The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2025. This examination offers 457 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The CDS exam is a gateway for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces.
The notification, identified as Notification No. 04/2025.CDS-I, was officially released on December 11, 2024, on UPSC’s website. Application registration began on the same day, and the deadline for submitting applications is December 31, 2024. Additionally, applicants can update their registration profile information during a correction window that will remain open for seven days following the closure of the application period.
Overview Table: UPSC CDS (I) Exam 2025 Notification
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 457 |
| Application Start Date | December 11, 2024 |
| Application End Date | December 31, 2024 |
| Exam Date | April 2025 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
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Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS (I) Exam 2025
Nationality
Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Be a subject of Nepal.
- Be a person of Indian origin with a migration certificate as per the official guidelines.
Age Limit
- IMA and INA: Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007.
- AFA: Male candidates aged 20–24 years as of January 1, 2026.
- OTA (Men & Women): Unmarried candidates born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007.
Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- INA: A degree in engineering from a recognized institution.
- AFA: A bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or equivalent qualification.
Application Fee for UPSC CDS (I) Exam 2025
- General Candidates: ₹200.
- Female and SC/ST Candidates: Exempted from the application fee.
Candidates can pay the fee online or through cash payment at authorized SBI branches.
Selection Process for UPSC CDS (I) Exam 2025
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Written Examination:
- Objective-type questions covering English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics (for IMA, INA, and AFA candidates).
- OTA candidates are required to take tests only in English and General Knowledge.
- SSB Interview:
- This stage includes intelligence and personality assessments conducted over five days.
- Medical Examination:
- A detailed medical examination will verify the physical and medical standards of the candidates.
Important Dates for UPSC CDS (I) Exam 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | December 11, 2024 |
| Application Start Date | December 11, 2024 |
| Application End Date | December 31, 2024 |
| Application Correction Window | January 1–7, 2025 |
| Exam Date | April 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Early April 2025 |
How to Apply for UPSC CDS (I) Exam 2025?
To apply for the UPSC CDS (I) 2025 Examination, follow these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the Combined Defence Services (I) 2025 Examination link.
- Complete the One-Time Registration process.
- Log in using your credentials and fill out the application form accurately.
- Upload the required documents, including a recent photograph, signature, and educational certificates.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) using the available payment methods.
- Double-check all the entered information and submit the application.
- Save and print the confirmation page for future reference.
FAQs
1. What is the educational qualification required for the CDS (I) 2025 Exam?
- IMA & OTA: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is required.
- INA: Candidates must possess a degree in engineering.
- AFA: A bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or equivalent is mandatory.
2. Can corrections be made to the application form?
Yes, applicants can modify their details during the correction window, which will be open from January 1 to January 7, 2025.
Important Links for UPSC CDS (I) Exam 2025
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in
- Detailed Notification: Download Here
- Application Form Link: Apply Online Here
For regular updates and timely submissions, applicants should frequently visit the official website.