HomeCompetition ExamsCombined Defence Services Examination

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

Upcoming Event
CDS Exam Date : 13 Apr' 2025 - 13 Apr' 2025
Updated on 03rd April, 2025 by Namritha Bachwal

About CDS 2025

Union Public Service Commission has issued the CDS 1 2025 admit card on April 3, 2025 at upsc.gov.in. The commission has scheduled the UPSC CDS 1 2025 exam on April 13, 2025 in offline mode across various examination centres. The CDS 1 2025 application form correction window was opened from January 2 to 8, 2025.
Latest: UPSC CDS 2 final result 2024 has been released on March 25, 2025 on the official website, upsc.gov.in. 

The CDS 1 application form 2025 was activated from December 11, 2024 to January 1, 2025 on the official website. The commission also released the official UPSC CDS 1 2025 notification on December 11, 2024.  The CDS exam 2025 is conducted for candidates who wish to pursue their careers as commissioned officers in the Navy, Air Force and Army after graduation or candidates appearing in their final year. There are two stages in the CDS exam 2025, written exam followed by the SSB interview. 

Candidates who qualify in written CDS exam 2025 are eligible for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview which includes Personality cum Psychometric tests and Intelligence interviews. Candidates who clear the UPSC CDS exam 2025 selection process will have to undergo training programmes as per their merit and preference for Army, Navy and Air Force jobs. The training of selected candidates will be done at Indian Military Academy (IMA Dehradun), Indian Naval Academy (INA Ezhimala), Air Force Academy (Hyderabad), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA Chennai). 

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CDS 2025 Highlights

Full Exam Name
Combined Defence Services Examination
Short Exam Name
CDS
Conducting Body
Union Public Service Commission
Frequency Of Conduct
Twice a year
Exam Level
Intermediate
Languages
English +1 more
Mode Of Application
online
Application Fee
Offline : 100 +1 more
Mode Of Exam
offline
Mode Of Counselling
offline
Exam Duration
6 Hours
No Of Seats
457

CDS Important Dates

CDS Combined Defence Services Examination (session 2025)

13 Apr' 2025 - 13 Apr' 2025 . Offline
Exam Date
CDS (I)
03 Apr' 2025 - 13 Apr' 2025 . OnlineOn Going
Admit Card Date
11 Dec' 2024 - 11 Dec' 2024 . Online
Advertisement Date
CDS (I)
11 Dec' 2024 - 01 Jan' 2025 . Online
Application Date
CDS (I)
02 Jan' 2025 - 08 Jan' 2025 . Online
Application Correction Date
CDS (I)

Union Public Service Commission will announced the result of CDS 1 exam in PDF format on the official website. Candidates have to secure qualifying marks as prescribed by UPSC to qualify the written exam. Candidates who qualify for the written CDS exam are eligible to appear for an SSB interview. The CDS 1 exam result for the CDS written exam and final CDS result are declared separately. The final result of CDS is calculated by adding the marks secured by candidates in written as well as SSB Interview. 

Candidates must check the CDS exam eligibility criteria like age limit, educational qualification, marital status to be eligible for CDS exam 2025. 

Nationality

Candidates applying for CDS exam 2025 must be 

  • an Indian citizen, or
  • a Tibetan refugee (before January 1962), or
  • a subject to Nepal or Bhutan, or
  • Migrants from Pakistan, Burma, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, with the intention of permanently settling in India

Age

Academy Age Limit 
IMABorn not before January 2, 2002 and not later than January 1, 2006
INABorn not before January 2, 2002 and not later than January 1, 2006
AFABorn not before January 2, 2002 and not later than January 1, 2006
OTA (SSC Course for men)Born not before January 2, 2001 and not later than January 1, 2007
OTA (SSC Women Non-Technical Course)
Born not before January 2, 2001 and not later than January 1, 2007


Educational Qualification martial status as per courses 

Courses

Marital Status

Qualification
            

Officers Training Academy (OTA - women, Non-Technical)

        
            

Unmarried and widow

        
            

Degree of a recognised university or equivalent

        
            

Officers Training Academy (OTA - men)

        
            

Unmarried 

        
            

Degree of a recognised university or equivalent

        
            

Indian Naval Academy (NA)

        
            

Unmarried

        
            

Degree in Engineering from a recognised             university/institution

        
            

Indian Military Academy (IMA)

        
            

Unmarried

        
            

Degree of a recognised university or equivalent

        
            

Air Force Academy (AFA)

        
            

Unmarried (Candidates above 25 can be married) 

        
            

Degree of a recognised university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering

        


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UPSC opened the CDS 1 application form correction window from January 2 to 8, 2025. The last date to submit the CDS application form 2025 was January 1, 2025 (revised date). The UPSC CDS 2025 application form was released in online mode on December 11, 2024. 

The authority provided CDS 1 application form correction window after closing the application form. Candidates have to complete the One-Time Registration and then proceed to apply for the UPSC CDS exam 2025. 

Documents Required While Filling CDS Application Form 

  • Active Email – ID
  • Matriculation certificate
  • Scanned signature
  • Scanned photograph
  • One photo identity proof like an Aadhar card/ Voter card/ PAN card/ Passport/ Driving license

Steps to Fill UPSC CDS Application Form

  • Open the UPSC official website - upsc.gov.in.

  • Click on the ‘Apply Online link’ available on the web page.

  • Online One-Time Registration (OTR)- If the applicants are not completed the One Time Registration, They have to complete it by providing some basic details such as personal and contact details.

  • Login by using valid login credentials Email ID and OTP/Password or Mobile number and  OTP/Password or OTR ID and OTP/Password.

  • Candidates have to fill out the UPSC CDS 2025 application form in two parts which include filling in other details, fee payment, uploading of scanned documents, signature, photo identity card document and selection of preferred exam centre.

  • Check all the details furnished in the UPSC CDS application form 2025 thoroughly and edit the details if needed. 

  • Once submitted, Applicants will not be able to make changes to their UPSC CDS application form 2025.

  • After submission, a registration number will be generated. Candidates have to download it as a pdf file and take a printout for future reference.

CDS Application Fee

Category CDS Application Fee
General & OBCRs.200
SC, ST & Female Candidates No Fee


Documents Required at Exam CDS 2025

Combined Defence Services Examination 2025

  • Admit card
  • Aadhar card
  • Voter card
  • PAN card
  • Passport
  • Driving license
  • Any other photo ID card issued by the state/central government

CDS 2025 Exam Centers

StateCity
Tripura
Agartala
Gujarat
Ahmedabad
Mizoram
Aizawl
Uttar Pradesh
Allahabad
Bareilly
Lucknow
Karnataka
Bangalore
Dharwad
Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal
Punjab
Chandigarh
Tamil Nadu
Chennai
Madurai
Odisha
Cuttack
Sambalpur
Uttarakhand
Dehradun
Delhi
Delhi
Sikkim
Gangtok
Telangana
Hyderabad
Manipur
Imphal
Rajasthan
Jaipur
Udaipur
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu
Srinagar
Assam
Jorhat
Kerala
Kochi
Thiruvananthapuram
Nagaland
Kohima
West Bengal
Kolkata
Maharashtra
Mumbai
Nagpur
Goa
Panaji
Bihar
Patna
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Port Blair
Chhattisgarh
Raipur
Jharkhand
Ranchi
Meghalaya
Shillong
Himachal Pradesh
Shimla
Andhra Pradesh
Tirupati
Visakhapatnam
Arunachal Pradesh
Itanagar

UPSC prescribes the CDS exam pattern in the official notification. There are two stages in the CDS exam 2025- written and SSB interviews. The written CDS exam 2025 is conducted in pen and paper mode. As per the CDS exam pattern, candidates who apply for Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Indian Military Academy courses have to appear for three subjects - English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics while candidates who have opted for Officers' Training Academy have to appear for two subjects – English and General Knowledge. 

CDS Exam Pattern – Written Exam

Structure of CDS exam pattern for admission to Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Indian Military Academy.                                                                                                                        

            

Subject

        
            

Maximum Marks

        
            

Duration

        
            

Elementary Mathematics

        
            

100

        
            

2 hours

        
            

English             

        
            

100

        
            

2 hours

        
            

General Knowledge

        
            

100

        
            

2 hours

        


Structure of exam pattern for admission to Officers’ Training Academy

            

Subject

        
            

Maximum Marks

        
            

Duration

        
General Knowledge        1002 hours
            

English             

        
            

100

        
            

2 hours

        


CDS Exam Pattern – SSB Interview

Stages

Tests

Stage-I

Screening Test

Verbal and non-verbal tests.

PPDT

Stage-II

Psychological Test

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

Word Association Test (WAT)

Situation Reaction Test (SRT)

Self Description Test (SD)

Group Testing Officers Test

GD

GPE

PGT

HGT

IOT

Command Task

Snake race/ Group Obstacle Race

Individual lecture

FGT

Personal Interview


Conference

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CDS 2025 Syllabus

CDS Combined Defence Services Examination Syllabus

Elementary mathematics: Unit 01


Arithmetic
  • Number system-natural numbers, integers, rational, and real numbers
  • Fundamental operations, addition, substraction, multiplication, division, square roots, decimal fractions
  • Unitary method, time and distance, time and work, percentages, applications to simple and compound interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, variation
  • Elementary number theory-division algorithm
  • Prime and composite numbers
  • Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 11
  • Multiples and factors
  • Factorisation theorem
  • H.C.F. and L.C.M.
  • Euclidean algorithm
  • Logarithms to base 10, laws of logarithms, use of logarithmic tables

Elementary mathematics: Unit 02


Algebra
  • Basic operations, simple factors, remainder theorem, H.C.F., L.C.M., theory of polynomials, solutions of quadratic equations, relation between its roots and coefficients (only real roots to be considered)
  • Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns-analytical and graphical solutions
  • Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions
  • Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable and their solutions
  • Set language and set notation, rational expressions and conditional identities, laws of indices

Elementary mathematics: Unit 03


Trigonometry
  • Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90° values of sin ×, cos × and tan ×, for × = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°, simple trigonometric identities
  • Use of trigonometric tables
  • Simple cases of heights and distances

Elementary mathematics: Unit 04


Geometry
  • Lines and angles, plane and plane figures, theorems on (i) properties of angles at a point, (ii) parallel lines, (iii) sides and angles of a triangle, (iv) congruency of triangles, (v) similar triangles, (vi) concurrence of medians and altitudes
  • Theorems on (vii) properties of angles, sides and diagonals of a parallelogram, rectangle, and square, (viii) circles and its properties including tangents and normals, (ix) loci

Elementary mathematics: Unit 05


Mensuration
  • Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangle, and circle
  • Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (field book), surface area and volume of cuboids, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, surface area and volume of spheres

Elementary mathematics: Unit 06


Statistics
  • Collection and tabulation of statistical data, graphical representation frequency polygons, histograms, bar charts, pie charts etc.
  • Measures of central tendency

To score well in the written exam of CDS, candidates must know the preparation tips and strategies. Candidates must know the importance of solving the previous years’ question papers, timely revision, time management, etc. which are the key elements of preparation.

Union Public Service Commission has issued the UPSC CDS 1 2025 admit card on April 3, 2025 in online mode. The CDS 1 admit card 2025 is available for download at upsc.gov.in. Candidates can download the CDS exam admit card until the examination date. In order to download the CDS admit card 2025, candidates can either log in using their roll number or registration number. The CDS 1 2025 admit card is available for candidates who have successfully filled and submitted the application form. 

Details on the CDS Admit Card 2025

  • Candidate’s name
  • Scanned signature and colour photograph
  • Registration number
  • Candidate’s category
  • Examination date
  • Reporting time
  • Address of examination centre
  • Examination timing

UPSC releases the official answer key of CDS 1 exam. CDS 1 answer key will be available subject wise for all test booklets. Candidates can check the number of correct and incorrect answers marked by them with the help of answer key. There are some coaching institutes who release the unofficial answer key after the completion of the CDS exam 2025 on the same day. 

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the cut off of CDS exam 2025 separately for the written exam and final. Candidates who score equal or more than cutoff released by UPSC for written exam are eligible SSB Interview. The CDS cut off marks of written test for is calculated out of the total score of 300 for INA, IFA  and IMA, and 200 for OTA (Men & Women). The final cut off will be released in by UPSC later. 

Documents Required at CDS 2025 counselling

Combined Defence Services Examination 2025

  • Call letter
  • Matriculation/secondary school examination certificate or equivalent
  • Degree/provisional degree certificate/marks sheet

The selection process of CDS exam 2025 is of two stages - written exam and SSB interview. In the first stage - CDS written exam, candidates are required to appear in three papers for admission in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force and two papers for admission in Officers’ Training Academy.

General Information

Contacts

011-23385271 + 2 more

Relevant Links

Official Website Link Click Here + 2 more

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to check CDS marks?

The CDS marks can be checked from the official website. The CDS marks are released after declaration of final result.  

2. What are passing marks for CDS exam?

The written exam of CDS is conducted for 300 marks and candidates must score a minimum of 20% of the total marks i.e. 60. Candidates need to qualify in all three papers of the CDS exam.

3. What is the salary offered to candidates selected through CDS exam?

The cadets are paid Rs. 56,100 per month. During training, they get a stipend of Rs. 6000 OTA while Rs 12,000 per month in IMA, INA and Air Force academy.

4. Can girls apply for CDS exam?

Yes, girls too can apply for CDS exam. Girls are considered for OTA and allotted Short Service Commission in non-Technical cadre.

5. What is the educational qulification required for the CDS exam?

Bachelors degree is must to apply for the CDS examination.

6. What is the age limit to apply for the CDS exam?

Candidates between the age group of 20 years to 24 years can apply for the CDS exam.

7. When will the CDS 1 2025 application be released?

UPSC released the CDS 1 application form online on December 11, 2024.

8. What is the CDS 1 2025 exam date?

CDS 1 exam is going to be conducted on April 13, 2025 by UPSC.

E-books and Sample Papers

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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

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.

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:

  • NDA/CDS Exams:

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.

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:

  • CDS 1 2025 : Yes, you can apply (Notification in December 2024, Exam in April 2025)

  • CDS 2 2025 : Yes, you can apply (Notification in May 2025, Exam in September 2025)

    Age Limits for CDS 2025 (Tentative)

  • Indian Military Academy (IMA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2007

  • Indian Naval Academy (INA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2007

  • Air Force Academy (AFA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2006 (with Physics & Math in 12th or Engineering Degree)

  • Officers Training Academy (OTA): 02 January 2001 – 01 January 2007

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.

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