TOEFL ® Registrations 2024
ApplyAccepted by more than 11,000 universities in over 150 countries worldwide
UPSC mentions the detailed CDS 2025 selection procedure in the official notification. There are two stages of the CDS recruitment process - a written exam and an SSB interview in the selection process of CDS 2025. The Combined Defence Services exam is held twice every year. Candidates who qualify for the written CDS exam will be called for the SSB interview round.
The written exam in the CDS 1 selection process 2025 is for testing the candidate's aptitude and reasoning abilities. Whereas the SSB round of the exam in the CDS 1 2025 selection process tests candidates' psychological aptitude and mental condition. Candidates have to clear all stages of the UPSC CDS selection process to get recruited as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. As per the CDS OTA selection process, OTA applicants have to appear for only 2 papers. To know more about the CDS selection process 2025, read the article below.
Candidates can check the details about the CDS exam from the below table.
Name of the exam | Combined Defence Services Examination 2025 |
Official website | upsc.gov.in |
Commonly known as | CDS examination |
Conducting authority | Union Public Service Commission |
Frequency of exam | Twice per year |
Number of vacancies | CDS 1 - To be announced CDS 2 - To be announced |
Mode of application | Online |
Mode of exam | Offline |
CDS exam stages |
|
The CDS selection process has two stages. Applicants need to clear both to get recruited in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The two-stage of CDS selection process are:
Written Exam
SSB Interview
The first stage of the CDS 2025 selection process is a written exam. As per CDS exam pattern, the CDS written exam comprises three papers - English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics for admission in IMA, IFA and INA. For admission to Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), candidates just have to appear for two papers - English and General Knowledge. All the questions asked in the CDS written exam are multiple-choice questions. Candidates are given 2 hours time to attempt each paper. As per the CDS selection process 2025, candidates qualifying for the written examination are called for SSB Interview.
Quick links:
Candidates qualifying the stage 1 of the CDS selection process 2025 are called for the SSB interview stage. This stage of the CDS selection process is conducted over a period of 5 days to test applicants intelligence, personality, physical strength and more. The following table provides the day-wise breakup of the SSB interview round.
CDS SSB Interview selection process stage
Days | Events |
SSB Day 1 | Reporting, Filling of forms, Picture Perception and Description Test |
SSB Day 2 | Thematic Apperception Test, Self Description Test, Situation Reaction Test, Word Association Test |
SSB Day 3 | Group Testing Officers’ Tasks - Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercise, Half Group Task, Progressive Group Task & Individual Obstacle Task |
SSB Day 4 | Individual Obstacle Task, Command Task, Final Group Task, Personal Interview & Individual Lecturette |
SSB Day 5 | Conference & Document Verification |
Quick links:
CDS Eligibility Criteria
CDS Application Form
After clearing the CDS SSB interview, applicants have to go through a medical CDS examination conducted by a Special Medical Board. A medical examination may last up to 4 to 6 days. While appearing for the medical exam, candidates are advised to keep all their documents ready. In case an applicant fails to produce the required documents, will be disqualified from the CDS selection process.
CDS Salary 2025 - Rank Wise
Rank | Level | Pay Scale |
Lieutenant | Level 10 | Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500 |
Captain | Level 10 B | Rs 61,300 -Rs 1,93,900 |
Major | Level 11 | Rs 6,94,00 – Rs 2,07,200 |
Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12 A | Rs 1,21,200 – Rs 2,12400 |
Colonel | Level 13 | Rs 1,30,600 - Rs 2, 15,900 |
Brigadier | Level 13 A | Rs 1,39,600 - Rs 2,17,600 |
Major General | Level 14 | Rs 1,44,200 - Rs 2,18,200 |
Lieutenant General HAG Scale | Level 15 | Rs 1,82, 200 - Rs 2,24,100 |
HAG+Scale | Level 16 | Rs 2,05,400 – Rs 2,24,400 |
VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 | Rs 2,25,000/-(fixed) |
COAS | Level 18 | Rs 2,50,000/-(fixed) |
CDS 1 2025 exam will be held on April 13, 2025.
The minimum age to apply for the CDS exam is 19 years.
After clearing the CDS exam, candidates are recruited as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
Yes, UPSC will release the official CDS answer key at upsc.gov.in.
As per the CDS selection process, the first stage of written test.
As per the CDS selection process, the second process is the SSB interview.
Counselling Date:22 January,2025 - 17 February,2025
Application Date:03 February,2025 - 23 February,2025
Hello Kanchan,
You are eligible to appear for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam based on your date of birth (16 October 2003) and graduation timeline. Here’s when you can apply:
Since your
graduation will be completed next year (2025)
, you can
apply in your final year
, but you need to submit proof of graduation before the
final selection
.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
To determine if you're eligible to give the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in 2027, let's check the age criteria:
Age Criteria for CDS Exam
- For Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19-24 years
- For Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19-24 years
- For Air Force Academy (AFA): 19-24 years
- For Officers' Training Academy (OTA): 19-25 years
Your Age in 2027
- Born in 2003
- Age in 2027: 24 years
Considering the age criteria, you'll be eligible to appear for the CDS exam in 2027 for:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
However, you'll be at the upper age limit for these academies. For Officers' Training Academy (OTA), you'll still be within the eligible age range.
Please note that these eligibility criteria are subject to change, and you should verify the age limits and other eligibility criteria with the official UPSC website or notification before applying.
Hello,
To determine how many attempts you have for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), we need to consider the age criteria and your graduation timeline.
Age Criteria for IMA through CDS
Age Limit: 19 to 24 years as of 1st January or 1st July of the year in which the course commences
For example, if the course starts in January 2029, your date of birth should fall between 2nd January 2005 and 1st January 2009.
Your Cas
Date of Birth: 27th February 2004.
Graduation Completion: July 2028.
You will turn 24 on 27th February 2028, which means you will be eligible for CDS exams for IMA entry till the batch commencing in January 2029.
Exam Timeline
The CDS exam is conducted twice a year (usually in February and September
CDS Exam Attempts Available:
CDS 2, 2027: For the course starting in July 2028.
CDS 1, 2028: For the course starting in January 2029.
Total Attempts:
You have 2 attempts left to apply for the IMA through the CDS exam.
Hello
You can attempt the CDS Exam For IMA until you are 24 years old.
Since your DOB is 27th February 2004 , you will be eligible to take the exam until February 2028 . This gives you attempts in CDS exams until 2027 ( the exam happens twice a year) . After you turn 24, you won't be eligible for IMA through CDS.
Hope this helps you .
Thank you
Hello Swastika,
Yes, as a student of a 5-year integrated law course , you can be eligible for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam at the end of your 4th year , provided you meet the following criteria:
Educational Qualification
: For the
Indian Army
wing, you must have completed your graduation or be in the final year of your degree course. Since you are pursuing a 5-year integrated law course, you will be eligible to apply once you have completed the 4th year (which would make you eligible for the CDS exam, as per the graduation requirement).
Age Limit
: Ensure that you meet the age criteria for the CDS exam. For the
Indian Army
wing, the age limit is typically
19 to 24 years
.
SSB Interview : If you qualify for the CDS written exam , you will be called for the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. Your eligibility for the SSB will depend on successfully clearing the written exam and meeting the medical fitness and other criteria.
Since you are pursuing a law degree, you can appear for the
Indian Army
wing of the CDS exam. Make sure you meet the age and qualification requirements by the time you appear for the exam.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Accepted by more than 11,000 universities in over 150 countries worldwide
Apply for Online M.Com from Manipal University