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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.
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.
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 |
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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 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:
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 2 2025 exam will be held on September 14, 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.
Application Correction Date:22 May,2025 - 31 May,2025
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:
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:
You are eligible, based on your DOB for:
Best Books for CDS Preparation:
Required Documents for CDS SSB/Verification:
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