The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I) 2025, inviting applications for a total of 457 vacancies. This exam is a gateway for aspirants to join prestigious Indian Armed Forces institutions such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Here’s a detailed guide on the notification, application process, eligibility, and other essential details.
UPSC CDS (I) 2025 Details:
The UPSC CDS Examination is conducted biannually to recruit eligible candidates for various defense academies. This year’s first cycle, CDS (I) 2025, will be held on April 13, 2025. Interested candidates can apply online from December 11, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
Important Dates to Remember:
•Official Notification Release Date: December 11, 2024
•Last Date to Apply Online: December 31, 2024 (till 6:00 PM)
•Last Date for Fee Payment (Cash Mode): December 30, 2024 (till 11:59 PM)
•Last Date for Fee Payment (Online Mode): December 31, 2024 (till 6:00 PM)
•Application Modification Window: January 1, 2025, to January 7, 2025
•Exam Date: April 13, 2025
Age Limit (As of January 1, 2026):
•Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007.
•Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007.
•Air Force Academy (AFA): Candidates must be between 20 and 24 years (born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2006). For candidates holding a valid DGCA-issued Commercial Pilot Licence, the upper age limit is 26 years (born between January 2, 2000, and January 1, 2006).
•Officers’ Training Academy (SSC for Men): Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007.
•Officers’ Training Academy (SSC for Women Non-Technical): Unmarried women, issueless widows, or issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007.
Educational Qualification:
•IMA and OTA: A degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
•INA: A degree in engineering from a recognized university or institution.
•AFA: A degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.
For more specific details, refer to the official notification.
Application Fee Details:
•General/OBC Candidates: ₹200/-
•Female/SC/ST Candidates: No fee
•Payment can be made through:
•SBI branches (cash payment)
•Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking
Vacancy Details:
The UPSC CDS (I) 2025 exam offers a total of 457 vacancies across various academies. This includes positions in IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The distribution of vacancies will be detailed in the official notification.
Selection Process:
The selection process for UPSC CDS (I) 2025 includes the following stages:
1.Written Examination:
•The exam pattern varies for different academies (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA).
•Subjects typically include English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
•For OTA, the Mathematics paper is excluded.
2.Interview/SSB (Services Selection Board):
Candidates shortlisted from the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview, which evaluates their physical and mental fitness for the armed forces.
3.Document Verification and Medical Examination:
Final selection is based on merit, subject to successful completion of document verification and medical tests.
How to Apply fo:
1.Visit the official UPSC website and navigate to the CDS (I) 2025 Application Form link.
2.Register by providing the required details and generating login credentials.
3.Fill out the application form with personal, educational, and contact information.
4.Upload the necessary documents, including a photograph, signature, and any other specified certificates.
5.Pay the application fee as applicable.
6.Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Important Link to Apply:
Direct Online Application Link
Official Notification PDF Download
