If you're planning to join the Indian Armed Forces as an officer, the CDS 1 2025 Exam is one of the most important opportunities of the year. This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the CDS 1 2025 exam date, eligibility criteria, application process, syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation tips. Whether you're a first-time aspirant or a repeat candidate, this guide is crafted to give you a clear and confident start.
What is CDS 1 2025 Exam?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam is a national-level recruitment test conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam is held to select eligible candidates for admission to the following prestigious defence academies:
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (for both men and women)
Successful candidates are trained to become commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force, making this exam a gateway to a highly respected and rewarding career in defence services.
Eligibility Criteria for CDS 1 2025
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the following eligibility conditions:
Nationality:
Must be a citizen of India or a subject of Bhutan/Nepal.
Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement are also eligible.
Persons of Indian origin who migrated from select countries with the intent to settle in India permanently are also allowed.
Age Limit & Marital Status:
IMA & INA: Unmarried male candidates aged between 19 and 24 years.
AFA: Unmarried male candidates aged between 20 and 24 years.
OTA (Men): Unmarried male candidates aged between 19 and 25 years.
OTA (Women): Unmarried women, widows who have not remarried, and divorcees (without encumbrances) aged 19 to 25 years.
Educational Qualification:
IMA & OTA: Degree from a recognized university.
INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution.
AFA: Degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
Important Dates for CDS 1 2025 Exam
Here are the key dates to mark on your calendar for CDS 1 2025:
Notification Release Date: Expected in December 2024
Application Start Date: December 2024
Application End Date: January 2025
Admit Card Release: Three weeks before the exam
CDS 1 2025 Exam Date: April 2025 (Tentatively First Sunday)
Result Declaration: May/June 2025
Candidates should regularly check for updates to avoid missing deadlines.
CDS 1 2025 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for planning your preparation. The pattern varies slightly depending on the academy applied for:
For IMA, INA, AFA:
English: 100 Marks
General Knowledge: 100 Marks
Elementary Mathematics: 100 Marks
Total: 300 Marks
Duration: 2 hours per paper
For OTA:
English: 100 Marks
General Knowledge: 100 Marks
Total: 200 Marks
Duration: 2 hours per paper
Marking Scheme:
Objective-type questions
Negative marking of 1/3rd marks for each wrong answer
CDS 1 2025 Syllabus Highlights
English:
Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Correction
Comprehension Passages
Synonyms, Antonyms
Spotting Errors, Fill in the Blanks
General Knowledge:
Current Affairs (national & international)
Indian History and Freedom Movement
Geography, Politics, Economy
Defence-related updates
Science and Technology
Elementary Mathematics:
Arithmetic: Number System, Time-Speed-Distance, Profit & Loss
Algebra: Basic operations, Linear equations
Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles
Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics
A thorough understanding of basic NCERT concepts from Classes 6–10 can be very helpful for this section.
How to Apply for CDS 1 2025 – Step-by-Step Process
The application for CDS 1 2025 will be conducted online through the official portal provided by UPSC. Here's a simple guide to apply:
Visit the official UPSC application portal once the notification is released.
Complete Part I Registration: Provide basic personal and educational details.
Note your Registration ID generated after Part I.
Complete Part II Registration: Upload photo and signature, choose exam center, and pay the application fee.
Verify all details before final submission.
Download and print the application form for your records.
Application fees are generally nominal (e.g., ₹200 for general male candidates). Female and reserved category candidates are usually exempted.
Preparation Tips for CDS 1 2025
Preparing for CDS requires a strategic mix of smart study, consistent revision, and mental discipline. Here’s how to get started:
Understand the syllabus thoroughly and divide your time among all subjects.
Read newspapers daily to boost your General Knowledge and stay updated on current affairs.
Practice English comprehension and grammar from previous year papers and mock tests.
Brush up NCERT Math concepts, especially for IMA/INA/AFA aspirants.
Solve previous years' papers to get familiar with the question pattern.
Take online mock tests regularly to build speed and accuracy.
Prepare a revision schedule during the final weeks before the exam.
Consistency and time management are key to clearing this competitive exam.
Final Thoughts
The CDS 1 2025 Exam is your chance to earn a place in India’s premier defence academies and serve the nation with pride. Whether you're targeting IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA, this guide is designed to keep your preparation focused and informed. Begin your journey with a disciplined approach, stay updated with official notifications, and give your best in every step of the process.
FAQ for CDS 1 2025 Exam Date
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the CDS 1 2025 exam date, eligibility, application process, and more, to help clear all your doubts in one place.
Q1. When will the CDS 1 2025 exam be conducted?
The CDS 1 2025 exam is tentatively scheduled to be held in April 2025, most likely on the first Sunday of the month. The exact date will be confirmed in the official UPSC notification.
Q2. When will the CDS 1 2025 notification be released?
The official notification for CDS 1 2025 is expected to be released in December 2024 by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Q3. What is the last date to apply for CDS 1 2025?
The last date to apply online for CDS 1 2025 will likely fall in early January 2025, typically around 3–4 weeks after the notification release.
Q4. How can I check the CDS 1 2025 exam date officially?
The official exam date will be published in the CDS 1 2025 notification and will also appear on the admit card issued by UPSC three weeks before the exam.
Q5. Is there any chance the CDS 1 2025 exam date may be postponed?
While the exam date is usually fixed and rarely changes, UPSC can reschedule it in exceptional situations. It is advised to check updates regularly during the exam cycle.
Q6. Will the CDS 1 2025 exam be conducted online or offline?
CDS 1 2025 will be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode at designated exam centers across the country.
Q7. When will the CDS 1 2025 admit card be released?
The admit card for CDS 1 2025 will be released approximately 3 weeks before the exam date, most likely in March 2025.
Q8. When will the CDS 1 2025 result be declared?
The result is usually declared within 45 to 60 days after the exam. Candidates can expect the CDS 1 2025 result in May or June 2025.
Q9. Can women apply for CDS 1 2025?
Yes, unmarried women, widows (who haven’t remarried), and divorcees (without encumbrances) can apply for Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai through CDS 1 2025.
Q10. What happens after clearing the CDS 1 2025 written exam?
Candidates who qualify the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview process, followed by medical examination and document verification before final selection.
These FAQs aim to resolve the most common concerns candidates have about the CDS 1 2025 exam. For a successful attempt, stay updated with official notifications and follow a structured preparation strategy.
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