CDS Selection Process 2025 - Written Exam, SSB Interview, Document Verification

CDS Selection Process 2025 - Written Exam, SSB Interview, Document Verification

Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on May 28, 2025 06:18 PM IST | #CDS
Ongoing Event
CDS  Application Date : 28 May' 2025 - 17 Jun' 2025

UPSC mentioned 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.

CDS Selection Process 2025 - Written Exam, SSB Interview, Document Verification
CDS Selection Process 2025 - Written Exam, SSB Interview, Document Verification

The written exam in the CDS 2 selection process 2025 is for testing the candidate's aptitude and reasoning abilities. Whereas the SSB round of the exam in the CDS 2 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.

CDS 2025 Overview

Candidates can check the details about the CDS exam from the below table.

Name of the exam

Combined Defence Services Examination 2025

Official website

upsconline.nic.in/ 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 - 483

Mode of application

Online

Mode of exam

Offline

CDS exam stages

  • Written Exam

  • SSB Interview

CDS Selection Process 2025 - 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:

  1. Written Exam

  2. SSB Interview

CDS Selection Process 2025 for Written Examination

The first stage of the CDS 2025 selection process is a written exam. As per the CDS 2025 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:

CDS Selection Process 2025 for SSB Interview

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

CDS Selection Process 2025 - Medical Exam & Document Verification

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)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is the CDS 2 2025 exam scheduled to be held?

CDS 2 2025 exam will be held on September 14, 2025.

2. What is the minimum age to apply for the CDS exam?

The minimum age to apply for the CDS exam is 19 years.

3. What post does one get recruited to after clearing the CDS exam?

After clearing the CDS exam, candidates are recruited as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

4. Does UPSC release the CDS official answer key?

Yes, UPSC will release the official CDS answer key at upsc.gov.in.

5. What is the first stage of CDS selection procedure?

As per the CDS selection process, the first stage of written test.

6. What is the second stage of CDS 2025?

As per the CDS selection process, the second process is the SSB interview.

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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

Hello Aditya,

As a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) student after your 12th board exam, you cannot directly appear for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam because it requires a bachelor’s degree. However, here’s a clear and concise guide on how you can prepare for and give the CDS exam after completing further studies, tailored to your background:

  1. Understand CDS Eligibility : The CDS exam, conducted by UPSC twice a year, recruits for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

    • Educational Requirement :

      • IMA and OTA: Any bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
      • INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
      • AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 12th level or Bachelor of Engineering.

    • For PCB Students : Since you don’t have Mathematics in 12th, you’re eligible for IMA and OTA after completing a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Sc., B.A.). INA and AFA are not an option unless you pursue an engineering degree or have Mathematics at the graduation level.

    • Age Limit : 19–25 years (varies by academy; check upsc.gov.in for 2025 details).

  2. Steps to Prepare After 12th :

    • Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree : Enroll in a degree program (e.g., B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields, or even B.A.) to meet CDS eligibility. This takes 3–4 years.

    • Apply for CDS During Final Year : You can apply for CDS in the final year of your degree, provided you complete graduation before the training starts.

    • Application Process :

      • Visit upsconline.nic.in when notifications are released (typically December 2024 for CDS I 2025 and May 2025 for CDS II 2025).

      • Fill out the form, pay the fee (Rs. 200; exemptions for SC/ST/females), and select IMA/OTA as your preference.

  3. CDS Exam Structure :

    • For IMA/OTA : Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is optional for OTA).

    • PCB Advantage : Your Biology and Chemistry background helps with General Knowledge (science sections). English preparation is manageable with practice.

    • Challenge : If you’re weak in Mathematics, focus on OTA, where Maths is not required, or practice basic 10th-level Maths for IMA.

    • Next Steps : Clear the written exam, then pass the SSB interview and medical test.



I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

To prepare for CDS, CGL, and CAT during graduation, create a clear study schedule focusing on basics, reasoning, and aptitude. Practice daily mocks, improve time management, and stay consistent. Balance college and preparation with discipline and regular revision.

Your date of birth is 24th February 2006, and you will complete graduation in July 2028. For the CDS exam, the maximum number of attempts depends on your age limit and category, but generally, candidates have around 4 to 6 attempts before reaching the age limit.

For CDS 2 2025, with a date of birth of 6th October 2001, you are eligible for both IMA and OTA. The age limits for IMA are 19-24 years and for OTA are 19-25 years as of 1st January 2025, making you eligible for both academies.

Hello Gunal,

As a student born on 05-11-2001 you will have many opportunities to take the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam conducted by UPSC. Age Limits will vary depending on the courses:

  • Indian Military Academy - 19-24 years
  • Indian Naval Academy - 19-24 years
  • Air Force Academy - 20-24 years
  • Officers' Training Academy - 19-25 years

You are eligible, based on your DOB for:

  • IMA/INA/AFA until 2025 (final attempts depending on month of notification and course start) and OTA until 2026.

Best Books for CDS Preparation:

  1. English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) and Previous year question papers (UPSC website)
  2. General Knowledge: Lucent's General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook and follow the daily The Hindu or Indian Express regularly
  3. Mathematics: Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant, NCERT Maths (Class 6-10) and Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Required Documents for CDS SSB/Verification:

  • CDS Admit Card
  • 10th & 12th mark sheets and certificates (original & photocopy)
  • Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (or provisional degree if final year)
  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc. )
  • Passport size photos
  • NCC 'C' Certificate (if applicable)
  • Domicile/Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Declaration/affidavit for final year candidates( if results are awaited)



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