CDS 1 2025 Notification, Age limit, Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process

The CDS 1 2025 examination offers an important opportunity for those who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is scheduled to release the official CDS 1 2025 notification on 11 December 2024. This notification will outline critical details, including exam dates, application guidelines, and eligibility requirements. It is advisable for candidates to carefully review the stipulated educational qualifications and age limits to facilitate a smooth application process.

CDS 1 2025 Exam

The CDS 1 2025 exam represents an important path for individuals wishing to pursue a career in the Army, Navy and Air Force branches in the Indian Armed Forces. Successful result in the CDS exam provides admission to prestigious training institutes such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA), where candidates receive branch-specific training to further develop their skills. Through this exam, candidates are assessed on the basis of critical knowledge, abilities and competencies that are in line with the demands of a defense career.

CDS 2025: Overview

The upcoming CDS 1 2025 notification from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will provide candidates with a detailed overview of all essential information. This notification is designed to clearly outline important guidelines, making it easier for candidates to access key details and streamline their preparation process. A summary table below highlights the main points of this recruitment drive.

CDS 1 2025 Important Dates

The UPSC will release the NDA 1 2025 exam notification on 11 December 2024. Aspiring candidates should review this information carefully to ensure they are well-prepared for the application process and exam requirements.

CDS 2025 Notification PDF

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to release the official notification for the CDS 1 Exam 2025 on 11 December 2024. Defense ADDA247 will offer immediate updates once the notification is out, helping candidates start their application process promptly. To ensure a seamless application experience, candidates are advised to organize all required documents ahead of time. Keep an eye out for this important announcement and get ready to take the first step toward a career in the Indian Armed Forces.

CDS 2025 Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is preparing to unveil the details for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam 2025, including information on available vacancies. Aspiring candidates keen on joining the Indian Armed Forces should make it a priority to regularly check the UPSC website for crucial recruitment updates or visit Defence Adda 247 for timely information. Historical trends suggest that around 400 positions may be available this year. It is vital for candidates to stay informed about all necessary details to ensure a hassle-free application process.

CDS 1 2025 Eligibility Criteria

As candidates gear up for the CDS 1 2025 exam, understanding the age limit, educational qualifications, and other eligibility requirements is crucial. The information currently available is based on past exam notifications and serves as a useful guideline. However, the UPSC will soon announce the official eligibility criteria for CDS 1 2025. We will promptly provide all relevant updates as soon as the notification is released, so be sure to stay tuned to our channels to catch any important details. Here are some key eligibility criteria to consider:

• Age Limit
• Educational Qualification
• Marital Status
• Nationality

CDS Age Limit

To apply for the CDS 2025 exam, candidates must be at least 19 years old, with the maximum age limit set at 25 years. Both male and female candidates within this age range are eligible to apply. It is crucial for candidates to verify that their age falls within the specified limits to participate in the exam. The detailed age criteria are as follows:

• 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

CDS Educational Qualification

To qualify for the CDS exam 2025, candidates must hold a graduate degree in any discipline. Those who have completed their graduation or are currently in their final year are also eligible to apply for the exam. It is essential for candidates to confirm that they meet the educational qualifications and other eligibility criteria to successfully participate in the examination.

Marital Status

All applicants must be unmarried except female candidates applying for Short Service Commission at Officers Training Academy (OTA).

Nationality

Candidates applying for CDS must be citizens of India. Additionally, citizens of Bhutan or Nepal, Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962, or persons of Indian origin from neighboring countries who intend to permanently reside in India are also allowed to apply.

CDS 1 2025 Documents Required

The application process for CDS 1 2025 necessitates several documents, with a valid photo ID being the most crucial. Acceptable forms of photo identification include an Aadhaar card, driving license, voter ID, PAN card, passport, or other government-issued ID cards. In addition, candidates will need to provide their bank details for online fee payment. Once these documents are prepared, candidates can complete their application form smoothly and efficiently. It’s important to ensure that all the required information is accurate to avoid any disruptions during the application process.

CDS 1 2025 Application Fee

For CDS 1 2025, the application fee is set at Rs 200, applicable only to candidates in the general category. Payment can be made using Visa, Mastercard, or Rupay credit/debit cards, or through net banking. Additionally, candidates have the option to pay the fee offline by depositing cash at any branch of SBI Bank. It’s important to remember that the application fee is non-refundable once paid.

CDS 2025 How to Apply

The UPSC has launched a One Time Registration (OTR) platform that allows candidates to fill out application forms for any examination. This registration is a one-time process and can be completed at any point during the year. However, candidates can modify their OTR details within 7 days of completing the registration. To register for the OTR, candidates should follow the steps outlined below.

• Visit UPSC Official Website: Open your browser and go to upsconline.nic.in.
• Select “New Registration”: On the homepage, click on the “New Registration” tab to start the registration process.
• Enter Personal Details: Fill in your personal information such as your Name, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, Mobile Number, and Email ID accurately.
• Complete the Captcha: Enter the captcha code as displayed on the screen to verify you are not a robot.
• Submit the Registration Form: After filling in all the details, click the “Submit” button to move forward.
• Receive OTP Confirmation: An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to both your registered mobile number and email ID for verification purposes.
• Re-login and Reset Password: Use the OTP to log back into your newly created account and reset your password.
• Access CDS Application Link: Once logged in again, find the link for the CDS application and proceed with the form submission process.

CDS Syllabus 2025 PDF

For those aspiring to enter the ranks of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers Training Academy (OTA), grasping the CDS 2025 syllabus is a crucial step. The syllabus highlights three major subjects to concentrate on:

• Mathematics
• English
• General Knowledge

A thorough understanding of these topics will empower you to devise a tailored study plan that caters to the exam’s structure and scoring methodology. To support your preparations, you can easily download the syllabus PDF from the link below.

Click here to download CDS Syllabus 2025 PDF

CDS 2025 Exam Pattern

Candidates preparing for the CDS 2025 Exam should familiarize themselves with the exam pattern. The CDS Exam is conducted in three shifts and comprises three subjects: English, General Awareness, and Mathematics. Candidates applying for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) are required to take only Papers 1 and 2, while those targeting the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) must complete all three papers.

Below is a structured table that outlines the CDS 2024 Exam Pattern, including details about the subjects, duration, and maximum marks for each paper.

To get into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy:

To get into the Officers Training Academy:

CDS 2025 Selection Process

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is a crucial entry point for individuals aspiring to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. This selection process consists of multiple stages designed to assess candidates’ knowledge, skills, and overall suitability for a career in defense. Each stage is thoughtfully structured to evaluate different competencies, as outlined below.

• Written Examination: Candidates must pass a multiple-choice written test that covers the following subjects:
• • English
  • General Knowledge
  • Elementary Mathematics
• Interview/Personality Test: Successful candidates from the written examination will undergo an interview and personality assessment conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). This assessment evaluates the candidates’ officer-like qualities and leadership skills.
• Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates are required to provide original documents for verification. This includes:
• • Educational certificates
  • Proof of age
• Medical Examination: Candidates who pass the interview will undergo a medical examination at a Military Hospital to assess their physical fitness.
• Final Merit List: Selection is based on the candidates’ performance in the written examination, interview, and medical tests. Candidates will be assigned seats in the respective academies based on their ranks in the final merit list.

CDS 2025 SSB Interview

After the written exam, the candidates who qualify will have to undergo intelligence and personality test at the Service Selection Board (SSB) based on their preferred service. The SSB interview of CDS 2025 is conducted 1 month after the result. There are 2 main stages of CDS interview which are given below.

Stage 1: involves Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP & DT) for screening.
Stage 2: consists of Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Interview, and Conference

CDS 2025 Salary

The salary and grade pay for officers in the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy are crucial for attracting and retaining skilled individuals dedicated to serving in the armed forces. The salary package is structured to reflect an officer’s rank, responsibilities, and length of service. Below is a detailed table outlining the salary structure for officers according to their respective ranks in these branches.

CDS 2025 Marking Scheme

It is extremely important for candidates preparing for the CDS exam to understand the marking system. In this exam, 1/3 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. If candidates choose more than one option for a question, it will be considered as a wrong answer, and will lead to negative marking. However, if a candidate leaves a question unanswered, there is no penalty for that, i.e., there is no negative marking for unanswered questions.

CDS Cut off 2025

In the UPSC recruitment framework, the cut-off marks for the CDS exam signify both the exam’s competitiveness and the candidates’ relative standings in the selection process. To qualify for the CDS 2025 written examination, candidates are required to score a minimum of 20% in each subject. Additionally, achieving the overall cut-off is essential to progress to the SSB interview stage. Although the official cut-off for the 2024 exam has not been announced yet, we will keep you informed as soon as it is released.

CDS Result 2025

The CDS 1 2025 exam is scheduled for 13 April 2025, with results expected to be announced approximately one month later. Admission into various defense academies will depend on candidates’ performances across both the written exam and the SSB Interview phases. The result declaration process occurs in two stages: first, the written examination results will be released, followed by the final results, which include the SSB Interview.

CDS 1 2025 Answer Key

UPSC will release the answer key of CDS 1 2025 soon after the written exam. Candidates will be able to match their answers with the help of this answer key and assess their performance in the exam.

How to Access the CDS 1 2025 Answer Key:

• Open the official UPSC website.
• Navigate to the CDS 1 2025 exam section.
• Locate and click on the answer key link to download it.
• Compare the answer key with your exam responses to estimate your score.
• If any errors or issues are found, report them using UPSC’s official channels for correction.

CDS Exam Centers 2025

It is very important to know the exam centers for the upcoming CDS 1 2025 exam by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam will be conducted in various cities of India, giving candidates a choice of multiple locations. Some of the major exam centers include:

This list covers several major and regional cities, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of candidates.

Best CDS Books for 2025

If you are in search of the best resources for preparing for the CDS 2025 exam, your quest ends here. Selecting the appropriate study materials is crucial, as they can significantly enhance your preparation and set you on the path to success. A variety of books are available to assist candidates in their preparation for the upcoming CDS 1 exam in 2025. You can conveniently find a wide selection of these books on the Adda 247 website or app.

CDS Exam Preparation

To prepare effectively for the CDS 2025 exams, begin by familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern, which consists of papers in Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge. Use appropriate study materials, such as NCERT textbooks, to grasp fundamental concepts in Mathematics and Science. Keep abreast of current affairs by regularly reading newspapers and relevant magazines.

Time management is crucial—practice with previous years’ question papers and regularly take mock tests to evaluate your readiness. Continuously review important topics and maintain a balanced routine to support your well-being. With dedicated effort and strategic preparation, you can achieve success in the CDS 2025 exams.

Here are some tips to improve your preparation:

• Understand the Exam Structure: To kickstart your preparation for the CDS exam, familiarize yourself with its structure. The exam consists of three sections: Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge. Mathematics focuses on topics such as Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry, while the English section tests comprehension and grammar skills. General Knowledge includes Current Affairs and fundamental Science concepts.
• Create a Study Schedule: Develop a detailed study plan that designates specific time slots for each subject. Prioritize areas where you feel less confident to ensure comprehensive coverage before the exam date. This structured approach will help you manage your time efficiently and stay organized in your preparation.
• Concentrate on Core Subjects: For Mathematics, focus on solving various types of problems and mastering essential formulas. Enhance your English skills by expanding your vocabulary and understanding grammatical structures. Stay informed about recent events for the General Knowledge section, and review key Science concepts regularly to build a solid foundation.
• Take Mock Exams: Incorporate regular mock tests into your study routine to evaluate your progress in terms of speed and accuracy. After each test, analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement. This practice will help you build confidence and refine your test-taking strategies.
• Prepare for the Interview: Once you clear the CDS exam, shift your focus to the interview stage. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and be prepared to discuss your background, interests, and motivations. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can greatly enhance your preparation for this crucial step.

By following these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the CDS 2025 exams and succeed in your pursuit of a career in the Indian Defence Forces.