Complete Guide to CDS 2025 Exam Date, Eligibility, Application, and More

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to recruit officers into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The CDS 2025 exam provides a great opportunity for candidates who wish to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. Successful candidates are selected based on their performance in the written exam followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.

Who Conducts the CDS Exam?

The CDS exam is organized by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission), the central agency responsible for recruitment to various civil services and defense services of India.

Eligibility Criteria for CDS 2025 Exam

Before applying for the CDS 2025 exam, it is important to check the eligibility criteria. The requirements for the exam are as follows:

Nationality:

A candidate must be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently in India.

Educational Qualification:

Indian Military Academy (IMA): Graduation from a recognized university or equivalent.

Indian Naval Academy (INA): Engineering degree from a recognized university.

Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a degree in Engineering.

Officers Training Academy (OTA): Graduation from a recognized university or equivalent.

Age Limit:

IMA: 19 to 24 years

INA: 19 to 22 years

AFA: 19 to 23 years

OTA: 19 to 25 years

Marital Status:

Candidates must be unmarried. Married candidates are not eligible to apply for the CDS exam.

Important Dates for CDS 2025

Here are the key dates you need to know for the CDS 2025 exam:

Application Start Date: October 2025

Application End Date: November 2025

Admit Card Release: 2 weeks before the exam date

Exam Date: February 2025 (for CDS I) and November 2025 (for CDS II)

Result Date: Within a month of the exam

Note: The exam dates can vary based on the UPSC's official schedule. It's essential to check the official UPSC website for the most accurate and up-to-date details.

Exam Pattern for CDS 2025

The CDS 2025 exam is composed of a written test and an SSB interview. Here's the breakdown of the exam pattern:

Written Exam:

The written exam consists of three papers:

General Knowledge (GK) - 100 marks

English - 100 marks

Elementary Mathematics - 100 marks

Each paper is of 2 hours' duration. The total marks for the written exam are 300.

SSB Interview:

Candidates who clear the written exam will be called for the SSB interview, which is held in two stages:

Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception Description Test (PPDT).

Stage 2: Psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview.

Syllabus Highlights for CDS 2025

The syllabus for the CDS exam is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics. Here are some key highlights:

General Knowledge (GK):

Current events, History, Geography, Polity, Economics, and Science.

English:

Vocabulary, Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension, and Grammar.

Elementary Mathematics:

Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Mensuration.

It is advisable for candidates to refer to the official syllabus from UPSC for an in-depth understanding of the topics.

How to Apply for CDS 2025 Exam (Step-by-Step)

Visit the Official UPSC Website: Go to www.upsc.gov.in.

Click on CDS Notification: Look for the latest CDS 2025 exam notification under the "Examination" section.

Fill the Application Form: Complete the online form with personal, educational, and other required details.

Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents as per the guidelines.

Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee online using a credit/debit card or net banking.

Submit the Application: After filling out the form and making the payment, submit the form and take a printout for future reference.

Tips for Preparation for CDS 2025 Exam

Understand the Syllabus: Make sure you are clear about the entire syllabus for all three papers.

Time Management: Set a realistic study plan and allocate sufficient time for each subject.

Regular Practice: Practice previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.

Focus on General Knowledge: Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers and magazines.

Physical Fitness: Since the SSB interview includes a physical fitness test, it’s important to maintain a good level of fitness.

FAQ for CDS 2025 Exam Date

1. When will the CDS 2025 exam be held?

The CDS 2025 exam will be held in February 2025 (for CDS I) and November 2025 (for CDS II). You should check the official UPSC website for the exact exam date.

2. How can I apply for the CDS 2025 exam?

You can apply for the CDS 2025 exam online through the official UPSC website. Ensure to fill out the form correctly and pay the required application fee.

3. What is the age limit for the CDS 2025 exam?

The age limit varies for different academies:

IMA: 19 to 24 years

INA: 19 to 22 years

AFA: 19 to 23 years

OTA: 19 to 25 years

4. What is the selection process for the CDS 2025 exam?

The selection process includes a written exam followed by an SSB interview. Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB interview.

5. Is there any negative marking in the CDS exam?

Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3 marks for each wrong answer in the written exam.