TOEFL ® Registrations 2025
ApplyAccepted by 13,000 universities worldwide | Offered in 200+ countries | 40 million people have taken TOEFL Test
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.
Application Date:12 April,2025 - 11 May,2025
Application Date:25 April,2025 - 24 May,2025
Advertisement Date:27 May,2025 - 27 May,2025
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:
Dear aspirant !!
Hope you are doing well !!
For CDS (Combined Defence Services) exams, the eligibility criteria regarding age depend on the specific course you are applying for. Here’s a breakdown based on your date of birth (08-05-2001) and the requirements for CDS 2 2025:
For 2025 cds 2;-
Indian Military Academy (IMA) :
Indian Naval Academy (INA) :
Air Force Academy (AFA) :
Officers Training Academy (OTA) :
You can attempt CDS 2 2025 for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) , Air Force Academy (AFA) , and Officers Training Academy (OTA) . However, you are not eligible for the Indian Naval Academy (INA) .
for details,visit the below link ;-
Careers360
https://competition.careers360.com
https://competition.careers360.com/articles/cds-eligibility-criteria
Thanks for asking
hello,
yes, a distance degree from Swami Vivekanand University(SVU) is valid for UPSC CDS (IMA/OTA) if it is UGC and DEB approved. ensure that the university and its distance courses are recognized at the time of admission to avoid issues in SSB verification. always check the UGC website for the latest approval status before applying.
For a cost-effective BA program in Hyderabad while preparing for NDA/CDS, consider government colleges offering BA programs and supplementing your preparation with coaching from reputable NDA/CDS institutes.
Here's a breakdown to help you choose:
1. BA Colleges in Hyderabad (Government vs. Private):
Government Colleges:
Pros: Lower fees, potentially better academic rigor.
Cons: May have limited course options or placements.
Examples: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Osmania University.
Private Colleges:
Pros: Wider course options, potentially better infrastructure and placement opportunities.
Cons: Higher fees.
Examples: Sreenidhi Institute of Science & Technology, Swami Vivekananda Degree & PG College.
2. NDA/CDS Coaching Institutes in Hyderabad:
Reputable Institutes:
Hyderabad Defence Academy: Offers NDA and CDS coaching, along with intermediate education.
Sri Netaji Study Circle: A popular institute for NDA coaching.
Impact Academy Of Human Excellence: Another well-regarded institute for NDA preparation.
Dice Academy: Known for its coaching for NDA and CDS.
Yuvatarang Defence Academy & Junior College: Offers NDA and CDS coaching.
Consider these factors when choosing a coaching institute:
Faculty: Experienced and qualified teachers.
Infrastructure: Study materials, library, and other facilities.
Fees: Compare the cost of different institutes.
Location: Choose a location that is convenient for you.
3. Balancing BA Studies with NDA/CDS Preparation:
Time Management:
Effective time management is crucial to balance studies and coaching.
Study Groups:
Form study groups with fellow aspirants to share resources and motivate each other.
Online Resources:
Utilize online platforms for additional study materials and practice tests.
Physical Training:
Don't neglect physical fitness, which is a crucial part of the NDA/CDS selection process.
4. Important Notes:
The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. The CDS exam is also conducted by the UPSC, and the selection process includes a written test and an interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB).
Eligibility:
Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for both NDA and CDS, including age, educational qualifications, and physical standards.
Multiple Attempts:
You can appear for both NDA and CDS exams in different years, maximizing your chances of joining the armed forces.
BA Courses:
The National Defence Academy (NDA) offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees with various specializations.
Accepted by 13,000 universities worldwide | Offered in 200+ countries | 40 million people have taken TOEFL Test
Apply for Online M.Com from Manipal University