CDS 1 Exam 2025 - Admit card (Out), Exam Dates, Exam centres, Result, Cutoff

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.

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)
  
  
  
  

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;-

1. Indian Military Academy (IMA) :

   • Age: 19 to 24 years on 1st July of the year of examination.
   • For CDS 2 2025, the exam will be held in September 2025. The candidate must be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2006 (both dates inclusive).
   • Since you were born on 08-05-2001, you fall within the eligible age range for IMA, so you can apply for IMA .

2. Indian Naval Academy (INA) :

   • Age: 19 to 22 years on 1st January of the year of examination.
   • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2006 (both dates inclusive).
   • Since your birthdate (08-05-2001) is outside this range, you cannot apply for INA in CDS 2 2025.

3. Air Force Academy (AFA) :

   • Age: 20 to 24 years on 1st July of the year of examination.
   • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2005 (both dates inclusive).
   • Since you were born on 08-05-2001, you can apply for AFA .

4. Officers Training Academy (OTA) :

   • Age: 19 to 25 years on 1st January of the year of examination.
   • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd January 2000 and 1st January 2006 (both dates inclusive).
   • Since you are 24 years old and your birthdate is 08-05-2001, you can apply for 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.