary of Officers during the training period is INR 56,100 per month for Army, Navy, and Air Force. The rank-wise salary is given below:

The chances of becoming General after becoming a CDS officer is very less as in duration of service in the Defence forces play a vital role in getting promotions. The candidates commissioned as officers after NDA serves for more duration in the Army as compared to CDS. Therfore, the chances of becoming General after NDA is slightly higher. Historically all the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is an NDA alumni. The current General of India General Manoj Pande is from NDA.

However, the promotions also depends on the performance and contributions of the officers in the Army. So, it is quite possible that the officers with extra ordinary contribution to the Army can gain the positionof COAS (Cheif of Army Staff).

Different instutes have different rules on the marital status for the CDS exam. The criteria for the marital status for various defence institutes have been given below for the candidates:

• For Indian Military Academy: Unmarried 
• For Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried 
• For Indian Air Force: Married and Unmarried

Note: The married candiddates must be equal to or above 25 years. However, during the training the candidates will not be provided with any married accommodation nor they can live out from the academy premises with the family.

• For  OTA Male: Umarried
• For OTA Female: Unmarried, Divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) and Widows who have not been remarried

Note: Male divorcee or widow will not be considered as unmarried for the purpose of admission in IMA/INA/AFA/OTA

Candidates in the final year of their graduation can also apply provided they do not have any backlog at the application. Also, they have to submit proof of passing the degree examination at the time of commencement of course. The minimum age required is 19 years. The maximum age allowed is 24 for IMA and INA, 23 for AFA, and 25 for OTA Aspirants must have completed their graduation to be eligible for CDS exam 2025. Indian and candidates who have settled in India permanently also can apply for CDS. Yes, final year graduate candidates can apply for CDS. However, they will be admitted to the exam provisionally. They need to produce certificates of having passed the relevant degree at the time of document verification.

The CDS 1 2025 application process will start on December 11, 2024. The last date to fill out the CDS 1 application form 2025 is December 31, 2024. Candidates need to visit the official website to fill out the form, or a direct link will also be provided here once it is activated. 

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) application form has been released on the official website for CDS 1 on December 11, 2024. Also, for the CDS 2 exam from May 28, 2025 to June 17, 2025. The candidates can apply for the exam by following the steps given below:

• Go to the official website- upsconline.nic.in
• Login into the account on the OTR platform (The registration process for OTR has given above)
• Fill out the details that have been asked for part 1 registration
• Upload the photograph, signature and photo identity proof 
• Make the application fees
• Choose the exam centre for the CDS 1 exam 
• Finally, submit the application form 
• The confirmation message will be sent to the registered mobile number and email id

Candidates can check below the steps to make corrections in the CDS 1 application form 2025:

• Visit the official website 
• Click on the link available for CDS 1 form correction 
• Log in to the registered account using login credentials
• Make corrections to the CDS 1 application correction
• Save and print a copy of the modified CDS 1 application form 
• Log out from the registered profile

NDA exam is conducted for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course. CDS exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). NDA and CDS syllabus are different. The level of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. Whereas, the standard of CDS syllabus is of graduation level. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. CDS syllabus is divided into Elementary Maths, English and General Awareness. The total marks allotted to the NDA written exam are 900. The total marks allotted to the written exam of CDS are 300 for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 for OTA. 

Yes, the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam have physical test in the selection process. A lot of candidates are rejected after the physical test as they were not physically sound. The candiatesneed to clear the written, mental, physical test and a interview in order to get enrolled for the Indian Armed Forces Academies. The candidates are advised to take the physical and medical test prior filling out the CDS application form.  

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. 

Different instutes have different rules on the marital status for the CDS exam. The criteria for the marital status for various defence institutes have been given below for the candidates:

• For Indian Military Academy: Unmarried 
• For Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried 
• For Indian Air Force: Married and Unmarried

Note: The married candiddates must be equal to or above 25 years. However, during the training the candidates will not be provided with any married accommodation nor they can live out from the academy premises with the family.

• For  OTA Male: Umarried
• For OTA Female: Unmarried, Divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) and Widows who have not been remarried

Note: Male divorcee or widow will not be considered as unmarried for the purpose of admission in IMA/INA/AFA/OTA

The Union Public Service Commission released the CDS examination 2025 approximate number of vacancies. It is around 457 vacancies will be announced for various defence services.

The syllabus of Mathematics consists of Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.

General Knowledge section test awareness of current events and general knowledge of the candidates. Important topics include history of India, Geography, Current Affairs, Indian Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Defence news, etc.

It is important for a candidate to clear basics and concepts. Questions asked in this section are of Class 10 standard. Candidates can check below CDS Maths books that will help in the preparation:

• Mathematics for CDS by RS Aggarwal
• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Aggarwal
• Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant Publications

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CDS exam evey six months. The candidates can prepare for the CDS exam in three month. However, the candidates need to focus and study rigorously in order to crack the CDS exam in three months. While preparing for the CDS exam in three months, the candidates need to take following things in consideration:

• Basics of the exam: If a candidate has completed his/her graduation and twelfth standard with grip on the subjects then it is easy to cover the complete syllabus in time. However, if the candidate have to start from scratch then it will be very difficult to cover the syllabus of the CDS exam
• Time Table: The candidate must stic a time table that can complete the syllabus in time as well as leave ample time for revisions and mock tests
• Question Pattern: The candidtae must go through the question pattern and solve the previous years' question paper and search for repition in topics and question asked in the exam. 
• Mock Test: Take maximum number of mock tests in exam condiction to get habit of sitting and taking the exam. It will help the candidate get relief from freefo in the CDS exam.

The candidates can prepare for the CDS exam by following through pattern by being familiar with the past year examination papers, students can also refer to few books to prepare. Let yourself go through the enlisted books for CDS

Best Books for CDS English Language-  Objective General English by RS Aggarwal Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis High  and School English Grammar and Composition Books for General Knowledge and for Current Affairs Candidates need to read the newspapers regularly in order to keep themselves updated with recent events.

The books that candidates can refer to for this section are given below:

Manorama Yearbook Lucents General Knowledge Competition in Focus (Half-Yearly and Yearly) CDS books for Elementary Mathematics Best Books for Elementary Mathematics
The candidates can refer to the enlisted books for preparing for the CDS elementary mathematics:

Mathematics for CDS by RS Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude for Examinations paperback by RS Aggarwal.

Here are some effective ways to revise for the CDS exam: 

• Make notes: Making notes is an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. While preparing for the exam, make notes of important concepts, formulas, and key points. These notes will help you revise quickly and efficiently. 
• Revise regularly: Regular revision is essential for retaining the information and concepts. Schedule regular revision sessions to go through your notes, study material, and sample papers.
• Solve previous year question papers: Solving previous year question papers is an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. It will help you understand the exam pattern, types of questions asked, and improve your time management skills.
• Use flashcards: Flashcards are an effective way to revise important concepts and formulas. Write down the important concepts and formulas on flashcards and revise them regularly.
• Practice mock tests: Mock tests are an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. They will help you evaluate your performance, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve your time management skills.
• Discuss with peers and mentors: Discussing the concepts and solving problems with peers and mentors is an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. It will help you clarify your doubts and get feedback on your performance.

Remember, revision is an ongoing process, and you should allocate enough time for it in your overall preparation strategy. Also, make sure to focus on understanding the concepts and not just memorizing them.

If you are unable to download your CDS (Combined Defence Services) admit card, you should try the following steps:

• Check the internet connection: Make sure that you have a stable and fast internet connection to download the admit card.
• Check the details entered: Ensure that you have entered the correct registration ID and password while logging in to your account on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
• Clear your browser cache: Clear your browser cache and cookies and try downloading the admit card again.
• Try a different browser: If you are still unable to download the admit card, try using a different browser to access the UPSC website.
• Contact the UPSC: If you are still unable to download the admit card, you can contact the UPSC through their helpline numbers or email ID mentioned on their website.
• Provide your registration ID and other details to get assistance. It is important to resolve the issue and download the admit card well before the exam day to avoid any last-minute issues or confusion.

Note: Try the above steps and contact the UPSC for assistance if required.

The CDS admit card is released online by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). To download the CDS admit card for the upcoming exam the candidates have to follow the steps given below:

a) Go to the official website

 b) Click on the UPSC CDS admit card link

c) Login into the registered account

d) Click on the submit button

e) The CDS admit card will appear on the screen

f) Download the CDS admit card and save it for later use

The CDS admit card comprises details like name of the examination, conducting authority, candidate's name, father's name, mother's name, exam date, shift timing, date of birth, and more. The candidates are advised to check every details in the admit card carefully before downloading it. If the candidates find any discrepancy in the admit card, report the discrepancy to the UPSC as soon as possible. 

Candidates can check below the steps to download the CDS question papers for free.

• Visit our website; Shiksha.com.
• Create your profile by mentioning certain details.
• Once a profile is generated, you will be able to download the question papers for free.
• Download and save it.

Yes, the examination authority will release the CDS Question Papers 2025 officially on the official website. The question papers will be released in the form of PDF. Candidates will be able to download the CDS question papers 2025 from this page also for free. The question papers will help candidates to check the difficulty level of the exam, questions asked, pattern changed or not, etc.

The CDS 1 2025 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025. Candidates who appear in the exam will be able to check the CDS 1 2025 exam analysis here after the exam.

Candidates can download the official answer key of CDS, steps are mentioned below:

• Click the given links for the CDS answer key
• On a new page, the answer key opens in PDF format
• Download the answer key and save it

Yes, the authority (UPSC) will release the CDS answer key for the written examination on the official website.

Hi there, The "Combined Defence Services" CDS Examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC for the recruitment of candidates into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Indian Air Force Academy. The UPSC will conduct the CDS exam twice a year. The Air Force Common Entrance Test AFCAT is conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year. Besides, graduates who have secured 60% marks both in Maths & Physics at 10+2 level are eligible to apply online for the AFCAT exam. You can practice daily Current Affairs MCQ, give the weekly and monthly test, practice English comprehension, study the pdf, watch videos, doubt sessions, and many more - all at your convenient time at your own place.

The candidates can download the CDS 1 2025 result by following the steps given below:

• Go to the official website 
• Click on the CDS 1 Written exam result link 
• The CDS 1 Result PDF link will appear on the screen 
• Click on the CDS 1 Result PDF link 
• The UPSC CDS result PDF will appear on the screen 
• Check the results and save it for later use

The candidates who will qualify for the CDS 2 result in 2025 will proceed to the SSB interview. The CDS 2 result 2025 will be released on the official website. Basically, the result PDF, cut-off marks, and the final merit-list will guide candidates on their next steps, mainly for the SSB interview round. 

The CDS 2 examination 2025 includes papers English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The result will be prepared in PDF format and contains the names and roll numbers of all successful candidates. 

The CDS OTA Result will be released on the official website. Candidates can check below the steps:

• Visit the official website 
• Click on the CDS OTA result link
• Click on the result PDF link 
• The CDS OTA result will appear on the screen 
• Download the CDS OTA result PDF and save it for later use

The download link for the CDS 2 Result 2025 will be available on the UPSC website and also on our Shiksha page. 

The CDS exam is conducted twice a year for admission to IMA, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. Basically, it works as a tool for students to prepare for an upcoming exam. Candidate will get an idea of the actual examination. Mock tests make candidates realise their mistakes that must be taken care of before going to the exam. 

The CDS exam requires in depth knowledge and clarity of concepts or conceptual clarity. So, regular solving of mock tests of the CDS exam is essential. It provides an additional advantage that a candidate requires to succeed in the exam. It also helps to test the preparation level and evaluate the progress of the candidate.

Candidates can download the UPSC CDS 1 2025 recommended marks by following the steps given below:

• Go to the official website 
• Click on the CDS 1 2025 recommended marks link 
• Click on the PDF link 
• The CDS 1 2025 recommended marks PDF will appear on the screen 
• Download the CDS 1 2025 marks and save it for later use 

Candidates can check below the steps to download the CDS question papers for free.

• Visit our website; Shiksha.com.
• Create your profile by mentioning certain details.
• Once a profile is generated, you will be able to download the question papers for free.
• Download and save it.

Here are some effective ways to revise for the CDS exam: 

• Make notes: Making notes is an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. While preparing for the exam, make notes of important concepts, formulas, and key points. These notes will help you revise quickly and efficiently. 
• Revise regularly: Regular revision is essential for retaining the information and concepts. Schedule regular revision sessions to go through your notes, study material, and sample papers.
• Solve previous year question papers: Solving previous year question papers is an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. It will help you understand the exam pattern, types of questions asked, and improve your time management skills.
• Use flashcards: Flashcards are an effective way to revise important concepts and formulas. Write down the important concepts and formulas on flashcards and revise them regularly.
• Practice mock tests: Mock tests are an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. They will help you evaluate your performance, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve your time management skills.
• Discuss with peers and mentors: Discussing the concepts and solving problems with peers and mentors is an effective way to revise for the CDS exam. It will help you clarify your doubts and get feedback on your performance.

Remember, revision is an ongoing process, and you should allocate enough time for it in your overall preparation strategy. Also, make sure to focus on understanding the concepts and not just memorizing them.

Yes, the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam have physical test in the selection process. A lot of candidates are rejected after the physical test as they were not physically sound. The candiatesneed to clear the written, mental, physical test and a interview in order to get enrolled for the Indian Armed Forces Academies. The candidates are advised to take the physical and medical test prior filling out the CDS application form.