CDS 2025 Exam: Key Dates, Notification, Application Process, Age Limit & Eligibility Criteria

CDS 2025 Exam: Key Dates, Notification, Application Process, Age Limit & Eligibility Criteria

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS 2025 exam dates. The CDS 1 2025 notification will be published on December 11, 2024, with the exam scheduled for April 13, 2025. For CDS 2, the notification will be out on May 28, 2025, and the exam date is set for September 14, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the CDS 2025 exam, including application dates, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and other important details.

CDS 2025 Exam Overview

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam is a national-level entrance test conducted by UPSC twice a year for recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The selection process comprises a written examination followed by an interview. Here’s a summary of key details for the CDS 2025 exam:

• Exam Name: Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination
• Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Exam Level: National
• Mode of Examination: Pen-and-paper-based written exam
• Frequency: Twice a year
• Application Fee: ₹200 (SC/ST/Women candidates exempted)
• Eligibility: Graduation or appearing in the final year of graduation

CDS 2025 Important Dates

Eligibility Criteria for CDS 2025

Age Limit and Marital Status

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2001 and January 1, 2006.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2001 and January 1, 2006.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): Candidates aged 20 to 24 years as of January 1, 2025.
• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) - Men: Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2000 and January 1, 2006.
• OTA - Women: Unmarried female candidates born between January 2, 2000 and January 1, 2006.

Educational Qualification

CDS 2025 Application Process

The CDS application form will be available online. Follow these steps to apply:

1. Register or log in on the UPSC website.
2. Fill out personal and educational details.
3. Upload required documents: photograph, signature, and identity proof.
4. Pay the application fee (₹200 for General/OBC male candidates).
5. Select exam centers as per your preference.
6. Submit the form and receive a confirmation via email and SMS.

CDS Exam Pattern 2025

The CDS exam pattern varies slightly between IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA:

For IMA, INA, and AFA

• Subjects: English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics
• Duration: 2 hours per subject
• Maximum Marks: 300 (100 per subject)

For OTA

• Subjects: English, General Knowledge
• Duration: 2 hours per subject
• Maximum Marks: 200 (100 per subject)

Syllabus

1. English: Covers grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence improvement, etc.
2. General Knowledge: Topics from history, geography, current events, economics, physics, chemistry, etc.
3. Mathematics: Questions based on arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and statistics.

Recommended Books for CDS Preparation

1. English: High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin, Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
2. General Knowledge: Manorama Yearbook, Pratiyogita Darpan magazine
3. Mathematics: Mathematics for CDS by R.S. Aggarwal, Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Selection Process

The selection process includes:

1. Written Exam: Candidates who clear the written test will move to the next stage.
2. SSB Interview: A comprehensive assessment conducted in two stages.
3. Medical Examination: Final selection is based on merit, preference, and medical fitness.

FAQs for CDS 2025

1. When will the CDS 1 2025 exam be conducted?
The exam is scheduled for April 13, 2025.

2. What is the age limit for IMA candidates?
Candidates must be born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2006, to apply for IMA.

3. What is the application fee for the CDS 2025 exam?
The fee is ₹200 for General/OBC male candidates. SC/ST/Women candidates are exempted.

For further details, visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.