Important Details About CDS Exam Date 2025: Schedule, Eligibility, and Tips for Success

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is a prestigious exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. The CDS exam is aimed at recruiting candidates for various branches of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is a highly competitive exam, which opens doors for aspirants who wish to serve in the defense sector of India.

Who Conducts the Exam?

The UPSC, India's central recruitment body, conducts the CDS exam twice a year, typically in February and November. The exam serves as a gateway to prestigious institutions like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA).

Eligibility Criteria for CDS Exam 2025

Before applying for the CDS exam 2025, it's essential to ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

Nationality:

Indian Citizen, or

Subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, or

Tibetan Refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of settling permanently in India, or

Indian-origin persons who have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries with the intention of settling 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): Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or an Engineering degree.

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

Age Limit:

Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19 to 24 years.

Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19 to 22 years.

Air Force Academy (AFA): 19 to 23 years.

Officers Training Academy (OTA): 19 to 25 years.

Marital Status:

For IMA, INA, and AFA: Unmarried.

For OTA: Unmarried/Married.

Important Dates for CDS Exam 2025

Here are the key dates to keep in mind for the CDS exam 2025:

Application Start Date: August 2025 (Expected)

Application End Date: September 2025 (Expected)

Admit Card Release: 2-3 weeks before the exam

CDS Exam Date: February 2025 (for the first session) and November 2025 (for the second session)

Result Date: 1-2 months after the exam

CDS Exam Pattern 2025

The CDS exam is an objective-type examination and consists of three major sections based on the branch you are applying for. Here’s a breakdown:

Number of Papers:

Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA):

Paper 1: English (100 marks)

Paper 2: General Knowledge (100 marks)

Paper 3: Elementary Mathematics (100 marks)

Officers Training Academy (OTA):

Paper 1: English (100 marks)

Paper 2: General Knowledge (100 marks)

Marking Scheme:

Each paper consists of 100 questions.

For correct answers: +1 mark per question.

For incorrect answers: -0.33 marks (negative marking for wrong answers).

The duration of each paper is 2 hours.

CDS 2025 Syllabus Highlights

Here are some of the key topics covered in the CDS 2025 exam:

English:

Vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, and sentence completion.

General Knowledge:

Current events, history, geography, economics, politics, science, and important international organizations.

Elementary Mathematics:

Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and elementary calculus.

How to Apply for CDS Exam 2025: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to apply for the CDS exam 2025:

Visit the UPSC official website: Go to upsc.gov.in.

Register for the exam: Click on “Online Application for CDS Examination (I)” or “CDS Examination (II)” based on your preference.

Fill in the application form: Provide accurate personal and academic details.

Upload documents: Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photo and signature.

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

Submit the application: Review your details and submit the form.

Download the confirmation: After submission, download and print the confirmation page for your reference.

Tips for CDS Exam 2025 Preparation

Know the Syllabus: Understand the syllabus thoroughly and focus on the areas that carry more weight in the exam.

Time Management: Allocate dedicated study hours for each subject, focusing on weaker areas.

Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and timing.

Stay Updated: Read newspapers and follow current affairs to stay informed about general knowledge topics.

Previous Year Papers: Solve previous years' question papers to understand the exam’s difficulty level.

Revision: Plan a revision schedule to cover the entire syllabus multiple times before the exam.

Official Website

For more information, always visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in for updates, notifications, and further guidelines.

FAQ for CDS Exam Date 2025

1. When will the CDS Exam 2025 be held?

The CDS Exam 2025 will be held in February and November 2025, with specific dates released by UPSC.

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

You can apply for the CDS exam 2025 online via the official UPSC website by filling out the application form and paying the requisite fee.

3. What is the eligibility for the CDS Exam 2025?

Candidates must be graduates, aged between 19 and 25 years, and meet the specified criteria for each branch (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA).

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

The selection process involves a written exam, followed by an interview and medical examination.

5. Can I apply for the CDS exam after graduation?

Yes, you can apply for the CDS exam after completing your graduation, provided you meet the age and other eligibility criteria.